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Bacterial vaginosis - Management
How do I measure and interpret the pH of vaginal fluid?
- Obtain a sample of vaginal fluid on a cotton-tipped swab (via a speculum) from as high up the vagina as possible.
- Swab the lateral wall and not the posterior fornix, as the latter may collect secretions from the cervix, which has a naturally higher pH.
- Roll the swab over the pH paper.
- Measure the pH by comparing the colour of the moist test section of pH paper against the graded standard.
- A pH greater than 4.5 is consistent with a diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis.
- Although a pH greater than 4.5 is supportive of the diagnosis, it is not specific for bacterial vaginosis; increased vaginal pH can also indicate other conditions, such as trichomoniasis.
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