Bacterial vaginosis often causes a thin, milky discharge from the vagina that is described as having a “fishy” odor. This odor may be more noticeable after sexual intercourse. Redness or itching of the vagina is not common. In fact, some women with bacterial vaginosis have no symptoms at all.
In addition, having bacterial vaginosis increases the risk of getting other sexually transmitted diseases. The condition has also been associated with pelvic inflammatory disease.
Bacterial vaginosis is thought to be associated with preterm labor and preterm birth.