Fortunately, bacterial vaginosis is treatable, so visit your doctor or nurse immediately if you notice any symptoms. If left untreated, the condition may result in complications like:

1. Higher chances of contracting STIs

Untreated BV increases the risk of catching STIs like herpes or chlamydia. This is due to changes in mucin-degrading enzymes and vaginal pH.

Mucin-degrading enzymes affect cervical mucus, which provides a barrier to target cells and traps pathogens that lead to vulnerability. The risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections increases with the severity of the BV.

2. Decrease in fertility

Untreated bacterial vaginosis decreases fertility by creating a toxic environment that doesn’t support reproduction, increasing inflammation, and compromising the immune system.

Furthermore, the numerous changes from the infection affect the survival of the sperm and vaginal cells.

3. Risk of developing pelvic inflammatory disease

BV alters the vaginal flora and is thus associated with pelvic inflammatory disease. This is an infection of the reproductive system and may result in ectopic pregnancy or severe reproductive morbidity.

4. Pregnancy complications

Bacterial vaginosis can affect any woman, and pregnant women are no exception. Sadly, the infection is even more serious in expectant mothers, leading to pregnancy complications, including early delivery or low birth weight. In addition, it may lead to other serious infections after delivery.

Unfortunately, expectant mothers are more prone to the infection due to alterations in hormones that occur during pregnancy. That’s why the condition should not be left untreated to avoid further complications.

5. Infections after surgery

Untreated bacterial vaginosis may lead to infections after surgeries like hysterectomies, cesarean deliveries, and abortions. Most of these infections affect the female reproductive system.

6. High chances of getting HIV

Generally, bacterial vaginosis interferes with the protective microorganisms in the vagina. As a result, a BV patient is more vulnerable to contracting HIV from an infected person. Besides, the condition increases pH levels which supports the survival of the HIV virus.

Again, since the condition interferes with the protective mucus barrier, BV patients are more likely to contract HIV from infected persons compared to BV-free females. The condition impacts your reproductive system and should be treated immediately to avoid further complications.

Bacterial vaginosis treatment options

BV patients should be treated to relieve symptoms and avoid further complications. Some possible medical treatment options include:

• Tinidazole which is taken orally
• Clindamycin ovules which are inserted vaginally
• Clindamycin taken orally or a cream inserted vaginally.
• Metronidazole gel for vaginal insertion or metronidazole taken by mouth.

Most vaginal insert medications are done at night as you go to sleep so your body gets enough time for the treatment.

Complementary therapies include:

Patients using tinidazole or metronidazole should use condoms or refrain from intercourse. They should also avoid alcohol when taking and after the completion of the treatment.

It’s not surprising for the condition to persist or recur. Your doctor might prescribe more drugs or an extended course of antibiotics for effective treatment. Adhere to the treatment faithfully and always check with your doctor in case of any new symptoms.

The advantages of using the treatment mentioned above include treating the infection thoroughly as long as you closely follow the doctor’s instructions. Besides, you avoid further complications that result from untreated bacterial vaginosis.

In addition, expectant mothers avoid pregnancy complications like low-birth-weight babies or early delivery. And in the case of cesarean delivery, there won’t be higher risks of contracting infection, and you get to avoid reduced fertility.

Final thought

Untreated bacterial vaginosis may result in serious complications. Luckily, the condition is easily treated so long as you stick to the treatment plan and check with your doctor in case of severe symptoms.

The post Untreated Bacterial Vaginosis: What Are The Risks? appeared first on InstantELLA.

Eat/Drink

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This may sound strange but you are going to have to remind yourself to eat. Taking care of a new little bundle of life is extremely time-consuming and it’s easy to forget about yourself amongst the burping and soothing. Have a few snacks lying around that you can easily reach if you get stuck under a sleeping baby. Also, try to keep a water bottle handy so you can stay hydrated, especially if you are breastfeeding. If mama isn’t fed she won’t be able to produce food for her baby.

Hormones

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Feeling like a total and complete emotional mess after giving birth is okay. Just remind yourself, “it’s not me it’s my hormones,” because honestly, that’s exactly what it is. Sitting on the couch and crying about absolutely nothing is totally normal in your position. Don’t feel ashamed. If you need to, grab your partner, mom or friend and just let it all out. They may not totally understand, but it will be good for you to talk about it instead of keeping it all bundled up inside.

Bleeding

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This is something that many women don’t talk about, but probably should. After you give birth you will bleed for weeks, not just days. At first, it will be a lot of blood to the point that you’ll either need enormous pads or an adult diaper. It’s normal and it’s healthy so don’t worry, just be prepared.

Nursing

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People can shout all day long that breast is best, but that doesn’t change the fact that it isn’t a walk in the park. You may not produce enough milk to fill up your baby and that’s alright. You’re not failing as a mother. Formula is an amazing thing and it’s more important that your baby is healthy and fed than that they solely drink breast milk.

If your breasts are feeling swollen or are developing sores, you are not alone. Some women can pick up nursing with ease, but know that those people are few and far between. You are not alone in your pain. Ask other mommy friends what they did to soothe themselves. It’s not a weird question, it’s an honest one and they’ll be more than happy to help you out.

Sleep

Sleep And Your Health

People will tell you to sleep when your baby sleeps, but sometimes your baby doesn’t sleep. They take 15-minute naps during the day and party all night which equals one tired mama. This is normal for them, but terribly exhausting for you. Most people love snuggling new babies so when someone says, “Let me know if you need any help,” you need to respond, “when would you like to come over and hold my baby?” This is your chance to catch a nap and maintain a little sanity.

Bathroom

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This is another thing that is rarely talked about except in jokes. After giving birth your muscles are spent. They just worked double time to push a child out of you and sometimes they just give up after that. Some women wet themselves more often than they’d ever like to admit. Sometimes your body just needs to get its strength back, but that isn’t always the case. If it’s been a few months after you’ve given birth and you’re still having a hard time holding it then you’ll want to speak with a specialist.

Don’t beat yourself up. You just created life with your body. You are amazing and your baby is lucky to have you. Just remember to take care of yourself so you can take care of your baby. Showering is important. Eating is important. You got this mama.

The post The Things They Don’t Tell You About Post-Pregnancy appeared first on InstantELLA.