What symptom is indicative of bacterial vaginosis?

Bacterial vaginosis is characterized by a disruption in the normal bacterial flora of the vagina, leading to an overgrowth of certain bacteria. One of the classic symptoms of this condition is a fishy-smelling watery discharge. This specific odor often becomes more pronounced after sexual intercourse or during menstruation, making it a key indicator of bacterial vaginosis.

The nature of the discharge in bacterial vaginosis tends to be thin and grayish-white, which aligns with the description of being fishy-smelling and watery. In contrast, other conditions such as yeast infections or sexually transmitted infections often present with more distinct symptoms, such as significant itching, irritation, or a specific color of discharge, which are not typical of bacterial vaginosis. Therefore, recognizing the characteristic fishy odor and consistency of the discharge is critical for accurate diagnosis and subsequent treatment.