The consequences of untreated bacterial vaginosis (BV)

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common infection that affects many women, but it is easy to overlook or not treat properly. A common misconception is that BV only affects young women, but the truth is that it can happen to women of all ages. Even women after menopause can get BV, sometimes without the symptoms being as clear. But what happens if BV is left untreated? How can it affect your health?

WHAT IS BV AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO TREAT IT?
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) occurs when the balance between good and harmful bacteria in the vagina is disturbed. It can lead to symptoms such as foul-smelling discharge or a feeling of discomfort. Sometimes the symptoms are so mild that they are barely noticeable, especially in older women. But even if it doesn't feel that serious, untreated BV can cause bigger health problems in the long run. According to research published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, women with untreated BV have an increased risk of complications such as premature birth or failed IVF. This shows that BV not only affects your daily well-being but also your future health and fertility.

Learn more about the causes and symptoms of bacterial vaginosis here.

BV AFFECTS WOMEN OF ALL AGES
A common misconception is that bacterial vaginosis only affects young women, but that is not true. According to studies published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, between 16–23% of women over 40 experience BV at some point in their lives. Although symptoms may be milder or harder to detect in older women, it is just as important to treat BV in time to avoid serious health problems.

Read more about bacterial vaginosis during and after menopause here.

HOW DOES BV AFFECT FERTILITY?
Ina Schuppe-Koistinen, a researcher at Karolinska Institutet, has shown in her research that an imbalance in the vaginal flora, as in BV, can affect your fertility. If BV is not treated, it can become harder to get pregnant and it can also cause problems with the insertion of an IUD. A disturbed bacterial flora simply makes it harder for the body to function as it should when it comes to fertility and contraception.

MORE CONSEQUENCES OF UNTREATED BV
Ignoring bacterial vaginosis can lead to more serious health problems. Here are some examples:
🌺 Increased risk of sexually transmitted infections – BV makes it easier to get infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea.
🌺 Pelvic inflammatory disease – BV can spread to the uterus and fallopian tubes and cause serious inflammation, which can lead to infertility.
🌺 Recurrent infections – If BV is not properly treated, it can come back again and again, making it harder to get rid of the infection.
🌺 Complications after childbirth – Untreated BV can increase the risk of infections in the uterus after delivery.

VERNIVIA – AN ANTIBIOTIC-FREE ALTERNATIVE
Many who suffer from BV receive antibiotics as treatment, which often works well in the short term. But it can also lead to other problems, such as yeast infections or antibiotic resistance. This is where Vernivia vaginal mousse by VagiVital comes in as a gentle and long-term alternative. Vernivia is an antibiotic-free vaginal mousse that restores the natural balance in the vagina. It is clinically tested and helps women of all ages improve their vaginal health without risk of side effects. Vernivia treats bacterial vaginosis in 7 days and relieves foul-smelling discharge already after 12 hours.

Buy Vernvia vaginal mousse by VagiVital here.

Living with untreated bacterial vaginosis does not have to be a long-term problem. With the right treatment, you can easily restore the balance in your vaginal flora and prevent more serious consequences. Regardless of age, it is always important to listen to your body's signals and act in time to avoid the infection taking hold.

Take care of yourself & Stay Pussytive ❤️

/Fanny Falkman Grinndal
Business Manager Nordics
Peptonic Medical AB
fanny.falkman-grinndal@peptonicmedical.se