stay in the vagina longer, limiting leakage. This prolonged exposure is important because we know that 2/3 of people with BV need treatment, and 58 percent of them have recurrent BV. Having a single-dose vaginal gel with these properties, containing an antibiotic that is tried and true against this type of infection, is something patients and doctors can consider when treating the 21 million or more people affected annually.
Are there any complications associated with untreated BV?
Recurring BV can cause physical discomfort, emotional stress, and side effects from the infection. For pregnant women, there’s ongoing research, but BV has been associated with preterm labor, which is concerning. Some studies suggest that vaginal infections can make women more susceptible to other infections. There’s also an economic aspect, as trying various treatments can be costly. Overall, not addressing BV can have significant emotional, economic, and reproductive health implications.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about BV and its management?
I believe it’s crucial to normalize conversations about bacterial vaginosis because one in three women experience it. At some point, whether it’s you, your friends, or people you know, someone is likely to have BV. Therefore, discussing the signs and symptoms is important, as well as feeling comfortable enough to articulate them to your OB or internal medicine doctor for a proper diagnosis. This way, you can avoid confusion between BV and yeast infections. It’s important to discuss treatment options, and I believe this article will be very helpful in informing people about BV and XACIATO as a treatment option. By expanding the conversation and treatment options for BV, we can help eliminate some of the embarrassment and provide more solutions for those affected.
This conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.