Medical Risks

Medical risks associated with Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial Vaginosis is serious and more than just a minor inconvenience

Bacterial vaginosis is usually not dangerous, however if left untreated it can increase the risk for other medical problems, including:

Bacterial Vaginosis and Associated Complications:

Pregnant Women	Non-Pregnant Women
Prematurity	Cervicitis (Inflammation of the Cervix)
Premature rupture of membranes	Pelvic inflammatory disease
Preterm Labor	Urinary tract infection
Intra-amniotic fluid infection	Postoperative infection
Postpartum endometritis (inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the uterus).	Cervical dysplasia (precancerous condition in which abnormal cell growth occurs on the surface lining of the cervix or endocervical canal, the opening between the uterus and the vagina).
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) susceptibility and transmission to partner.	Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) susceptibility and transmission to partner.
Increase a woman’s susceptibility to other STDs, such as herpes simplex virus, chlamydia, and gonorrhea.	Increase a woman’s susceptibility to other STDs, such as herpes, simplex virus, chlamydia, and gonorrhea.

“An unhealthy vaginal ecosystem places women at risk for HIV and other serious medical conditions including post-operative infections and pregnancy related complications”

“In symptomatic pregnant women, testing for and treatment of bacterial vaginosis is recommended for symptom resolution… Women at increased risk for preterm birth may benefit from routine screening for and treatment of bacterial vaginosis”

– SOGC Clinical Practice Guidelines