Bacterial vaginosis (BV) can sometimes settle down on its own, but leaving it untreated increases the risk of other infections, pregnancy complications, and ongoing vaginal discomfort.

What is BV, quickly?

BV is an imbalance of the normal bacteria in the vagina, often causing a thin gray/white discharge and a strong “fishy” smell, especially after sex. It is not technically an STI, but it is closely linked with sexual activity and partners.

Quick Scoop: What happens if BV goes untreated?

1. It might improve on its own… but not always

  • In some people, BV can clear without treatment (roughly about a third of cases in some studies).
  • Even when that happens, it can come back or stay in a low‑grade, “nagging” form with on‑and‑off symptoms.
  • Ongoing imbalance can keep the vagina more vulnerable to other infections, even if symptoms feel mild.

2. Higher risk of STIs (including HIV)

When the protective “good” lactobacillus bacteria are reduced, the vagina is less able to block harmful germs.

Untreated BV has been linked with:

  • Increased risk of getting HIV.
  • Higher chance of getting:
    • Chlamydia.
* Gonorrhea.

* Trichomoniasis and genital herpes.
  • If someone already has HIV, BV can make it easier to pass HIV to sexual partners.

Think of BV as weakening the shield that normally protects the genital area, making it easier for STIs to slip through.

3. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and long‑term pelvic problems

BV itself is in the vagina, but the bacteria can “travel upward” into the uterus and fallopian tubes.

Over time, this can contribute to:

  • Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) – an infection of the upper reproductive tract.
  • Chronic pelvic pain and tenderness.
  • Scarring of the fallopian tubes, which can lead to fertility issues or ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the uterus).

PID is a serious condition that can have permanent effects on fertility if not treated.

4. Pregnancy and fertility complications

If someone has BV during pregnancy and it is not treated, the risks are higher.

Untreated BV in pregnancy has been associated with:

  • Preterm (early) birth.
  • Low‑birth‑weight babies.
  • Miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy in some cases.
  • Rupture of membranes too early and postpartum uterine infections (like endometritis).

Because of this, major health organizations recommend that pregnant people with BV symptoms be tested and treated.

5. Ongoing discomfort and quality‑of‑life issues

Even when there are no “serious” complications yet, BV that drags on can really affect day‑to‑day life.

Common issues include:

  • Persistent odor that does not fully go away after showering or washing.
  • Recurrent discharge that makes you feel constantly “not fresh.”
  • Anxiety, embarrassment about sex or intimacy, and avoiding social or romantic situations.

People on forums often describe BV as something they “just tolerate” because it keeps coming back, but that doesn’t mean it’s harmless.

6. Can BV just be ignored?

From a medical standpoint, the general view is:

  • Mild, short‑term BV can sometimes pass, but you cannot reliably predict who will get complications.
  • Because of the links with STIs, PID, and pregnancy problems, guidelines encourage treatment rather than ignoring it , especially if:
    • You are pregnant or trying to conceive.
    • You have new or multiple sexual partners.
    • You are living with HIV or another STI.

Mini table: Key risks if BV goes untreated

[5][7][9][1][3] [7][9][5] [9][1][3][5][7] [10][1][3][7] [3][5][9]
Risk area What can happen
STIs Higher risk of HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and others due to weaker vaginal defenses.
Pelvic health Possible progression to pelvic inflammatory disease, chronic pelvic pain, and tubal damage.
Pregnancy Increased risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, miscarriage, and postpartum infections.
Daily life Ongoing odor, discharge, embarrassment, and stress around sex and intimacy.
Natural resolution Some cases resolve on their own (~30%), but this is unpredictable and does not remove the risk while it’s active.

“Forum‑style” snapshot (how people talk about this online)

“It’s just an issue and you deal with it… you move on and you do it together.” – A partner describing living with recurring BV in a qualitative study about couples coping with it.

On recent forums and blogs (2024–2026), common themes include:

  • People hoping BV will “just go away” to avoid antibiotics, then dealing with months of recurring odor and discharge.
  • Worry about side effects of medications (like gut issues or yeast infections), but relief when symptoms finally improve with proper treatment.
  • Growing awareness, especially in 2025–2026 articles, that vaginal microbiome health and recurrent BV are trending topics in women’s health and telehealth services.

When to seek help (important)

You should contact a healthcare professional or sexual health clinic if:

  1. You notice a new or stronger fishy odor, change in discharge, burning, or irritation.
  1. You are pregnant and have any vaginal odor or unusual discharge.
  1. You have BV symptoms plus:
    • Pelvic/abdominal pain.
    • Fever.
    • Pain during sex.
      These could suggest PID or another infection and need prompt care.

Treatment is usually a short course of antibiotics and often works within about a week, though some people need a second course or special regimens for recurrent BV.

SEO bits (for your post drafting)

  • Focus keyword to weave in: “what happens if BV goes untreated” several times, plus related terms like “BV complications”, “untreated BV risks”, and “pregnancy and BV” for better search visibility.
  • A concise meta description example:

What happens if BV goes untreated? Learn the real risks – from STIs and pelvic inflammatory disease to pregnancy complications – and when you should absolutely see a doctor.

Bottom note:
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here. This is not a substitute for personal medical advice. If you think you might have BV or any vaginal infection, it’s safest to get checked by a healthcare professional.