Bacterial vaginosis(BV) is a common bacterial infection in women.
It shows up when the balance of bacteria in the vagina changes.
When there are more harmful bacteria than good bacteria in the vagina, bacterial vaginosis can occur.
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Bacterial vaginosis raises the risk ofpremature birthand low-birth-weight babies in pregnant women.
It is also common in women experiencing infertility.
One review found that up to 19% of women experiencing infertility have bacterial vaginosis.
This article will provide an overview of bacterial vaginosis and how it affects fertility.
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What Is Bacterial Vaginosis?
Lactobacilliis a good bacteria in thevaginaand helps to maintain normal vaginalmicroflora.
When the number of harmful bacteria starts to outnumber lactobacilli, an infection can occur.
Bacterial vaginosis has been linked with infertility.
This is significant because the infection is so common.
Bacterial vaginosis affects about 29% of women of reproductive age in the United States.
Research shows that bacterial vaginosis affects women experiencing infertility.
The connection between bacterial vaginosis and infertility is especially strong in women experiencing tubal infertility.
This takes place if thefallopian tubesare blocked due to scarring, tissue damage, or infection.
Bacterial vaginosis also increases the risk of contractingchlamydiaandgonorrhea.
Both of these STIs can lead to infertility.
Bothchlamydiaandgonorrheacan cause infertility in women.
Can Bacterial Vaginosis Affect Pregnancy?
Bacterial vaginosis does affect pregnant women.
This infection raises the risk of premature birth and low-birth-weight babies when left untreated.
Fortunately, it is safe for pregnant women to be treated with antibiotics to cure the infection.
Bacterial Vaginosis and Miscarriage
There is a link between bacterial vaginosis andmiscarriage.
When there are more harmful bacteria than good bacteria in the vagina, bacterial vaginosis can occur.
Bacterial vaginosis may also raise the risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, and low-birth-weight babies in pregnant women.
A Word From Verywell
Going through infertility is exhausting and overwhelming.
If bacterial vaginosis contributes to your infertility, know that this infection can be treated successfully with antibiotics.
Ask your healthcare provider about being tested for bacterial vaginosis.
No, bacterial vaginosis is not an STI.
People who are not sexually active can get bacterial vaginosis.
No, men are not affected by vaginosis.
There is no scientific evidence to conclude that bacterial vaginosis kills sperm.
Bacterial vaginosis is associated with infertility for other reasons.
Office on Womens Health.Bacterial vaginosis.
2016;33(3):135-140. doi:10.4103/0970-9371.188050
March of Dimes.Bacterial vaginosis and pregnancy.
