No, not all vaginal infections go away on their own. The answer depends heavily on the type of infection.
Yeast Infections
According to Cleveland Clinic (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5019-vaginal-yeast-infection), a yeast infection will not clear up without medication. Only medication that targets the fungus (yeast) will effectively treat it.
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
The situation is more nuanced with bacterial vaginosis (BV). Several sources, including Cleveland Clinic (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/3963-bacterial-vaginosis), WebMD (https://www.webmd.com/women/remedies-relieve-bacterial-vaginosis), Healthline (https://www.healthline.com/health/bacterial-vaginosis/ate), and the Better Health Channel (http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/bacterial-vaginosis) indicate that some mild cases of BV might resolve on their own. However, it's crucial to understand that:
- BV can lead to more serious complications.
- If you have symptoms, you should seek medical attention.
- Even if it resolves spontaneously, BV increases your risk of sexually transmitted infections and can negatively impact pregnancy.
In Summary
While some mild cases of bacterial vaginosis may clear up without treatment, yeast infections require medication. If you experience any vaginal infection symptoms, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. Delaying treatment could lead to complications.
