Can BV cause health problems?
In most cases, BV doesn’t cause any problems. But some problems can arise if BV is untreated. • Pregnancy problems. BV can cause premature delivery and low birth weight babies (less than five pounds). • PID. Pelvic inflammatory disease or PID is an infection that can affect a woman’s uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. Having BV increases the risk of getting PID after a surgical procedure, such as a hysterectomy or an abortion. • Higher risk of getting HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Having BV can raise your risk of HIV, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. Women with HIV who get BV are also more likely to pass HIV to a sexual partner.
