01 December 2002
After reading a patient leaflet on Bacterial Vaginosis I think I may have had this recently. I no longer have symptoms but am worried I could be at risk of PID if I haven't had the antibiotics to treat the BV. Can the infection go away on its own or should I see my doctor even though I don't have symptoms?

Response
We don't completely understand what happens when someone is infected with bacterial vaginosis.It does seem as if infection whilst pregnant carries some risk and that infection with BV could make you more liable to pick up other infections, such as HIV. It probably compromises the immune system within the vagina making you more susceptible to other infections. There has been some suggestion that it could cause PID, but this has not been proven. It is possible that you could still harbour the organism without any symptoms so a check at the Genitourinary Clinic would be a wise move. Check out your local clinic on www.lovelife.uk.com