How Long Does It Take for BV to Go Away Without Treatment?

Dealing with bacterial vaginosis (BV) can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you're juggling a busy schedule or just don’t feel like making yet another doctor’s appointment. 

It's completely understandable to hope that the infection might just clear up on its own, but while it’s tempting to wait it out, untreated BV can lead to more serious health complications. 

Understanding the full picture can help you make an informed decision about whether or not to seek care. Keep reading to learn more about the risks of leaving bacterial vaginosis untreated.

What is bacterial vaginosis?

Bacterial vaginosis is a common vaginal infection caused by an imbalance in the bacteria that naturally live in the vaginal microbiome. Normally, the vagina contains a balanced mix of bacteria, with the healthy bacteria (Lactobacilli) keeping the "bad" bacteria in check by maintaining an acidic vaginal pH. However, when this natural balance is disrupted, certain bacteria, such as Gardnerella and Prevotella can overgrow, leading to bacterial vaginosis.

The exact cause of this imbalance isn’t always clear, but several factors may increase the likelihood of bacterial vaginosis. Sexual activity, especially with new or multiple sex partners, can contribute to changes in vaginal bacteria. 

Other potential triggers include douching, which can disrupt the vaginal flora, and using scented feminine hygiene products such as vaginal deodorants. Hormonal changes during menopause or your menstrual cycle may also play a role in making some women more susceptible to bacterial vaginosis.

Bacterial vaginosis symptoms

The most common bacterial vaginosis symptoms include: 

• Watery, gray vaginal discharge
• A fishy vaginal odor 
• Vaginal discomfort, itching, or irritation. 

However, most women with bacterial vaginosis don’t have any symptoms. It’s also possible for these symptoms to be caused by other vaginal infections or sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

How long does it take for BV to go away without treatment?

Mild cases of bacterial vaginosis may clear up on their own, but there’s no guarantee that they will. Even if symptoms temporarily improve, bacterial vaginosis can linger and resurface later. Without treatment, the infection might last for weeks or even months, making you uncomfortable and potentially leading to more serious health risks.

Is it safe to leave BV untreated?

You might be tempted to let bacterial vaginosis resolve on its own, especially if your symptoms are mild or seem to come and go. But it’s generally not a good idea to leave it untreated. While some cases may resolve on their own, untreated BV can increase your risk of other health issues, like STIs, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), or complications during pregnancy if you're expecting. 

The imbalance of bacteria that causes BV can also lead to persistent symptoms like odor, discharge, or irritation that can affect your comfort and confidence. If you're unsure whether you have bacterial vaginosis or what to do next, it’s best to check in with a healthcare provider to get a proper diagnosis and guidance tailored to your situation.

Signs BV is clearing up on its own

Some signs that bacterial vaginosis might be clearing up on its own include a noticeable reduction in symptoms like vaginal odor, discharge, or irritation. You may see the discharge return to a more typical consistency — clear or white rather than gray or thin — and the strong or fishy smell may fade. If you had burning or discomfort, those sensations might lessen or go away completely.

However, it’s important to know that BV can sometimes be asymptomatic, meaning you might have the infection even if you don’t notice any obvious symptoms. So, just because things feel normal again doesn’t always mean the infection is completely gone. In some cases, BV can linger or come back quickly, especially without treatment. 

Risks of untreated BV

BV might seem like a minor or annoying problem at first, especially if you're not experiencing many symptoms. However, it’s important not to overlook it, as untreated BV can lead to more serious issues.

Bacterial vaginosis can lead to complications that are best avoided when left untreated. Having bacterial vaginosis increases your risk of contracting STIs, including HIV, because the imbalance of bacteria can make the vaginal environment more susceptible to harmful pathogens. 

Increased risk of STIs

When the vaginal microbiome is disrupted, as it is with BV, the protective barrier that normally keeps harmful bacteria and viruses in check becomes weakened. Studies have shown that women with untreated BV are more likely to contract STIs, including HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis.

The inflammation and increased vaginal pH that come with BV can also make it easier for these pathogens to enter the body. Even more concerning, BV can reduce the effectiveness of natural immune responses in the genital tract, which normally help to prevent infections.

Treating bacterial vaginosis not only restores vaginal balance but also helps lower your overall risk of future STI exposure, especially if you’re sexually active with new or multiple sexual partners.

Pelvic inflammatory disease and other infections

If BV is left untreated, the bacteria responsible for the imbalance can travel up into the upper reproductive tract, potentially causing PID.

PID is a serious condition involving infection and inflammation of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. It can cause chronic pelvic pain, long-term reproductive damage, and, in some cases, infertility due to scarring of the fallopian tubes.

Even mild, untreated infections like BV can lay the groundwork for more invasive infections that move beyond the vagina. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of BV can reduce the risk of these more serious complications and help protect your long-term reproductive health.

Pregnancy complications and fertility issues

For people who are pregnant or trying to conceive, untreated BV can have serious implications. BV during pregnancy has been linked to an increased risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and even miscarriage in some cases. Researchers believe that the inflammation caused by BV — and the bacteria themselves — may trigger early labor or interfere with the healthy development of the pregnancy.

For those undergoing fertility treatments, an imbalanced vaginal microbiome may also reduce the likelihood of a successful implantation. Treating BV during pregnancy is usually safe and effective, and your healthcare provider can recommend options that are appropriate for that stage of life.

How to treat bacterial vaginosis

The most effective way to treat bacterial vaginosis is with prescription antibiotics. Common treatments include oral antibiotics like metronidazole or topical treatments in the form of creams or gels. It’s important to complete the full course of treatment, even if your symptoms improve quickly, to ensure the infection doesn’t return. You should also avoid sex until you've finished your full course of treatment and your BV symptoms have fully cleared up.

Each antibiotic works differently depending on the type of bacteria. When treating BV, knowing the specific bacteria in your microbiome responsible for the infection can help choose the right antibiotic.

With Evvy’s Vaginal Health Test, you can get a detailed view of the bacteria, fungi, and other microbes in your vaginal microbiome, including the ones most commonly linked to BV. Eligible users will also have access to a prescription treatment developed by a provider and tailored to their unique test results. This may include prescription medication and evidence-based supplements designed to treat the cause of BV and support a healthier vaginal microbiome over time. 

A study looking at the effectiveness of Evvy’s Complete Treatment Program found that 83% of participants transitioned from dysbiosis to a protective microbiome, and all reported an improvement in bacterial vaginosis symptoms.

Infections that cause symptoms similar to bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis shares symptoms with several other vaginal or urinary infections, which is why it's essential to see a doctor if you experience any signs of infection. 

Yeast infections, for example, can cause itching and unusual vaginal discharge, but the discharge is typically thicker and has a different consistency than bacterial vaginosis. STIs, such as trichomoniasis, can also cause fishy-smelling vaginal discharge and discomfort.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can sometimes be confused with bacterial vaginosis if the infection irritates the urethra, leading to discomfort during urination. Because these different conditions require different treatments, getting an accurate diagnosis is crucial.

When should you see a healthcare provider?

While bacterial vaginosis may clear up on its own in some cases, it’s not something you should ignore. If you notice any symptoms like unusual vaginal discharge, a fishy odor, or discomfort, it’s a good idea to consult your doctor. They can confirm whether you have bacterial vaginosis or another condition and provide the right treatment. 

While bacterial vaginosis isn’t usually dangerous, the potential risks of leaving it untreated make it worth addressing quickly. Plus, many other infections share similar symptoms, so seeing a doctor ensures the correct diagnosis and care.

You can also take Evvy’s at-home Vaginal Health Test + STD Test, which tests for bacteria that cause bacterial vaginosis, as well as four of the most common STIs. Eligible users can also receive personalized care for their symptoms. 

FAQ

Is it OK to leave BV untreated?

It’s generally not a good idea to leave bacterial vaginosis untreated. While it may sometimes go away on its own, this isn't guaranteed and can lead to several complications. First, bacterial vaginosis can increase your risk of more serious infections. It makes the vaginal environment more vulnerable to STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV. Additionally, it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, a condition that can affect the uterus and fallopian tubes, potentially causing fertility issues. For pregnant women, leaving bacterial vaginosis untreated can increase the risk of complications such as preterm labor. Even if your symptoms seem mild, it's important to seek treatment to avoid these risks. Antibiotics are effective at restoring the balance of vaginal bacteria and reducing the chances of recurrence.

Can BV clear up without treatment? 

Bacterial vaginosis can sometimes clear up without treatment, especially if the bacterial imbalance is mild. However, it's hard to predict if or when bacterial vaginosis will go away on its own. Even if symptoms improve temporarily, the infection can persist or return later if left untreated. Relying on bacterial vaginosis to clear up without treatment is risky because untreated bacterial vaginosis can lead to complications, such as an increased risk of STIs, pelvic inflammatory disease, and, for pregnant women, complications like preterm labor. To effectively restore the balance of vaginal bacteria and reduce the risk of these issues, it's best to consult your doctor and use prescribed antibiotics or recommended treatments. Another option is to seek personalized care for bacterial vaginosis through Evvy's Clinical Care platform.

How do I know if my BV is completely gone? 

You'll know your bacterial vaginosis is likely gone when your symptoms have completely resolved — this means no unusual vaginal discharge, fishy, or discomfort. If you're no longer experiencing these symptoms, it's a good indication that the infection has cleared up. That said, some women may feel better even if the infection isn’t fully resolved. To be certain, it's important to finish the full course of antibiotics if you’ve been prescribed them, even if your symptoms improve before you’re done. In some cases, your doctor may recommend a follow-up visit or test to confirm that the infection is fully cleared, especially if you have recurrent bacterial vaginosis. If symptoms return, it’s best to check in with your provider again or take an Evvy Vaginal Health Test.

What can I drink to flush out BV?

There’s no specific drink that will directly "flush out" bacterial vaginosis, as it’s caused by a bacterial imbalance in the vagina and not something that can be resolved through fluids alone. There’s no evidence that certain drinks or dietary choices treat or prevent bacterial vaginosis.