What Happens If BV Is Left Untreated: Hidden Risks You Should Know
It all started with a weird change in how I felt “down there” — not painful, just… off. I ignored it, chalked it up to hormonal stuff, and moved on. Weeks passed, and what seemed minor didn’t go away. In fact, it got worse. That’s when I learned the hard way what happens if BV is left untreated — and trust me, it’s not something you want to play around with.
Understanding the Basics of BV
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is one of those conditions that sounds scarier than it feels — at first. It’s caused by an imbalance in the vaginal flora, when the “good” bacteria (mainly Lactobacillus) are outnumbered by “bad” bacteria. For many women, BV doesn’t come with fire alarms like burning pain or fever. Instead, it might just be a fishy odor after sex, a thin grayish discharge, or maybe nothing at all.
And that’s the kicker. Because BV symptoms can be subtle, it’s super easy to ignore. But that silence doesn’t mean safety.
What Actually Happens If You Leave BV Untreated?
1. It Can Increase Your Risk of STIs
This was a big eye-opener for me. Research has shown that untreated BV makes the vaginal environment more susceptible to infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and even HIV. The disrupted pH levels and reduced protective bacteria mean your body has fewer defenses against harmful invaders.
- Weakened vaginal barrier
- Inflammation that increases tissue vulnerability
- Greater transmission risk from infected partners
You can dive deeper into this on the BV and sexual activity page — it’s not scare tactics, it’s real science.
2. BV Might Cause Pregnancy Complications
If you’re expecting or trying to conceive, BV is absolutely not something to ignore. Several studies — including ones from trusted sources like CDC — have linked untreated BV with miscarriage, premature birth, and low birth weight. I’ve got a friend who sadly experienced this firsthand. She didn’t even know she had BV until it was too late.
Learn more from this in-depth breakdown on BV treatment during pregnancy and how crucial early detection can be.
Long-Term Health Consequences
3. It Can Lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
This was the part that genuinely scared me. PID is not just a painful condition — it can actually damage your reproductive organs. We’re talking about scarring in the fallopian tubes, which could lead to fertility issues. And the thing is, PID doesn’t usually just pop up out of nowhere. It often starts from untreated infections like BV.
I found this section super useful: BV relapse after antibiotics — because even if you treat it once, if you don’t follow up properly, it can come back stronger.
4. Chronic BV: It’s a Real Thing
Here’s what no one told me: BV can become a cycle. Once you’ve had it, especially if left untreated, it can keep returning. You might think it’s gone, only for it to creep back when your immune system dips or your routine changes (even new underwear can be a trigger — no joke).
- Recurring odor that won’t go away
- Constant discharge changes
- Emotional stress and relationship anxiety
Check out this honest guide on long-term solutions for BV — it gave me a new perspective on managing chronic infections.
What’s Going on With Your Microbiome?
Your vagina is a delicate ecosystem. When BV throws it off balance, it’s like a domino effect for your whole pelvic region. Some researchers believe the bacterial imbalance might even influence urinary tract health and immune responses in the reproductive system. That’s why early diagnosis is key. Learn more about how BV is identified through this diagnosis guide.
Don’t Ignore the Subtle Signs
For me, it wasn’t pain that made me go to the doctor — it was embarrassment. I got tired of second-guessing myself every time I was intimate or wore leggings. The odor. The discharge. The uncertainty. Once I got it diagnosed and treated, I felt like I could finally breathe again.
If you’re unsure whether your symptoms point to BV or something else, this page helped me distinguish it clearly: BV and vaginal odor.
For a complete overview of the condition and more ways to protect yourself, you might want to check the BV symptoms guide and the main resource on Bacterial Vaginosis as well — it covers the essentials without the fluff.
Treatment Options You Shouldn’t Sleep On
Once I finally saw a healthcare provider, I realized how straightforward BV treatment actually is — if you catch it early. The most common prescriptions include antibiotics like metronidazole or clindamycin. I was prescribed the gel version, which was easy to use and worked in a matter of days.
But here’s the catch: treatment doesn’t stop at the medication. It’s also about not rushing back into old habits. That’s where I went wrong the first time — didn’t finish the full course, didn’t change my routines, and it came back. Twice.
What If You’re Pregnant?
BV treatment is especially delicate during pregnancy. Many OB-GYNs will still recommend antibiotics, but they’ll often tailor the medication to protect the baby. For instance, I learned through this article on BV treatment during pregnancy that untreated BV has been linked to serious issues like miscarriage risk and preterm labor. No one wants that added stress.
Natural Remedies That Help (But Don’t Replace Medication)
I get the appeal of home remedies. I tried everything from yogurt to probiotics and even apple cider vinegar baths (spoiler: ouch). Some of them helped maintain balance but none of them actually cured it. That’s why I’d never recommend skipping real treatment.
That said, certain remedies can support healing and possibly reduce recurrence:
- Probiotics for BV – restoring good bacteria
- Tea tree oil – antimicrobial properties (but should be diluted)
- Yogurt suppositories – old-school but useful
These are great to integrate after medical treatment to help your vaginal flora bounce back. Just don’t go full DIY without professional guidance. Always.
How to Keep BV From Coming Back
1. Reevaluate Your Hygiene Routine
This was a game-changer for me. I always thought more cleaning = more protection. Turns out, overwashing or using the wrong products can actually make things worse. I stopped using scented soaps and switched to warm water and pH-balanced cleansers. Total difference.
Some smart hygiene habits that helped me:
- Switch to breathable cotton underwear
- Avoid douching — myth alert: BV and douching myths
- Practice safe sex and hygiene before and after
2. Your Diet Might Matter More Than You Think
I didn’t believe this at first, but certain foods really do impact your vaginal health. For me, cutting down on sugar helped a lot. Sugary environments feed the bad bacteria, and some women are more sensitive to it than others. Here’s a quick read that opened my eyes: Does sugar make BV worse?
- Foods that feed good bacteria – like leafy greens and fermented foods
- Foods to avoid – high sugar, refined carbs, alcohol
Don’t Forget About Your Partner
This one might be a little awkward, but super important. Even though BV isn’t technically an STI, partners can play a role in its recurrence. My OB asked if I had treated my partner, and I didn’t even know that was a thing.
Turns out, some studies suggest treating both partners — especially in same-sex relationships or if there’s recurring BV — may help reduce relapse. This article breaks it down well: Do I need to treat my partner for BV?
When to See a Doctor — Seriously
It’s easy to put off seeing a doctor when the symptoms aren’t dramatic. But any abnormal odor, discharge, or discomfort deserves attention. And if you’re getting BV more than twice a year, it’s time for a deeper conversation with your provider.
Helpful? Absolutely. This page gives a straightforward breakdown on BV home test accuracy, which is a great option if you’re not ready for the clinic yet — just don’t use it as a replacement for medical advice.
Want the bigger picture on staying BV-free for good? I highly recommend visiting the comprehensive BV prevention tips and the full overview at Bacterial Vaginosis. Both gave me a full toolkit to manage my health — and my peace of mind.
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.
