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Updated: Aug 24, 2026

Models of Murine Vaginal Colonization by Anaerobically Grown Bacteria
Published on: May 25, 2022
Bacterial vaginosis and miscarriage
1Department of Genitourinary Medicine, St George's Hospital Medical School, London, UK. phay@sghms.ac.uk
Purpose Of Review:
This review aims to summarize current knowledge about the relationship between bacterial vaginosis and miscarriage.
Recent Findings:
Studies investigating the relationship between bacterial vaginosis and infertility, implantation and early pregnancy loss have produced conflicting results. One study demonstrated a beneficial effect of colonization with hydrogen peroxide producing lactobacilli. A community based study found no association between bacterial vaginosis and first trimester loss, but a positive association with early second trimester loss. In a randomized controlled trial, treatment of bacterial vaginosis with oral clindamycin was associated with a fivefold reduction in the incidence of late miscarriage.
Summary:
The relationship between bacterial vaginosis and infertility and first trimester loss needs further elucidation. Measures to support a healthy lactobacillus flora such as probiotic therapy warrant study. The randomized controlled trials of clindamycin treatment need to be replicated in different settings.
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