For most women, bacterial vaginosis (BV) is not a serious problem. However, it can lead to health problems that women should be aware of.
• Pregnancy risks. Pregnant women with BV are more likely to deliver their babies prematurely or have a low birth weight baby.
• Surgical infection risks. Women with BV are more prone to infection during gynecologic surgeries, such as hysterectomy, abortion, and dilation and curettage (D & C).
• Risk for pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID is an infection of the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes that can lead to infertility.
• Higher risk for sexually-transmitted infections (STIs). Women with BV are more susceptible to getting HIV, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. If a woman has HIV and BV, there is a greater risk that she will spread HIV to her partner(s).