Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is It?BV and InfertilityBV and PregnancyTreatment and PreventionTips for Good Vaginal HealthFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is It?
BV and Infertility
BV and Pregnancy
Treatment and Prevention
Tips for Good Vaginal Health
Frequently Asked Questions
Bacterial vaginosis(BV) is a common bacterial infection in women. It occurs when the balance of bacteria in the vagina changes. When there are more harmful bacteria than good bacteria in the vagina, bacterial vaginosis can occur.
Bacterial vaginosis raises the risk ofpremature birthand low-birth-weight babies in pregnant women. It is also common in women experiencing infertility. One review found that up to 19% of women experiencing infertility have bacterial vaginosis.
This article will provide an overview of bacterial vaginosis and how it affects fertility.
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What Is Bacterial Vaginosis?
Bacterial vaginosis is the most common vaginal condition in women ages 15 to 44.It is not asexually transmitted infection(STI), and women who are not sexually active can get it.
Lactobacilliis a good bacteria in thevaginaand helps to maintain normal vaginalmicroflora. When the number of harmful bacteria starts to outnumber lactobacilli, an infection can occur.
It’s important to note that about half of people with bacterial vaginosis do not experience any symptoms.In those who do, symptoms can include:
Bacterial Vaginosis: Symptoms and Complications
Telling the Difference
Milky vaginal discharge
Fishlike odor
Burning with urination
Vaginal itching and irritation
Treated with antibiotics
Vaginal discharge the consistency of cottage cheese
No smell to discharge
Pain with urination
Vaginal redness and swelling
Treated with antifungals
Bacterial Vaginosis or Yeast Infection?
Can Bacterial Vaginosis Cause Infertility?
Bacterial vaginosis has been linked with infertility. This is significant because the infection is so common. Bacterial vaginosis affects about 29% of women of reproductive age in the United States.
Research shows that bacterial vaginosis affects women experiencing infertility. A study found that women undergoing infertility were 3.3 times more likely to have bacterial vaginosis than those who were able toconceivenaturally.
The connection between bacterial vaginosis and infertility is especially strong in women experiencing tubal infertility. This occurs when thefallopian tubesare blocked due to scarring, tissue damage, or infection.
When left untreated, bacterial vaginosis can raise the risk ofpelvic inflammatory disease(PID), known to cause tubal infertility. Bacterial vaginosis also increases the risk of contractingchlamydiaandgonorrhea. Both of these STIs can lead to infertility.
Bothchlamydiaandgonorrheacan cause infertility in women. It’s important for all sexually active women younger than age 25 or women over 25 with risk factors to get annual chlamydia and gonorrhea screenings.
Can Bacterial Vaginosis Affect Pregnancy?
Bacterial vaginosis does affect pregnant women. This infection raises the risk of premature birth and low-birth-weight babies when left untreated. Fortunately, it is safe for pregnant women to be treated with antibiotics to cure the infection.
Bacterial Vaginosis and Miscarriage
There is a link between bacterial vaginosis andmiscarriage. One study found that bacterial vaginosis may increase the risk of second-trimester miscarriage in pregnant women undergoingin vitro fertilization(IVF).If you develop symptoms of bacterial vaginosis during your pregnancy, talk with your healthcare provider immediately.
How to Break the Cycle of Bacterial Vaginosis
To break the cycle of bacterial vaginosis, focus on treating the infection and preventing them in the future. To treat bacterial vaginosis:
To lower the risk of bacterial vaginosis:
Good vaginal health and hygiene can help to reduce your risk of bacterial vaginosis. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Summary
Bacterial vaginosis is a common infection in women and occurs when the balance of bacteria in the vagina changes. When there are more harmful bacteria than good bacteria in the vagina, bacterial vaginosis can occur. Bacterial vaginosis has been linked to infertility as its more likely to be found in women experiencing infertility than in the general public. Bacterial vaginosis may also raise the risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, and low-birth-weight babies in pregnant women.
A Word From Verywell
Going through infertility is exhausting and overwhelming. If bacterial vaginosis contributes to your infertility, know that this infection can be treated successfully with antibiotics. Ask your healthcare provider about being tested for bacterial vaginosis.
Bacterial vaginosis raises the risk of miscarriage, as well as premature birth and low-birth-weight babies.This infection can be safely treated during pregnancy, however.
No, bacterial vaginosis is not an STI. People who are not sexually active can get bacterial vaginosis.
There is no scientific evidence to conclude that bacterial vaginosis kills sperm. Bacterial vaginosis is associated with infertility for other reasons.
5 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Office on Women’s Health.Bacterial vaginosis.van Oostrum N, De Sutter P, Meys J, Verstraelen H.Risks associated with bacterial vaginosis in infertility patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Hum Reprod. 2013 Jul;28(7):1809-15. doi:10.1093/humrep/det096Ravel J, Moreno I, Simón C.Bacterial vaginosis and its association with infertility, endometritis, and pelvic inflammatory disease.Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2021 Mar;224(3):251-257. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2020.10.019Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Which std tests should I get?Işik G, Demirezen Ş, Dönmez HG, Beksaç MS.Bacterial vaginosis in association with spontaneous abortion and recurrent pregnancy losses.J Cytol. 2016;33(3):135-140. doi:10.4103/0970-9371.188050Additional ReadingMarch of Dimes.Bacterial vaginosis and pregnancy.
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Office on Women’s Health.Bacterial vaginosis.van Oostrum N, De Sutter P, Meys J, Verstraelen H.Risks associated with bacterial vaginosis in infertility patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Hum Reprod. 2013 Jul;28(7):1809-15. doi:10.1093/humrep/det096Ravel J, Moreno I, Simón C.Bacterial vaginosis and its association with infertility, endometritis, and pelvic inflammatory disease.Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2021 Mar;224(3):251-257. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2020.10.019Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Which std tests should I get?Işik G, Demirezen Ş, Dönmez HG, Beksaç MS.Bacterial vaginosis in association with spontaneous abortion and recurrent pregnancy losses.J Cytol. 2016;33(3):135-140. doi:10.4103/0970-9371.188050Additional ReadingMarch of Dimes.Bacterial vaginosis and pregnancy.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Office on Women’s Health.Bacterial vaginosis.van Oostrum N, De Sutter P, Meys J, Verstraelen H.Risks associated with bacterial vaginosis in infertility patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Hum Reprod. 2013 Jul;28(7):1809-15. doi:10.1093/humrep/det096Ravel J, Moreno I, Simón C.Bacterial vaginosis and its association with infertility, endometritis, and pelvic inflammatory disease.Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2021 Mar;224(3):251-257. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2020.10.019Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Which std tests should I get?Işik G, Demirezen Ş, Dönmez HG, Beksaç MS.Bacterial vaginosis in association with spontaneous abortion and recurrent pregnancy losses.J Cytol. 2016;33(3):135-140. doi:10.4103/0970-9371.188050
Office on Women’s Health.Bacterial vaginosis.
van Oostrum N, De Sutter P, Meys J, Verstraelen H.Risks associated with bacterial vaginosis in infertility patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Hum Reprod. 2013 Jul;28(7):1809-15. doi:10.1093/humrep/det096
Ravel J, Moreno I, Simón C.Bacterial vaginosis and its association with infertility, endometritis, and pelvic inflammatory disease.Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2021 Mar;224(3):251-257. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2020.10.019
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Which std tests should I get?
Işik G, Demirezen Ş, Dönmez HG, Beksaç MS.Bacterial vaginosis in association with spontaneous abortion and recurrent pregnancy losses.J Cytol. 2016;33(3):135-140. doi:10.4103/0970-9371.188050
March of Dimes.Bacterial vaginosis and pregnancy.
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