Bacterial Vaginosis Complicating Pregnancy and Gynecologic Surgery

Bacterial vaginosis, the most commonly diagnosed vaginitis, has traditionally been regarded as a benign condition. However, recent evidence suggests association with preclinical miscarriage, early pregnancy loss, preterm labor, low birth weight infants, gynecologic surgical infections, and postabortal pelvic inflammatory diseases. Since studies show significant reduction in preterm labor and postabortal endometritis with treatment, it is recommended that bacterial vaginosis in high-risk women for preterm labor and women who undergo surgical abortion be treated regardless of symptoms. No treatment is recommended, however, for asymptomatic low-risk women.