When there are too many anaerobes, a mild infection, called bacterial vaginosis, is the result. Many women who have bacterial vaginosis notice a discharge from their vagina. The discharge may be clear or colored. It may be very light or heavy. It may have a fishy smell.
Some women have bacterial vaginosis without any symptoms.
Your doctor can tell you if you have bacterial vaginosis. Your doctor will examine your vagina and use a cotton swab to get a sample of the discharge. This sample will be tested and looked at under a microscope. Your doctor can make a diagnosis in the office. No one knows what causes this change in vaginal bacteria.