What Causes BV?
9. Complications and Patient Education
In patients with BV, Gardnerella vaginalis bacteremia can occur. This is more common among women after postgynecologic and postpartum procedure infections. An anticoagulant that is often used in blood culture media is toxic to G. vaginalis and therefore may lead to the underdiagnosis of this infection. It can also cause urinary tract infections, especially among women.
G. vaginalis can lead to other complications such as cervicitis, endometritis, chorioamnionitis, vaginal cuff cellulitis (after hysterectomy), and pelvic inflammatory disease. Patients should be educated regarding the risk factors and basic pathophysiology of the disease as this can help in the prevention of further episodes.
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