Bacterial vaginosis increases the risk of first trimester miscarriage

Bacterial vaginosis is the most common genital tract infection of women of childbearing age, affecting 15-30%. It is known to predispose to preterm birth and miscarriage in mid trimester but its effect earlier in pregnancy has not been previously studied. Ralph et al (p 220) looked at the influence of bacterial vaginosis on rates of conception and miscarriage in the first trimester in women undergoing in vitro fertilisation. They found that bacterial vaginosis did not affect conception rate but did double the risk of miscarriage. As yet there is no evidence that treating bacterial vaginosis will alter this outcome. Instead the authors suggest there should be an intervention study to see if treatment does improve pregnancy success.

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Relevant Article

Influence of bacterial vaginosis on conception and miscarriage in the first trimester: cohort study

S G Ralph, A J Rutherford, and J D Wilson
BMJ 1999 319: 220-223. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]