What causes the fishy vaginal smell?
The fishy odor is a result of the generation of a compound known as amines by the anaerobic bacteria. When the pH raises, the amines become unstable, which occurs in BV due to the reduction in the number of lactobacilli bacteria (vaginal pH is over 4.5 in BV). The symptom worsens when vaginal alkalinity is augmented, such as after sex (due to the presence of semen) and during menses (due to the presence of blood). Complications associated with bacterial vaginosis BV symptoms are very disconcerting, but are not the only concern in women with this disease. BV has been found to be related to a number of complications. • Raised risk of infection following a pelvic surgery, i.e. pelvic inflammatory disease. • Higher risk of other sexually transmitted diseases and HIV. • More likely to acquire chlamydial cervicitis, trichomoniasis, herpes simplex infection. • Decreased the success rate of IVF procedures. • 6-time increase in postpartum endometritis if there was BV before cesarean delivery. •
