Doctor Initially Suspected BV, But Test Came Back Negative
I am a 37-year-old woman experiencing discomfort in my vaginal area, specifically a burning sensation accompanied by intermittent throbbing pain. This has persisted for a few days now, along with a slight yellow discharge that is odorless. After conducting a pelvic examination, my doctor didn't discover any alarming issues. Initially, the physician diagnosed my symptoms as potentially indicative of bacterial vaginosis (BV) and recommended a course of Metronidazole. However, I just received the test results, which surprisingly came back negative. There was a note indicating the presence of "few cells" and "few rods"—could it be that there wasn't a sufficient amount of bacteria to produce a positive result? Additionally, my tests for sexually transmitted infections returned negative. I have also completed two days of treatment with Metronidazole, during which I have noticed a reduction in my symptoms. Now I'm left to ponder whether this improvement is simply a coincidence or not.
Answers (1)
3/23/2025, 7:50:38 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing concerning symptoms that are affecting your comfort, and I appreciate your detailed description. Since you've had a recent negative test for bacterial vaginosis (BV) and no STIs, we'll focus on understanding your symptoms and addressing your discomfort.
Summary of Key Points:
- You have a burning sensation and throbbing pain in the vaginal area, along with a slight yellow discharge that is odorless.
- Your tests for BV and STIs came back negative, but you have noticed improvement with Metronidazole, which suggests the treatment might be helping.
Explanation:
Even though your BV test was negative, it’s possible you may have a mild or early case that didn’t produce enough bacteria to be detected. Your improvement with Metronidazole suggests that there might be some infection or another inflammatory condition that responds to this antibiotic. It’s also worth considering that other factors, such as irritants, yeast infections, or dermatological issues, could be contributing.
Next Steps:
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Continue Monitoring Symptoms: Since you've noticed improvement, maintain your current treatment with Metronidazole for the full prescribed duration, unless otherwise advised by your doctor.
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Symptom Tracker: Keep a log of your symptoms, noting any changes in pain, discharge, or additional symptoms. This can be beneficial for follow-up discussions.
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Self-Care Strategies:
- Comfort Measures: Use over-the-counter pain relief like acetaminophen or ibuprofen if needed for pain.
- Gentle Cleansing: Maintain cleanliness without over-washing. Use mild, unscented soap and avoid douching or using irritants.
- Avoid Irritants: Steer clear of scented products or tight clothing that might exacerbate discomfort.
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Plan for Follow-Up: If your symptoms do not fully resolve after completing the course of Metronidazole or if they worsen, schedule a follow-up with your healthcare provider to discuss your ongoing symptoms and possibly explore other causes.
Your comfort and health are a priority, and it’s completely fine to seek further clarity about your symptoms and treatment results. Please keep an eye on how you're feeling, and don’t hesitate to ask for more help if needed.
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