Untreated Bacterial Vaginosis may not, itself, cause long term damage but what it does do is lower your immune system's defenses and set up the vagina to receive more harmful and often very serious infections and diseases including sexually transmitted diseases and HIV.
Symptoms are not needed to be present Bacterial Vaginosis to destroy the beneficial bacteria that defend your vagina and therefore your reproductive organs against harmful 'invaders'.
It also disrupts the pH balance creating an environment that promotes the growth of harmful bacteria and germs.
By the time the 'friendly' bacteria have been completely destroyed, you will be in what is usually known as the chronic stage of Bacterial Vaginosis.
The condition is now much harder to cure and you still might not show any symptoms even if all the bacteria in your vagina are considered harmful.
In fact, a lot of women do not realize there is anything wrong until they contract a more severe condition or awful symptoms suddenly become apparent and only aggressive treatments will ensure a complete cure.
Women with advanced Bacterial Vaginosis may suffer from any of the following complications: oIncreased vulnerability to and possible contraction of, a serious virus or STD.
oAn increase in the chances of developing Pelvic Inflammatory Disease especially following gynecological surgery.
oIf the woman pregnant, there is a risk of premature birth.
As women who have Bacterial Vaginosis may not have symptoms, it is vital that all women have regular smear tests.
This is usually the only way that a woman can find out she has the condition.
You should become familiar with your body and how it works.
Investigate in unusual changes or abnormalities no matter how small or insignificant they may seem.
As a preventative measure, introduce more foods containing probiotics or live yogurt into your diet to help boost your numbers of beneficial bacteria.
Regular intake of vitamin and mineral supplements, most especially Zinc, as this will help you accelerate healing the healing process as well as ward off other illnesses.
Take a good critical look at your lifestyle.
Ask yourself if you are at risk of getting Bacterial Vaginosis and if so have you ever unnecessarily exposed yourself to an infection that could be more serious.
It is somewhat true to say that Bacterial Vaginosis will not, by its own effect, cause major or irreparable damage to your body but it does do is to prepare the way and turns your vagina into a safe haven for serious infections.