Consequences of Untreated Bacterial Vaginosis: Risks and Complications
Discover what happens if bacterial vaginosis goes untreated, including risks for STIs and complications during pregnancy.
5 views
Untreated bacterial vaginosis (BV) can lead to serious complications. Potential risks include increased susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as HIV, and complications during pregnancy like preterm delivery or low birth weight. BV can also cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), leading to chronic pelvic pain and infertility. Timely treatment is crucial to prevent these adverse outcomes.
FAQs & Answers
- What are the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis? Common symptoms include unusual vaginal discharge, a fishy odor, and itching. However, some women may not experience noticeable symptoms.
- How is bacterial vaginosis treated? Bacterial vaginosis is typically treated with antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare provider.
- Can bacterial vaginosis affect fertility? Yes, if left untreated, bacterial vaginosis can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, which can affect fertility.
- Is bacterial vaginosis contagious? No, bacterial vaginosis is not considered a sexually transmitted infection and is not contagious.