Why are bacterial vaginosis tests done?
Tests for bacterial vaginosis are done to help find the cause of symptoms such as abnormal vaginal discharge, irritation, or pain.
How are bacterial vaginosis tests done?
You will take off your clothes below the waist. You'll have a gown to drape around your waist. You will then lie on your back on an examination table with your feet supported by footrests. This is similar to having a pelvic examination or Pap test.
Your doctor will place a speculum into your vagina. It opens the vagina a little bit. This allows your doctor to see the inside of the vagina and the cervix.
Samples of fluid inside the vagina are then collected with a swab.
How do you prepare for bacterial vaginosis tests?
Your doctor may ask you not to douche, have sex, or use vaginal medicines for 24 hours before this test.
What do the results of bacterial vaginosis tests mean?
Normal | There is no abnormal discharge in the vagina. |
|---|---|
| A wet mount does not show clue cells or large numbers of bacteria that cause bacterial vaginosis. | |
| Adding a special solution to a sample of the discharge doesn't cause a fishy odor. | |
| Vaginal pH is in the normal range. | |
Abnormal | There is a thin, grayish white discharge in the vagina. |
| A wet mount shows clue cells or large numbers of the types of bacteria that cause bacterial vaginosis, or both. | |
| Adding a special solution to a sample of the discharge causes a fishy odor. | |
| Vaginal pH is higher than normal. |
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