Many women who have bacterial vaginosis do not experience any symptoms and may not realise they have it.
When symptoms are present, vaginal discharge is the most common (a thin white/ grey discharge with a ‘fishy’ odour). The discharge is usually heavier after sex or your period and the odour is often more noticeable during sex.
It does not usually cause itching/ soreness around the vagina, but can occasionally if the discharge is very heavy.
BV does not cause vaginal bleeding or significant pain. If you develop these symptoms and have vaginal discharge, you should arrange an urgent face-to-face medical examination.