What happens if you ignore bv

Self-treating and avoiding standard care may lead to a worsening of symptoms and the development of complications, including pelvic inflammatory disease PID and preterm birth. Bacterial vaginosis BV is usually treated with a course of antibiotics either taken by mouth or through an intravaginal applicator. Boric acid suppositories also have a long history of use and have been shown to be effective.

They can be purchased over the counter. If you're pregnant and have symptoms of BV, treatment with antibiotics oral or vaginal is recommended to prevent any potential complications due to a BV infection. Complications may include an increased risk of:.

Studies have shown that antibiotic treatment can reduce the risk of PROM and low birth weight, specifically. BV can sometimes resolve on its own without treatment. However, if left untreated, you may be more likely to get a sexually transmitted infection STI , such as gonorrhea or chlamydia , or if you're pregnant, you could be at a higher risk for pregnancy complications.

Until you've finished your full course of antibiotic treatment typically seven days , it's best to either use condoms consistently or hold off on having sex to make sure you aren't exposed to new bacteria while undergoing treatment.

Unlike some infections, getting BV once doesn't mean you are protected from getting it again. When symptoms occur, talk to your healthcare provider about the best method of treatment. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Bacterial vaginosis. Published BASIC study: Is intravaginal boric acid non-inferior to metronidazole in symptomatic bacterial vaginosis?

Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. In vaginal fluid, bacteria associated with bacterial vaginosis can be suppressed with lactic acid but not hydrogen peroxide. BMC Infect Dis. Department of Health and Human Services. Office on Women's Health. Updated April 1, Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page.

These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data. We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification. I Accept Show Purposes. Table of Contents View All. Table of Contents. Home Remedies. Pregnancy Recommendations. Antibiotic Resistance. Complementary Medicine CAM. Next in Bacterial Vaginosis Guide. Common Side Effects Most are relatively mild.

Among them: Oral medications may cause stomach upset, nausea, cold symptoms a cough, runny nose, sore throat , and a metallic taste in the mouth.

Topical antibiotics may cause vaginal itchiness, headache, nausea, cold symptoms, a tingling sensation in the hands and feet, and a metallic taste in the mouth. Bacterial Vaginosis Doctor Discussion Guide Get our printable guide for your next doctor's appointment to help you ask the right questions. Download PDF. Email the Guide Send to yourself or a loved one. Sign Up. Frequently Asked Questions How is bacterial vaginosis treated?

The only way to be sure you have BV is to visit your health care professional. Ignoring or misdiagnosing BV may lead to a number of possible complications. Without treatment, or with the wrong treatment, the infection may worsen. Though BV is not sexually transmitted and occurs when there is an imbalance in the vaginal pH, it can increase your risk for a sexually transmitted disease, including chlamydia, gonorrhea trichomoniasis, HPV, syphilis and even HIV, if you are exposed to it from an infected partner.

Left untreated, BV can sometimes cause pelvic inflammatory disease, which can harm your reproductive organs and lead to infertility. And finally, BV puts you at greater risk for an infection following any gynecologic surgery or procedure. BV is easily treated, and there are many available options, which include antibiotics, prescribed as oral tablets or as topical creams that are applied inside the vagina.

The treatments get rid of the bacteria causing the infection. Some treatments also leave the good bacteria intact to support a healthy vaginal microbiome. It's important to complete the full course of treatment, even if your symptoms disappear, because stopping antibiotics prematurely can increase the risk of a recurrence.

One in four pregnant women will develop BV, which can occur at any point during pregnancy. Ignoring symptoms and not being treated can increase the risk of preterm labor and birth, as well as having a low—birth-weight baby.

If you experience any abnormal discharge, see your health care provider to determine the cause. If it is BV, no big deal—talk to your health care provider about your symptoms and your treatment options.

You may be taking opioids unnecessarily. A vaginal yeast infection vaginal candidiasis is a relatively common fungal infection that causes thick, white discharge along with irritation, itchiness, and swelling of the vulva and vagina. If left untreated, vaginal candidiasis will most likely get worse , causing itching, redness, and inflammation in the area surrounding your vagina. This may lead to a skin infection if the inflamed area becomes cracked, or if continual scratching creates open or raw areas.

Invasive candidiasis occurs when the yeast infection affects other parts of the body, such as the:. It can cause serious health complications if not promptly treated.

Yeast infections are common during pregnancy due to fluctuating hormones. According to the Food and Drug Administration FDA , oral fluconazole Diflucan taken during the first trimester of pregnancy may cause birth defects. A study also linked the use of oral fluconazole taken during pregnancy with an increased risk of miscarriage.

A mild yeast infection is expected to clear up in a few days to a week. Moderate to severe infections may take 2 to 3 weeks. The probability varies from person to person. If you decide not to treat the infection, however, it might get worse. According to the Mayo Clinic , 75 percent of women will experience a vaginal yeast infection at some point in their lifetime. This is defined as four or more vaginal yeast infections in 1 year. The symptoms may be caused by an allergic reaction or irritation due to sensitivity to tampons, soaps, powders, or perfume.

Or they may have another vaginal infection, such as:. They may diagnose you with a yeast infection, or they may discover a more serious condition. You should also visit a doctor if the infection returns in a couple of months. Having more than one yeast infection in a year could be an indication of an underlying medical condition.