# What happens if bacterial vaginosis is not treated? Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-happens-if-bacterial-vaginosis-is-not-treated Language: en Category: womens_health Publisher: ClinicsJo Published: 2026-09-13T17:52:51.787Z Content updated: 2026-09-13T17:52:51.787Z Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/what-happens-if-bacterial-vaginosis-is-not-treated While bacterial vaginosis (BV) may resolve on its own in some instances without medical intervention, relying on this is not a safe option. Leaving this condition untreated may expose you to various health risks and complications that impact your quality of life and long-term reproductive health [\[3\]](). Bacterial vaginosis is not merely a minor annoyance; it is a medical condition caused by an imbalance in the natural flora of the vagina. Failing to address it may increase your body's susceptibility to other, more serious infections, particularly those transmitted sexually [\[1\]](). The primary risk is that this bacterial imbalance weakens the vagina's natural defenses, making the acquisition of HIV or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) more likely if exposed to pathogens [\[1\]](). Additionally, if you are experiencing clear symptoms, ignoring them may lead to worsening discomfort, such as unpleasant odor and discharge, which directly impacts both physical and psychological well-being [\[2\]](). ## Complications of Bacterial Vaginosis During Pregnancy Pregnant women are considered the group most affected by neglecting the treatment of bacterial vaginosis. Having this condition during pregnancy is linked to an increased risk of serious complications, most notably preterm birth (before 37 weeks of pregnancy) and delivering a baby with low birth weight, defined as less than 5.5 pounds (approximately 2.5 kilograms) [\[3\]](). Therefore, screening and treating bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy is a critical preventive measure recommended by physicians to protect the health of both the fetus and the mother [\[3\]](). ## Risk of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) One of the serious risks associated with untreated bacterial vaginosis is an increased likelihood of developing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This condition occurs when bacteria travel from the vagina to the upper reproductive organs, such as the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries [\[3\]](). PID is a complex medical condition that can lead to chronic pelvic pain and may increase the difficulty of conceiving in the future or lead to other complications, such as ectopic pregnancy, due to damage to reproductive tissues [\[3\]](). ## Why Adherence to Medical Treatment is Necessary Bacterial vaginosis requires medical intervention to obtain appropriate treatment, which typically includes antibiotics taken orally or used as a vaginal cream or gel [\[1\]](). A common mistake is stopping the medication as soon as symptoms improve; you must complete the entire prescribed dosage to ensure the infection is fully eradicated and to prevent recurrence [\[2\]](). If you stop treatment prematurely, symptoms may return more severely, or the condition may continue to cause damage without you clearly realizing it [\[2\]](). If symptoms persist or reappear after finishing the treatment cycle, it is essential to revisit your doctor. It may be necessary to try a different type of treatment or investigate other factors contributing to the persistence of the infection [\[2\]](). For more details on prevention and the specifics of the condition, you can view our comprehensive article on [Bacterial Vaginosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Treatment Methods (Arabic)](). Always remember that early diagnosis and adherence to the treatment plan is the best way to avoid long-term complications and ensure the health of your reproductive system [\[3\]](). ## Medical references - [Vaginitis]() - [Vaginitis]() - [About Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)]() General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment. Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-happens-if-bacterial-vaginosis-is-not-treated#answer