What is the whiff test?

The whiff test is a test for the fishy odor that occurs in bacterial vaginosis (previously called Gardnerella vaginitis and nonspecific vaginitis). A drop of KOH is mixed with some vaginal discharge. A positive test is abnormal and consists of a characteristic fishy odor.

How does the whiff test work?

A whiff test is performed by adding several drops of 10% potassium hydroxide to a sample of vaginal discharge. A strong fishy odor is indicative of a positive test result. Such a result may suggest either trichomoniasis or bacterial vaginosis.

Can you do a whiff test at home?

A person can test for BV using a home testing kit, which they can often purchase online or at a local pharmacy. Individuals should speak with their doctor if they receive a positive result from any at-home test.

How accurate is a whiff test?

In a prospective observational study of 269 women, a vaginal pH of more than 4.5 was found to be the most sensitive (89 percent) and a positive whiff test was the most specific (93 percent) method of detecting bacterial vaginosis. The positive presence of these two tests is as sensitive as three or more Amsel criteria.

How do you perform a whiff amine test?

WHIFF TEST FOR AMINES:

Add one drop of 10% KOH directly to the vaginal sample. Holding the slide gently fan the vapor layer (whiff) above the surface of the slide and asses for the presence of volatile amines which have a fishy odor.

Pelvic Infections- What is Whiff test/ Amine Test/ KOH test ?

How do you wet mount a vagina?

Your doctor will put a smooth, curved speculum into your vagina. The speculum gently spreads apart the vaginal walls, which allows your doctor to see the inside of the vagina and the cervix . Samples of fluid inside the vagina are taken with a swab or spatula. The sample is put on a slide for testing.

Is bacterial vaginosis an STD?

Is bacterial vaginosis (BV) an STD? Bacterial vaginosis isn't sexually transmitted, but it is linked with sexual activity. Researchers think that sex may change the bacterial environment in your vagina. This makes bacterial overgrowth more likely.

Why do I keep getting bacterial vaginosis?

Bacterial vaginosis is caused by a change in the natural balance of bacteria in your vagina. What causes this to happen is not fully known, but you're more likely to get it if: you're sexually active (but women who have not had sex can also get BV) you have had a change of partner.

Why do I keep getting BV with the same partner?

If you're in a long-term relationship with the same partner you may be on the pill or not using barrier contraceptives – so sex is very likely to trigger your BV. Don't be tempted to use intimate washes, perfumes or sprays to mask the symptoms as these can affect your balance as well and actually make things worse.

What causes BV in females?

BV is a result of an imbalance of “good” and “harmful” bacteria in a vagina. Douching, not using condoms, and having new or multiple sex partners can upset the normal balance of vaginal bacteria, increasing your risk for getting BV.

How can you tell the difference between BV and a yeast infection?

One easy way to distinguish between these two conditions is the smell or lack thereof. Discharge from BV has a distinctive fishy odor, while yeast infection discharge tends to be odorless. BV discharge is also fairly thin, while yeast infection discharge has a thick consistency often resembling cottage cheese.

How long for BV smell to go away?

Once you start treatment with a simple course of antibiotics, the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis (BV) usually go away within two to three days.

Can other people smell my BV?

Can other people smell it too?" Dr. Kate, a gynecologist, answers: "No, all vaginas don't smell, or taste, the same...but they do all smell. Every woman has a different musky scent, and we tend to be very attuned to our own smell, even when no one else is aware of it.

Is BV caused by poor hygiene?

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is caused by the overgrowth of the natural vaginal bacteria. BV is a common infection, especially among pregnant women. The cause of BV is not fully understood; it is not caused by poor hygiene.

Can bacterial vaginosis be cured?

Is there a cure for bacterial vaginosis (BV)? Yes, BV is usually curable with prescription antibiotics that can help readjust the balance of bacteria in the vagina. Although some over-the-counter vaginal medications are sold, these are not effective for curing BV.

Can boric acid cure BV?

The cure rates with boric acid ranged from 40 to 100 percent. This review, however, did not specifically focus on the bacteria that causes BV. While these results are encouraging, more studies need to be done to confirm that boric acid is, in fact, an effective add-on treatment for BV.

Why does my husband throw off my pH balance?

Unprotected penetrative sex with a man changes the pH of your vagina because semen has a pH of between 7.1 and 8. During sex, the pH of your vagina rises in order to create a more alkaline environment to protect the sperm and encourage fertilization. This can also encourage the growth of certain bacteria.

Can men spread BV?

BV is an infection that occurs in the vagina. But males can carry the bacteria that cause BV. The bacteria can accumulate on the penis or in the urethra of males. This means that people carrying the bacteria can transmit it to females by having sex with them.

Can you get BV in your mouth?

The study in PLoS Biology showed how a common type of bacteria found in the mouth that is linked with gum disease and dental plaque may support BV. They did experiments in human vaginal specimens and in mice to look at bacterial behaviour.

What happens if bacterial vaginosis goes untreated?

Most often, BV does not cause other health problems. However, if left untreated, BV may increase your risk for: Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV. Pelvic inflammatory disease where BV bacteria infect the uterus or fallopian tubes.

What does BV look like inside?

Thin, gray, white or green vaginal discharge.

Can a probiotic cure BV?

Experts say no conclusive evidence shows that probiotics are effective at preventing and treating BV or other conditions related to vaginal imbalance. Currently, antibiotics remain the recommended treatment for these conditions.

What does BV smell like?

Period smells “fishy”

This odor is most often attributed to bacterial vaginosis, a type of infection. It's also a lot stronger than a normal period smell. You may have bacterial vaginosis if the “fishy” smell is accompanied by: burning, especially during urination.

Can BV turn into chlamydia if left untreated?

If left untreated, BV can increase your risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV.

Why do I have a strong odor down there?

Bacterial vaginosis is an overgrowth of bacteria typically present in the vagina. It's a common vaginal condition that can cause vaginal odor. Trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection, also can lead to vaginal odor. A yeast infection usually doesn't cause vaginal odor.