Gynecologic consequences of bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is the most prevalent cause of symptomatic vaginitis in sexually active women. It is linked to several gynecologic complications, acquisition of sexually transmitted diseases, and acquisition and transmission of HIV. The decrease in the number of hydrogen peroxide-producing lactobacilli is hypothesized to be a major factor in the development of complications associated with bacterial vaginosis. The large numbers of anaerobic bacteria present in the vagina in women with bacterial vaginosis likely contribute to the overall risk of infectious complications after instrumentation of the upper genital tract. Normalization of the vaginal flora may be effective for preventing short-term complications. The implications of screening and treating bacterial vaginosis to prevent long-term complications are less clear and may depend on the availability of more effective treatment regimens.