Which symptom is characteristic of Bacterial Vaginosis?

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is characterized by a distinctive symptom: a thin, greyish-white vaginal discharge that often has a fishy odor. This odor tends to become more pronounced after sexual intercourse or during menstruation. The discharge itself is typically more fluid and less substantial than those seen with other conditions, which contributes to the diagnosis of BV.

Other conditions, such as vulvovaginal candidiasis (commonly known as a yeast infection), are associated with thick, white vaginal discharge (which might be described as "cottage cheese" in appearance) and more intense itching or irritation, rather than the thin fluid seen in BV. While discomfort during intercourse can occur with various vaginal infections, it is not a characteristic symptom of Bacterial Vaginosis. Itching may also be present in some cases, but the hallmark signs of BV focus on the specific type of discharge and the associated odor.