Tests for Bacterial Vaginosis
Guide
What Affects the Test
Reasons you may not be able to have the test or why the results may not be helpful include:
- If you are having your menstrual period.
- If you use a vaginal medicine.
- Having sex or douching 24 hours before this test.
What To Think About
- Bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy increases a woman's risk of early (preterm) delivery. Because of this risk, it is important to treat bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy with antibiotics.
- Experts disagree about calling bacterial vaginosis a sexually transmitted infection (STI). A history of STIs or having multiple sex partners increases the chance of developing bacterial vaginosis.
Other Works Consulted
Pagana KD, Pagana TJ (2010). Mosby’s Manual of Diagnostic and Laboratory Tests, 4th ed. St. Louis: Mosby.
ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerSarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerDevika Singh, MD, MPH - Infectious Disease