As most women know, vaginal infections are a nuisance. They can cause burning, itching, increased discharge and other symptoms - including embarrassing odor. Women need to understand the problems associated with untreated vaginal infections and the potential for health risks. However, these signs can vary and as many as half of all women with BV do not have symptoms. Yeast infections are not associated with any serious health risks.
Women are often most vigilant about their health during pregnancy.
However, a case of BV during pregnancy can put the unborn child at risk. BV also poses serious problems for women who terminate their pregnancy and those who undergo hysterectomy by creating an environment conducive to infection or increased risk of post-surgical infection. For women who are undergoing in vitro fertilization, BV is associated with an increased risk of miscarriage in the first trimester, according to a recent study published in the British Medical Journal. However, BV does not affect conception in these cases. BV has been proven to be a primary risk factor for both of these conditions.