Comparison of bacterial vaginosis symptoms reported in social media vs. those reported by patients.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

There is an increasing tendency to seek health information online rather than through medical professionals. However, the easy accessibility of information online allows for an increased risk of encountering medical misinformation.

Methods

We compared descriptions of symptomatology of bacterial vaginosis (BV) on four social media platforms: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and X (Twitter). We then compared the frequency of discussion of symptoms with patients' report of symptoms in clinically diagnosed BV, vulvovaginal candidiasis and vulvodynia.

Results

Social media was more likely to report burning (45% of posts), itching (45%) or pain (23%) as symptoms of BV than patients (moderate-severe itching 30%, burning 21% or pain 21%). Although pain was reported mo

SUBMITTER: Velmahos AH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11906998 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature