18 Nov 08 BV (Bacterial Vaginosis) and STDs
My question was: Is there a possibility that BV (Bacterial Vaginosis) can cause an STD if not taken care of for more than a year or six months?
Bacterial vaginosis is an infection in the vagina. The vagina is a very sensitive area, so any disruption in its balance of bacteria can turn into an icky mess of discharge, pain, or odor.
If you don’t go to a doctor, BV can clear up without treatment, but this is not always the case. There are many possible complications that can occur if you simply let BV go untreated:
- In pregnant women especially, BV can increase your chances of a preterm delivery, low birth weight baby, etc.
- BV can increase your chances of an infection during a reproductive procedure like a hysterectomy or an abortion.
In terms of BV’s relationship to STDs, that’s a great question to ask.
Here’s what you should know. If untreated, bacterial vaginosis can:
- Increase your chances of getting HIV from an infected partner.
- Increase your chances of being infected with gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and HPV.
Without treatment, the BV weakens your ability to fight off STD viruses as your body is trying to fight that infection instead.
The best course of action is to get treatment immediately if you suspect you have BV or have had BV. Your doctor can check to make sure you’re ‘clear’ to go for sex.
Of course, you are using protection, right? Healthy or not, you need to protect yourself and your partner.
Tags: bacterial vaginosis, bv, STD, STDs
