Without proper treatment, having bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy can increase your risk of miscarrying in the second trimester and raise your chances of delivering prematurely. It can also lead to
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility.
Can BV affect getting pregnant?
Bacterial vaginosis does not affect conception
but is associated with an increased risk of miscarriage in the first trimester in women undergoing in vitro fertilisation, independent of other risk factors.
Can untreated BV affect pregnancy?
When left untreated, BV can
cause serious complications and health risks
. These include: Pregnancy complications: Pregnant women with BV are more likely to have an early delivery or low birth weight baby. They also have a greater chance of developing another type of infection after delivery.
What happens if you leave BV untreated?
If BV is untreated, possible problems may include:
Higher risk of getting STIs, including HIV
. Having BV can raise your risk of getting HIV, genital herpes, chlamydia, pelvic inflammatory disease, and gonorrhea. Women with HIV who get BV are also more likely to pass HIV to a male sexual partner.
Can BV cause miscarriage?
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is related to the
increased risk of miscarriage, preterm labor
, and postpartum endometritis.
How do you know if you have BV while pregnant?
The most prominent and often the most disconcerting symptom of BV is a
strong fishy vaginal odor
, but some women with BV also see increased amounts of discharge that is gray in color. A burning sensation when you urinate, itching in the vulvovaginal area and pain during sex are other symptoms of bacterial vaginosis.
Has anyone got pregnant with BV?
Most women with
BV have perfectly normal pregnancies
. And up to half of the cases of BV in pregnant women resolve on their own. Still, studies have shown that having BV when you’re pregnant is associated with: An increased risk of preterm birth and having a low-birth-weight baby.
Can you have BV for years?
Recurrent bacterial vaginosis is an imbalance of the vaginal bacteria normally present in the vagina. Bacterial vaginosis is a common condition and treatment is available; however, in some women the condition may recur or even become
chronic
, requiring multiple and sometimes long-term treatments.
Is BV caused by poor hygiene?
Answer: The
cause of BV is not poor hygiene
. Excessive vaginal cleansing can be a contributing factor for the cause of BV, by disturbing the balance of the bacteria in the vagina. Also, avoid using bath oils, detergents and bubble bath.
Can I give BV to my boyfriend?
Can men spread BV?
There’s no way for men to get BV
. However, experts aren’t as sure about whether men can spread BV to female partners. Women can develop BV regardless of whether they’re sexually active.
Why do I keep getting BV?
BV is
linked to an imbalance of “good” and “harmful” bacteria
that are normally found in a woman’s vagina. Having a new sex partner or multiple sex partners, as well as douching, can upset the balance of bacteria in the vagina. This places a woman at increased risk for getting BV.
How can I stop recurring BV?
- Pay attention to vaginal hygiene. …
- Wear breathable underwear. …
- Ask about boric acid suppositories. …
- Use condoms. …
- Maintain a healthy vaginal pH. …
- Take a probiotic. …
- Find healthy ways to destress.
How long can you have BV without treatment?
How long does BV typically last? Once you begin treatment, your symptoms should subside within two or three days. If left untreated, BV may take
two weeks
to go away on its own — or it may keep coming back.
Does your VAG smell when pregnancy?
A change or increase in odor — while likely occurring because of your fluctuating hormones — may also seem more pungent to you because your olfactory senses are also
heightened during pregnancy
.
What can you take for BV when pregnant?
Your doctor may prescribe the following antibiotics:
metronidazole
, such as Flagyl and Metrogel-Vaginal, which can be taken orally. tinidazole, such as Tindamax, which is another type of oral medication. clindamycin, such as Cleocin and Clindesse, which is a topical medication that can be inserted into the vagina.
What happens if you have BV for too long?
What can happen if you have BV for a long time? Most often,
BV does not cause other health problems
. However, if left untreated, BV may increase your risk for: Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV.
