complications of bacterial vaginosis,Bacterial Vaginosis At A Glance

What are complications of bacterial vaginosis?

Bacterial vaginosis can resolve completely without complications after treatment. No special follow-up is necessary if the symptoms disappear.

In pregnancy, bacterial vaginosis can cause premature labor, premature birth, infection of the amniotic fluid, and infection of the uterus after delivery. However, treatment of asymptomatic (not producing symptoms) bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy has not been shown to decrease the incidence of premature births in most studies. For these reasons, screening and treatment for bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy is 

controversial, and research is still being conducted to determine its utility and value. Currently the routine screening of all pregnant women is not recommended. However, screening and treatment of bacterial vaginosis is sometimes recommended for women with a history of a preterm birth.

Bacterial Vaginosis At A Glance

• Bacterial vaginosis is an abnormal vaginal condition that is characterized by vaginal discharge and results from an overgrowth of normal bacteria in the vagina.
  
• Bacterial vaginosis is not dangerous, but it can cause disturbing symptoms.
  
• Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis are vaginal discharge and odor, although 85% of women with the condition experience no symptoms.
  
• In diagnosing bacterial vaginosis, it is important to exclude other serious infections, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia.
  
• Treatment options for bacterial vaginosis include oral antibiotics and vaginal gels.
  
• Serious complications of bacterial vaginosis can occur during pregnancy, and recurrence is possible even after successful treatment.