Does BV Increase Risk of Other Infections? Here’s What to Know
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is one of those topics that doesn’t come up often in casual conversation, but it should. When I had my first run-in with it, I had no idea what was going on—I just knew something was off. Most women have experienced that moment of wondering, *”Is this just a weird discharge day, or is something wrong?”* If you’ve ever been there, you’re definitely not alone. What caught me off guard the most wasn’t the symptoms—it was what BV might open the door to. That’s right, it’s not just about odor or discharge. There’s a bigger picture, and today, we’re pulling the curtain back on something not enough people are talking about: **does BV increase the risk of other infections?** Spoiler: yes, and it’s more serious than you might think.
Understanding the Chain Reaction: BV and Secondary Infections
One of the biggest misconceptions about BV is that it’s just an inconvenience. You treat it, it goes away, end of story—right? Not quite. When the vaginal microbiome is thrown off, which is exactly what BV does, it doesn’t just cause discomfort. It opens the gates for other bacteria and viruses to walk right in.
When I was dealing with recurring BV, I remember reading about its links to other infections and brushing it off. But the more I dug into studies and firsthand accounts, the clearer it became: BV is like a lowered drawbridge in your body’s defense system. Here’s what that can lead to.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Multiple studies have shown that women with BV are at significantly higher risk of contracting STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes simplex virus (HSV), and even HIV. This is because the imbalance of bacteria in BV reduces protective lactobacilli and raises vaginal pH, making it easier for infections to take hold. According to the CDC, BV can increase a woman’s risk of acquiring HIV by up to 60%.
One key culprit is inflammation. With BV, the vaginal lining becomes irritated and inflamed, increasing susceptibility to viral and bacterial pathogens. If you’ve ever wondered why a seemingly “simple” BV keeps recurring after sexual activity, this might explain it. Learn more about this link in our detailed post on BV and sexual activity.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Another condition that often piggybacks on untreated or recurring BV is pelvic inflammatory disease. PID is an infection of the female reproductive organs, and it’s no joke. It can cause permanent damage to the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, potentially leading to infertility. I personally know someone who had no idea her lingering BV led to PID—by the time it was diagnosed, she was already dealing with chronic pain.
How does BV connect to PID? Once harmful bacteria flourish in the vaginal canal, they can ascend into the reproductive tract. The result? A systemic infection that’s difficult to treat and potentially life-altering.
Vaginal Microbiome Breakdown: The First Domino
The vaginal microbiome is a finely tuned ecosystem. Under normal conditions, lactobacillus species keep the environment acidic and unfriendly to pathogens. But when BV takes over, the protective balance is shattered. This doesn’t just invite infections—it makes recovery harder and recurrence more likely.
One thing I learned the hard way? Hygiene habits matter. Harsh soaps, douching, or over-cleaning can kill off good bacteria. You can read more on this in our deep dive: Hygiene Habits That Cause BV.
Yeast Infections: A Common Misdiagnosis
When the vaginal environment becomes unstable, yeast can take the opportunity to grow out of control. I used to confuse BV for a yeast infection all the time—until I realized the treatments weren’t working because the diagnosis was off. And it turns out, it’s a common issue.
Check out this post on how to tell the difference between BV and yeast infections. Trust me, getting the right diagnosis saves a lot of time, discomfort, and money.
Immune Suppression and BV’s Domino Effect
Here’s something I didn’t expect: BV might also play a role in suppressing immune response at a local level. Researchers have observed that the immune system behaves differently in the vaginal environment when BV is present—less aggressive against invaders, more tolerant to pathogens. That alone can pave the way for recurring infections and complications.
This is especially problematic during pregnancy. Women with BV during pregnancy are at higher risk of complications like preterm labor and low birth weight. If you’re expecting or planning, you’ll want to read how BV is treated during pregnancy to stay ahead of it.
Reinfection Patterns and Antibiotic Resistance
One of the most frustrating things? You treat BV, think it’s gone, and it shows up again a few weeks later. This reinfection cycle not only wears you down mentally but also creates antibiotic resistance—yet another way your body becomes vulnerable to harder-to-treat infections.
To understand why BV keeps returning even after treatment, we’ve covered potential causes of relapse in this guide.
It’s Not Just About Discharge – It’s About Whole-Body Impact
Ultimately, the problem with BV is that we underestimate it. It’s not just an inconvenience—it’s a risk multiplier. And when left unchecked, it chips away at your body’s ability to protect itself.
So, if you’ve ever been tempted to ignore BV or ride it out—don’t. It’s not dramatic to say that handling BV properly is a form of self-protection. For more insights, check out our comprehensive guide on BV causes and risk factors, and for an overview of all things related to BV, visit our main BV resource page.
Long-Term Health Risks: What BV Could Lead To
When I first started researching BV, I was mostly focused on treating the symptoms. It wasn’t until I experienced multiple flare-ups that I realized there could be long-term consequences if left unchecked. BV is more than a short-term infection—it can be a launchpad for deeper, more stubborn health challenges that you might not see coming until they’re already in motion.
One area that doesn’t get enough attention? Reproductive health. A disrupted vaginal microbiome can lead to **fertility issues**, complications in pregnancy, and increased risk for serious reproductive infections. That’s why early recognition and proper treatment are critical, even if your symptoms seem minor.
Fertility and Conception Challenges
If you’re trying to conceive, BV might be silently working against you. Research shows that BV can alter cervical mucus, interfere with sperm mobility, and create an inhospitable environment for fertilization. Some fertility specialists even test for BV as part of their initial evaluations now.
I remember a friend of mine who went through several failed IVF rounds—only to discover BV was part of the reason. Once it was diagnosed and treated properly, her next cycle was a success. It’s a subtle connection that has a big impact. You can explore more on this in our long-term BV solution guide.
Pregnancy Complications
For women who are already pregnant, the stakes are even higher. BV has been linked to increased risks of:
- Preterm birth
- Low birth weight
- Miscarriage in early stages of pregnancy
One major concern is that BV can cause an inflammatory response in the uterus and placenta, even when no direct infection is present. If you’re pregnant or planning to be, you should absolutely read up on BV-related miscarriage risks and how to protect your pregnancy from unnecessary complications.
Non-Gynecological Infections: An Overlooked Risk
Here’s something that doesn’t get enough attention: BV doesn’t always stay in the vaginal area. Emerging research suggests that bacterial vaginosis may play a role in systemic infections—particularly in people with compromised immune systems. When harmful bacteria gain access to the bloodstream or urinary tract, they can cause infections that affect the kidneys, bladder, or even the respiratory system.
It might sound far-fetched, but it’s not. The same imbalance that allows BV to persist makes the body more vulnerable to infections elsewhere, especially when inflammation is present. This is one reason why *chronic BV shouldn’t be brushed off as “just vaginal stuff.”*
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
It’s no coincidence that many women experience a UTI right after a BV episode. When I had both at the same time, it felt like a one-two punch—burning, bloating, and pure exhaustion. Turns out, BV bacteria can travel to the urethra and trigger UTIs, especially if hygiene practices are disrupted.
Simple preventive steps like hydration, hygiene, and avoiding irritants can help reduce risk. We cover those in our prevention tips section.
The Role of the Gut and Diet: BV Isn’t Just Local
I didn’t make the connection at first, but my diet was playing a huge role in how often I got BV. Turns out, what you eat impacts more than just your digestion—it affects your vaginal microbiome too. Sugar feeds harmful bacteria. Probiotic-rich foods help good bacteria thrive. It’s that simple… and that hard to stick to when you’re craving donuts.
Probiotics and BV Prevention
Several studies now back the idea that probiotics—both oral and vaginal—can reduce the recurrence of BV. They help restore the balance of good bacteria, particularly lactobacillus, which are the body’s natural defenders against infection.
There’s a great breakdown on this in our article about probiotics for BV, including which strains are the most effective.
Foods to Embrace and Avoid
Here’s what helped me personally:
- Eat More: Plain yogurt, kimchi, kefir, leafy greens, garlic
- Avoid: Excess sugar, refined carbs, alcohol, processed meats
The way I look at it now: every meal is a vote for or against your microbiome. You’ll find more specific suggestions in our guide to BV-friendly foods.
Preventive Habits That Actually Work
After what felt like my tenth round of antibiotics, I knew I needed to stop focusing only on treatment and start thinking about **prevention**. And the good news? Small changes really can make a big difference.
Everyday Tips for BV Defense
- Use only water or mild unscented soap externally—no douching, no sprays.
- Change out of sweaty clothes quickly, especially after workouts.
- Wear breathable cotton underwear and avoid tight-fitting pants.
- Use condoms if you’re prone to BV after sex—they help maintain pH balance.
- Stay hydrated and don’t skip probiotics if they work for you.
We break down each of these habits and more in our practical guide on BV prevention tips.
For a deeper understanding of the root causes of BV and how it connects to broader health concerns, I highly recommend checking out the full breakdown here: BV Causes and Risk Factors. You’ll also want to browse the main BV pillar content at healthusias.com/bacterial-vaginosis—honestly, it was a game changer for me.
Dr. Gwenna Aazee is a board-certified Internal Medicine Physician with a special focus on hypertension management, chronic disease prevention, and patient education. With years of experience in both clinical practice and medical writing, she’s passionate about turning evidence-based medicine into accessible, actionable advice. Through her work at Healthusias.com, Dr. Aazee empowers readers to take charge of their health with confidence and clarity. Off the clock, she enjoys deep dives into nutrition research, long walks with her rescue pup, and simplifying medical jargon one article at a time.
