The good news is that, if correctly treated, in most cases BV doesn't cause any problems. This said, early detection is important and if left untreated the situation can become more serious – people have experienced:

· Pregnancy problems - BV can cause premature delivery and low birth weight babies (less than five pounds).

· PID - Pelvic inflammatory disease or PID is an infection that can affect a woman's uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes, which carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. Having BV increases the risk of getting PID after a surgical procedure, such as a hysterectomy or an abortion.

· Higher risk of getting other STDs - Having BV can increase the chances of getting other STDs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV. Women with HIV who get BV increase the chances of passing HIV to a sexual partner.