subject: Risks Of Having Bacterial Vaginosis [print this page] There are a number of risks associated with having bacterial vaginosis, particularly if you are prone to repeated or recurrent attacks. Having said this, BV is extremely common and thought to affect around 1 in 3 women of childbearing age at some time or another.
Sometimes, no treatment is required and a mild infection may disappear as quickly as it came with no recurrence. For other women though this can be a persistent problem and it is in these cases where the risks of having bacterial vaginosis should not be overlooked.
The main symptom of bacterial vaginosis is a fishy smelling vaginal discharge which can be gray or white in color and usually watery in consistency. Some women will also experience irritation and itching of the vaginal tissues. Contrary to popular belief, BV is not caused by poor hygiene, but overwashing can be a contributory factor as it depletes the vaginal tissues of the healthy, protective bacteria. It is also common in women who smoke and those who use an IUD. Hormonal changes can also be a contributory factor as can a weakened immune system.
The risks of having bacterial vaginosis include:-
Problems During Pregnancy
If you do not treat BV during pregnancy there is a risk of early labor, miscarriage, having a lower birth-weight baby or developing an infection following the birth.
Problems After Surgery
Untreated BV can lead to an increased risk of infection following certain surgical procedures, such as a hysterectomy or pregnancy termination.
HIV
There is evidence to suggest that you are at an increased risk of contracting HIV when having intercourse with an infected person if you have BV.
Other
You are also at risk of developing pelvic inflammatory disease which can lead to infertility
These risks of having bacterial vaginosis would suggest that some form of treatment is appropriate. Conventional methods includes antibiotics and antibacterial gels, but the problem with this type of treatment is that it does not address the root cause, making repeated outbreaks more likely. Natural treatment is also worth considering as this is more concerned with eliminating the root causes.
