Hormones 2016

Bacterial vaginosis - BV
Sexually transmitted infections
There’s evidence that having BV can make you more at risk of catching STI’s,
such as chlamydia. This is possibly because the change in bacteria levels
inside your vagina reduces your protection against infection.
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Although a link isn’t entirely clear, some evidence suggests that BV may
increase your risk of developing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID
causes infection and swelling of the upper female genital tract, including
the womb, fallopian tubes and ovaries.
Symptoms of PID include -
• pain around the pelvis or lower abdomen,
• discomfort or pain during sex felt deep inside the pelvis,
• bleeding between periods and after sex (NHS, 2015a).
If diagnosed at an early stage, PID can usually be treated successfully with
a course of antibiotics. However, an estimated one in five women with the
condition become infertile because of severe scarring on the fallopian tubes.
It’s important to see your GP if you experience any symptoms of PID.
Delaying treatment or having repeated episodes of PID can increase your
risk of infertility.
In-vitro fertilisation
Women who have BV and are using in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) may have a
lower success rate and an increased risk of early miscarriage.
If you’re having IVF and have symptoms of BV, see your GP or speak to
your infertility specialist.
Recurrent BV
It’s relatively common for BV to recur after treatment with antibiotics.
It’s estimated that more than half the women treated for BV develop the
condition again within three months.
If your BV returns, see your GP or sexual health or GUM clinic to discuss
further treatment options (NHS, 2015a).
What happens if it isnt treated?
For many women bacterial vaginosis goes away by itself (fpa, 2014i).
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