How can I cure my bacterial vaginosis at home?
Probiotics, live bacteria found in some foods and supplements, might help restore balance to your vaginal bacteria. Studies show that eating yogurt or probiotic supplements may treat bacterial vaginosis, and is quite safe. Another promising remedy is boric acid, a white powder with antifungal and antiviral properties.
Can vaginosis be cured at home?
The primary treatment course for BV is antibiotics. However, some people may wish to treat the condition at home. Options for home treatments include practicing safe hygiene, using barrier protection during intercourse, and taking probiotic supplements. BV is a common condition and typically is not cause for concern.
How can I restore the pH balance in my vagina fast?
How to restore your vaginal pH naturallyConsider using boric acid suppositories. ... Incorporate more probiotics into your diet. ... Consider taking garlic tablets. ... Find ways to destress. ... Cut back or quit smoking. ... Be mindful of how you clean your vulva and vagina. ... Pay attention to your underwear. ... Use barrier methods during sex.
What is the most common vaginal infection?
Bacterial vaginosis is the most common vaginal infection. What ways can women treat this condition at home? As many as 1 in 4 women in the United States have bacterial vaginosis (BV). Many have no symptoms, and some mistake their symptoms for another infection, such as a yeast infection.
How to balance pH in vagina?
Apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar may help balance vaginal pH. Rinsing the vulva in a solution of 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and 1 cup of water twice per day may alleviate symptoms. Honey, which has natural antimicrobial properties, may boost the effectiveness of apple cider vinegar.
What does BV mean in women?
BV rarely causes serious symptoms, so most women who want to try home remedies for bacterial vaginosis can safely do so.
Can a tampon help with BV?
Women experiencing pain associated with BV can try cooling probiotic tampons. To do this, women can try freezing unflavored plain yogurt in a tampon applicator, then inserting it into the vagina. The cooling sensation temporarily alleviates pain, and the probiotic may fight the underlying infection. 5.
Does garlic help with BV?
Eating garlic can reduce the risk of BV because it can act as a natural antibacterial. Research suggests that boric acid can fight BV, particularly in women who have recurring infections. In one 2009 research, researchers supplemented antibiotic treatment with 600 mg of boric acid inserted directly into the vagina.
Can antibiotics help with BV?
Antibiotics can treat most cases of BV. Some women prefer to try home remedies first, while others find that BV continues to recur after multiple rounds of antibiotics. This article explores some home remedies for bacterial vaginosis. These may help to: fight BV. reduce its severity.
Can BV cause miscarriage?
In some instances, though, symptoms of BV warrant immediate medical treatment. Women who suspect they have BV should see a doctor if: They are pregnant: BV is linked to preterm labor, miscarriage, low birth weight, and other pregnancy complications. Prompt treatment can reduce the risk.
What is the best treatment for bacterial infections in the vagina?
Coconut Oil. Coco nut oil contains many antibacterial and antifungal properties and can be used as a topical treatment to get rid of bacterial infections in the vagina. One study into the antimicrobial effect of coconut oil found that it contains lauric acid which is effective against many infections. 10.
How to get rid of bacterial vaginosis?
Fill a small bowl with warm water, add a few drops of tea tree oil and mix well. Rinse your vagina daily with the liquid until you get rid of the infection. You can also add tea tree oil a bath with apple cider vinegar to cure bacterial vaginosis and prevent it from recurring.
How to increase probiotic intake?
Another way to increase your intake of probiotics is to consume raw yogurt as a natural cure for bacterial vaginosis. Make sure that the raw yogurt contains strains of lactobacilli bacteria. WebMD says that yogurt can be used to treat and prevent both vaginal bacterial infections and yeast infections. 5
What is the best food for vaginal health?
Probiotics are also one of the best foods to improve your vaginal health. A review of research on the effect of probiotics on the recurrence of bacterial vaginosis reported that women who have BV usually have a low number of the lactobacilli bacteria in the vagina.
What does BV mean in a woman?
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) occurs when there is a change in the type of bacteria in your vagina. This imbalance of “good” and “bad” bacteria in the vagina causes a white or gray discharge and a strong fishy odor. Many women who have BV may also experience a burning sensation when urinating and they may have itching in and around their vagina.
How to treat BV?
Probiotics. Taking probiotic supplements is an effective natural way to treat and prevent bacterial vaginosis. Probiotics work well for BV because they contain “good” bacteria which help to restore a healthy flora and reduce inflammation in the vagina. Probiotics are also one of the best foods to improve your vaginal health.
What is the best way to kill bacterial vaginosis?
Tea tree oil can be used as an effective home remedy to kill the germs that cause bacterial vaginosis. Tea tree oil contains antimicrobial and antifungal properties which can help to reduce the infection caused by bacteria. 7 The antibacterial effect of tea tree oil can also help to eliminate the odor from the vaginal discharge.
What is the best medicine for bacterial vaginosis?
To treat bacterial vaginosis, your doctor may prescribe one of the following medications: Metronidazole (Flagyl, Metrogel-Vaginal, others). This medicine may be taken as a pill by mouth (orally). Metronidazole is also available as a topical gel that you insert into your vagina.
How to boost the number of good bacteria in your vagina?
A self-help approach is lactobacillus colonization therapy — which attempts to boost the number of good bacteria in your vagina and re-establish a balanced vaginal environment — possibly accomplished by eating certain types of yogurt or other foods containing lactobacilli.
How long does it take for bacterial vaginosis to recur?
It's common for bacterial vaginosis to recur within three to 12 months, despite treatment. Researchers are exploring treatments for recurrent bacterial vaginosis. If your symptoms recur soon after treatment, talk with your doctor about treatments. One option may be extended-use metronidazole therapy.
How to diagnose bacterial vaginosis?
Open pop-up dialog box. Close. Pelvic examination. Pelvic examination. In a pelvic exam, your physician inserts two gloved fingers inside your vagina. While simultaneously pressing down on your abdomen, he or she can examine your uterus, ovaries and other organs. To diagnose bacterial vaginosis, your doctor may: ...
How long does Clindamycin last in vagina?
This medicine is available as a cream that you insert into your vagina. Clindamycin cream may weaken latex condoms during treatment and for at least three days after you stop using the cream. Tinidazole (Tindamax). This medication is taken orally.
How to get rid of bacterial vaginosis?
Home Remedies for Bacterial Vaginosis. 1. Apple Cider Vinegar. Pour a cup of apple cider vinegar in a tub of water. Soak your vagina in water mixed with apple cider vinegar for about 15-20 minutes as it helps in killing the harmful bacteria and removing the infection. 2.
What is the best oil for vaginal infections?
Tea tree oil is a natural anti-bacterial that is very effective in reducing bacterial infection in the vagina. [easyazon_cta align=”center” cart=”n” cloak=”n” identifier=”B01JZ3BQ0A” key=”tall-orange” locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” tag=”homeremedyshop-20″] 4. Garlic. Garlic is one of the best home remedies for bacterial infection in women.
Why does a woman have a white discharge from her vagina?
Bacterial vaginosis results due to an improper balance of bacteria in the vagina. Bacterial infection is mainly characterized with excessive white discharge from the vagina. It is a common problem, which mostly affects women of childbearing age.
How to get rid of fenugreek in the morning?
Soak a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in some water and leave it overnight. Drink this water the next morning on an empty stomach. Fenugreek helps in maintaining the hormonal balance and regulating the menstrual cycle.
How to cure bacterial infection in women?
Garlic is one of the best home remedies for bacterial infection in women. You can eat raw garlic cloves, or place a garlic clove in your vagina and remove it after a few hours. Garlic is a natural antibiotic and works well to cure bacterial vaginosis. 5. Fenugreek.
What happens when the bad bacteria outnumber the good bacteria in the vagina?
When the ‘bad’ bacteria outnumber the ‘good’ bacteria in the vagina, creating a bacterial imbalance, it results into bacterial infection or ‘bacterial vaginosis’. The easiest way to get rid of this ailment is to try out the simple home remedies, which may help a lot.
How to get rid of a rash on your vagina?
Tea Bag. Soak a tea bag in water and then place it in the refrigerator for a few minutes. Then, place it in your vagina for about 10 minutes. Tea bag gives a soothing relief to the itchiness caused due to bacterial infection.
What is the best disinfectant for bacterial vaginosis?
Effective as a natural disinfectant, hydrogen peroxide is one of the best home remedies for bacterial vaginosis and other types of infection. It helps in eliminating the bad bacteria, inflammatory agents and itchiness that result from this infection. All you have to do is mix equal amounts of 3% hydrogen peroxide and water.
What is a bacterial vaginosis?
Bacterial vaginosis is a common vaginal infection that occurs when the bacteria in the vagina are imbalanced. When the good bacteria are outnumbered by the bad bacteria in the vagina, it leads to the bacterial infection, bacterial vaginosis. This infection is primarily characterized by excessive white vaginal discharge, ...
How to get rid of a bacterial infection?
One way to do it is to use yogurt, which which is loaded with natural bacteria. Just dip a tampon in plain yogurt and insert it like you usually do. You will get rid of the bacterial infection in no time at all. Also, eat plain yogurt at least twice every day. 3.
How to use oregano oil for fungus?
Thanks to its antibacterial and antifungal properties, oregano oil can be used to fight the bacteria and infections. Mix 3 drops of alcohol-free oregano oil with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and apply it to the affected area. Leave it on for 2 hours. Do this once a day until you see improvement. You can also mix 3 drops of oregano oil in a glass of lukewarm water and drink the mixture once every day. Continue with the treatment for 1 to 2 months to eliminate the infection.
How to cure a cramp in the vagina?
Margosa Leaves. When it comes to natural cures for bacterial infection, nothing does it best like margosa does. Take a handful of margosa leaves and crush it with some water to make a paste. Once the paste is done, apply it on your vagina and leave it on for a while.
Is garlic good for bacterial infections?
This is an herb containing powerful medicinal properties that has been used for the treatment of various health problems for decades. Garlic is packed with natural antibiotic properties,making it one of the best home remedies for bacterial infection, especially in women.
Can you use ointments for bacterial vaginosis?
Of course, you can use chemical-filled ointments and drugs to treat the infection but it is always a wiser choice to use natural home remedies as you will never have to worry about harmful side effects. If you happen to be one of the victims of bacterial vaginosis, do give these remedies a try.
What is the best medicine for a vaginal infection?
These might include: Clindamycin, a cream you use in your vagina. It sells under the brand names Cleocin and Clindesse. Metronidazole, available as a pill you swallow or a gel you insert in your vagina.
What are the different types of bacteria that grow in the vagina?
There are at least seven types of bacteria that grow in the vagina. Lactobacillus is one of them. BV is linked to a decrease of lactobacillus, which is found in yogurt and acidophilus milk.
What is BV in vagina?
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal infection caused by too much of a certain type of bacteria in your vagina. Left untreated, it can raise your risk for several serious health problems. Bacterial vaginosis doesn’t always cause symptoms. But if it does, they can include:
How long does it take for BV to come back?
Clindamycin can weaken latex condoms not only while you’re using the medication, but for at least 3 days after you stop.
Does yogurt cause BV?
BV is linked to a decrease of lactobacillus, which is found in yogurt and acidophilus milk. Some studies suggest that eating foods that contain lactobacillus may be beneficial, but more research is needed. Do not douche with yogurt or any other product. Vaginal douching is a risk factor for BV.
How to treat yeast infection in vagina?
Apply boric acid to curb bacterial overgrowth. Topical application of boric acid may help kill the growth of yeast and bacteria in the vaginal region, but it is usually recommended for treating azole-resistant and recurrent vaginal infections, such as those caused by Candida glabrata. (10) (11)
How to treat BV at home?
Home Remedies for Bacterial Vaginosis. Here are a few ways to manage BV at home: 1. Use probiotics to keep your vagina healthy. Probiotics are healthy bacterial formulations that are available as capsules, pills, drinks, and certain food products.
What is BV in a vagina?
Final Word. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an infection caused by an imbalance in the healthy vaginal microflora. Commonly, it occurs due to an overgrowth of Gardnerella vaginalis. Various factors such as douching and the use of vaginal products can affect the vaginal pH, causing this change in bacteria levels.
What is BV in home care?
Home Remedies and Self-Care Tips to Manage Bacterial Vaginosis. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an infection caused by an imbalance in the healthy vaginal microflora. Commonly, it occurs due to an overgrowth of Gardnerella vaginalis. Various factors such as douching and the use of vaginal products can affect the vaginal pH, ...
What is the difference between yeast infection and BV?
Bacterial Vaginosis vs. Yeast Infection. BV is due to an increased number of harmful bacteria. It produces a thin vaginal discharge with malodor and increases the vaginal pH. A yeast infection, on the other hand, is caused by the overgrowth of fungus in the vagina.
How to prevent BV infection?
The use of probiotics may help prevent the occurrence or recurrence of BV and also mitigate its symptoms, such as malodor and discharge, in case the infection does develop. (3) Use: Oral administration of probiotics is generally considered to be the most efficient way of using this intervention.
How to prevent BV?
2. Consume more vitamin C. Vitamin C can help alleviate BV by lowering the vaginal pH and preventing vaginal irritation.
How to get rid of bacterial vaginosis?
Instead of harsh chemicals, try some natural remedies for bacterial vaginosis such as: Put half a cup of baking soda in your bath. Take a bath with apple cider vinegar.
What causes a woman to have a bacterial vaginosis?
Bacterial vaginosis is more common in women during their reproductive years. It’s most often caused by bacteria known as Gardnerella vaginalis, which is a tiny spore that changes the pH balance of the vagina. However, this isn’t the only bacteria that can bring on this common problem. It isn’t technically a sexually transmitted disease, but it is recommended that sexual activity is avoided during infection. Some of the biggest risk factors for bacterial vaginosis are: 1 Age 2 Frequent douching, which changes the balance of bacteria in the vagina. 3 Ethnicity, with black and Mexican-American women more likely to develop it. 4 Sexual activity, especially with multiple partners. 5 Poor lifestyle choices such as drug use, obesity, and smoking. 6 Pregnancy, which affects the immune reproductive systems. 7 Soaps or laundry detergents that contain perfumes, dyes, or other chemicals. 8 Certain types of birth control.
Why do I have a high risk of developing a bacterial vaginosis?
Bacterial vaginosis often occurs as a result of an impaired immune system, which means that you’re at high risk of developing it if you have AFS. AFS is a stress-related disorder caused by high ongoing stress and the resulting fatigue of the NeuroEndoMetabolic (NEM) stress response.
Why does bacterial vaginosis occur?
It’s a very common bacterial infection that affects women of all ages. Bacterial vaginosis develops because of imbalances in the vagina’s microflora. The vagina naturally has bacteria and yeast present. These exist in a careful balance.
What is the cause of vaginosis?
Bacterial vaginosis is more common in women during their reproductive years. It’s most often caused by bacteria known as Gardnerella vaginalis, which is a tiny spore that changes the pH balance of the vagina. However, this isn’t the only bacteria that can bring on this common problem.
What are the risk factors for bacterial vaginosis?
Some of the biggest risk factors for bacterial vaginosis are: Age. Frequent douching, which changes the balance of bacteria in the vagina. Ethnicity, with black and Mexican-American women more likely to develop it. Sexual activity, especially with multiple partners.
What is the pH of the vagina?
Usually, the vagina is slightly acidic with a pH between 3.8 and 4.2. But when the pH increases to 4.5 or higher, bacterial vaginosis can occur. Some common symptoms of this problem are: Unusual discharge colors, ranging from off-white to gray or yellow-green. Cloudy urine. Pain during urination or after sex.
How to avoid bacterial vaginosis?
Because bacterial vaginosis (BV) isn’t fully understood, there are no foolproof ways of avoiding it. These steps may reduce your risk: Avoid douching. It changes the natural balance of bacteria in your vagina. Instead, practice healthy vaginal and vulvar care.
What is the name of the system that produces bacteria in the vagina?
Your vagina is home to multiple types of bacteria (called a microbiome), just like your digestive system. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) happens when some of the vaginal bacteria grow more quickly than others. Too much of one type of bacteria leads to an imbalance.
What does BV smell like?
Both bacterial vaginosis (BV) and yeast infections are vaginal infections that increase discharge. Here’s how you can tell the difference: Discharge: The hallmark sign of BV is discharge with a “fishy” smell. Discharge from yeast infections doesn’t usually have a strong smell but may look like cottage cheese.
What is a BV?
Bacterial Vaginosis. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal infection that happens when some normal bacteria that lives in the vagina overgrows, causing a bacterial imbalance. Symptoms include an off-white or grey vaginal discharge that smells “fishy.”. In some women, BV goes away without treatment, in others, ...
Why does my vagina smell fishy?
Bacterial vaginosis may cause a "fishy" odor and cause vaginal irritation in some women. Others may not have any symptoms. Bacterial vaginosis is associated with poor obstetrics ...
What age do women get BV?
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal problem for women ages 15 to 44. In fact, an estimated one in three American women will get BV. The rate is higher in black women.
Is bacterial vaginosis a serious infection?
Although bacterial vaginosis is a mild infection, it can make you vulnerable to more serious conditions. Don’t put off seeing your healthcare provider if you notice anything unusual. A simple course of antibiotics could set things straight.
Overview
- Bacterial vaginosis is a type of vaginal inflammation caused by the overgrowth of bacteria naturally found in the vagina, which upsets the natural balance.Women in their reproductive years are most likely to get bacterial vaginosis, but it can affect women of any age. The cause isn't completely understood, but certain activities, such as unprotected sex or frequent douching, incr…
- Paying attention to your vaginal health is especially important for women trying to conceive or who suspect they have a fertility problem. Bacterial vaginosis is highly prevalent in women in their reproductive years, and it can affect fertility. While BV is treatable medically, the good news is that BV can also be approached naturally with diet and lifestyle changes along with herbal therapies …
Treatment
- Bacterial vaginosis is a common condition that many women can get, regardless of whether or not theyve had sex. Home remedies can be used to treat and prevent it. Some may be more effective than others. These treatments likely wont be as effective as prescription medications. But many come without some of the side effects prescription medications can cause. There are …
- There are many home remedies that can kill off the bacteria responsible for vaginosis. These natural treatments help to restore a proper balance of bacteria to the vagina and reduce inflammation. Other remedies have antibacterial properties to help to kill off infections that cause discharge and a strong smell, or fishy smell. In this article I am going to look at the many effecti…
- The good news is that the condition is treatable and there are various bacterial vaginosis (or BV) home remedies that can be employed alongside medical options. There are numerous home treatments for bacterial vaginosis that can be applied in concert with conventional medical treatment. It is important when using any BV home remedy that you do not do so at the expense …
- Other medications with proven effectiveness for bacterial vaginosis treatment: 1. Metronidazole 2. Tinidazole...
Symptoms
- The Office on Womens Health in the U.S. says that vaginal yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of the Candida fungus. This causes a vaginal discharge that is white and looks like cottage cheese but doesnt have a bad odor. Women could also have inflammation in the vagina and pain when urinating.1 However, the symptoms of BV are more like a white or gray milky disc…
- Bacterial vaginosis signs and symptoms may include: 1. Thin, gray, white or green vaginal discharge 2. Foul-smelling \"fishy\" vaginal odor 3. Vaginal itching 4. Burning during urinationMany women with bacterial vaginosis have no signs or symptoms.
- Among those who do experience bacterial vaginosis symptoms (2), the most common is a vaginal discharge. This discharge will be thin, dull gray or white, and can sometimes appear foamy. It will also have a fish-like odor that intensifies during menstruation or intercourse as blood or semen interact with the chemicals the bacteria are giving off. Bacterial vaginosis can result in itching a…
- Typical symptoms of BV include the following: 1. Vaginal odor (the most common, and often initial, symptom of BV); often recognized only after sexual intercourse 2. Mildly to moderately increased vaginal discharge 3. Vulvar irritation (less common) 4. Dysuria or dyspareunia (rare) Risk factors that may predispose patients to BV include the following: 1. Recent antibiotic use 2…
Prevention
- To help your bacterial vaginosis heal quickly and to prevent future cases, wear cotton underwear thats breathable. Also, dont wear tight pants. According to Womens Health, using condoms can reduce your risk of bacterial vaginosis. Meanwhile, having new or multiple sexual partners can increase your risk. Because of this, always use condoms, especially with new sexual partners. T…
- Another way to use coconut oil to help prevent bacterial vaginosis is to incorporate more of this amazing oil in your diet. For example, in my article about cooking with coconut oil you can find out how to use this versatile oil for cooking, adding it to smoothies, and baking with it. You may be able to prevent bacterial vaginosis by making sure that you do not have vitamin D deficiency. Yo…
- To help prevent bacterial vaginosis: 1. Minimize vaginal irritation. Use mild, nondeodorant soaps and unscented tampons or pads. 2. Don't douche. Your vagina doesn't require cleansing other than normal bathing. Frequent douching disrupts the vaginal balance and may increase your risk of vaginal infection. Douching won't clear up a vaginal infection. 3. Avoid a sexually transmitted i…
- Although not a sexually transmitted disease in and of itself, the condition does make contracting an STD easier so knowing how to get rid of bacterial vaginosis is important for anyone who plans on being sexually active. Coconut oil can be used preventatively or as a direct treatment option.
Causes
- Bacterial vaginosis is a vaginal infection caused by an overgrowth of bacteria. The vagina naturally has an environment containing good and bad bacteria. In cases of bacterial vaginosis, there is an excess of bad bacteria. This throws the vaginal environment out of balance.
- Bacterial vaginosis results from overgrowth of one of several bacteria naturally found in your vagina. Usually, \"good\" bacteria (lactobacilli) outnumber \"bad\" bacteria (anaerobes). But if there are too many anaerobic bacteria, they upset the natural balance of microorganisms in your vagina and cause bacterial vaginosis.
- Your vagina is riddled with bacteria, but dont worrymost of them are harmless and fall into a category called lactobacilli, also known as the good kind of bacteria. As mentioned, bacterial vaginosis occurs when the anaerobe bacteria in the vagina multiply to the point where they disrupt the normally lactobacilli-dominated environment. This usually happens because something has …
- Bacteria that dominate the vaginal flora in a BV infection include Gardnerella vaginalis or Mobiluncus, although other bacteria, such as Escherichia coli from the rectum have also been shown to cause the disease. The overgrowth of these harmful bacteria are at the expense of the protective bacteria lactobacilli, which secrete a natural disinfectant, hydrogen peroxide, that mai…
Diagnosis
- In addition to the history and vaginal examination, microscopic examination is vital to the clinical diagnosis of BV.On microscopic examination of the discharge, demonstration of 3 of the following 4 Amsel criteria is considered necessary to diagnose BV most accurately : 1. Demonstration of clue cells on a saline smear (the most specific diagnostic criterion) 2. A pH gr…
- 1. Other vaginal infections - eg, candida, trichomoniasis, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, herpes simplex. 2. Other benign causes of vaginal discharge - eg, physiological discharge, chemical irritants, foreign body, pregnancy, cervical ectropion. 3. Tumours of the vulva, vagina, cervix, or endometrium. 4. Postmenopausal vaginal discharge due to atrophic vaginitis. 5. Vaginal dischar…
- To diagnose bacterial vaginosis, your doctor may: 1. Ask questions about your medical history. Your doctor may ask about any previous vaginal infections or sexually transmitted infections. 2. Perform a pelvic exam. During a pelvic exam, your doctor visually examines your vagina for signs of infection, and inserts two fingers into your vagina while pressing on your abdomen with the ot…
- BV is diagnosed through a examination of the vagina by a health care provider. A woman who suspects that she may have BV should not douche or use a feminine hygiene spray before the appointment with the health care provider. Laboratory tests are conducted on a sample of the vaginal fluid to see if the bacteria present are those associated with BV. The health care provide…
Complications
- Bacterial vaginosis doesn't generally cause complications. Sometimes, having bacterial vaginosis may lead to: 1. Preterm birth. In pregnant women, bacterial vaginosis is linked to premature deliveries and low birth weight babies. 2. Sexually transmitted infections. Having bacterial vaginosis makes women more susceptible to sexually transmitted infections, such as HIV, herpe…
- 1. Endometritis and pelvic inflammatory disease after TOP. 2. BV can increase the risk of acquiring and transmitting HIV and other STIs. 3. In pregnancy, BV is associated with various complications including: 1. Late miscarriage. 2. Preterm delivery. 3. Premature rupture of membranes. 4. Low birth weight. 5. Postpartum endometritis.There is, however, no evidence for …
Management
- General principles of treatment of BV include the following: 1. Antibiotics are the mainstay of therapy 2. Data on the efficacy of dietary supplementation with Lactobacillus (acidophilus) are conflicting 3. Asymptomatic women with G vaginalis colonization do not need treatment 4. BV occurring in pregnant women should be treated 5. Treatment before cesarean delivery, total abd…
- 1. Advise avoidance of vaginal douching. 2. Advise against the use of shower gel, and use of bubble bath, antiseptic agents or shampoo in the bath. 3. Asymptomatic women usually do not need treatment, unless they are pregnant. If they are having a TOP, treatment beforehand is appropriate to reduce risk of complications. If there are additional risks of preterm birth, asympt…
Risk Factors
- Risk factors for bacterial vaginosis include: 1. Having multiple sex partners or a new sex partner. Doctors don't fully understand the link between sexual activity and bacterial vaginosis, but the condition occurs more often in women who have multiple sex partners or a new sex partner. Bacterial vaginosis also occurs more frequently in women who have sex with women. 2. Douchi…
Epidemiology
- According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, bacterial vaginosis is the most common vaginal infection in women in their late teens to middle 40s.3...
- 1. BV is the most common cause of pathological vaginal discharge in women of child-bearing age. 2. Reported prevalence rates vary widely. In the past, prevalence has been reported as 5% in a group of asymptomatic college students, 12% in pregnant women attending an antenatal clinic, 30% in women undergoing termination of pregnancy (TOP) and up to 50% in rural Uganda. 3. Pre…
Causes
- Bacterial vaginosis is a vaginal infection caused by an overgrowth of bacteria. The vagina naturally has an environment containing good and bad bacteria. In cases of bacterial vaginosis, there is an excess of bad bacteria. This throws the vaginal environment out of balance.
Treatment
- Bacterial vaginosis is a common condition that many women can get, regardless of whether or not theyve had sex. Home remedies can be used to treat and prevent it. Some may be more effective than others. These treatments likely wont be as effective as prescription medications. But many come without some of the side effects prescription medications can cause. There are …
Benefits
- Yogurt is a natural probiotic. This means that it has plenty of healthy bacteria in it. According to the Mayo Clinic, eating yogurt may help introduce healthy bacteria back into the body. This helps establish a balanced vaginal environment, and could help fight off the bad bacteria. To get the full benefits, eat at least one serving of yogurt per day. A 2003 study found that about 1 ounce of hy…
Uses
- Tea tree oil has powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help treat bacterial vaginosis. One small study reported successful treatment of bacterial vaginosis with only tea tree oil.
Preparation
- Essential oils like tea tree oil need to be diluted with a carrier oil such as coconut, sweet almond, or olive oil. Choose an oil you know you are not allergic to and mix 5 to 10 drops of tea tree oil in 1 ounce of carrier oil. Do not use tea tree oil without mixing it with a carrier oil first as it can burn tender skin.
Risks
- Many people are allergic to tea tree oil. Before you try this home remedy test a small amount of the diluted oil on your skin before using on your tender vaginal tissue. If there is no reaction in 24 to 48 hours, it should be safe to use. Its safe to use in the vagina and has been found to be as effective as some medical approaches to treatment. However, note that boric acid is not edible; …
Safety
- Tea tree is an essential oil and not monitored for safety, quality, or purity by the FDA. Make sure to buy it from a reputable source.
Prevention
- To help your bacterial vaginosis heal quickly and to prevent future cases, wear cotton underwear thats breathable. Also, dont wear tight pants. According to Womens Health, using condoms can reduce your risk of bacterial vaginosis. Meanwhile, having new or multiple sexual partners can increase your risk. Because of this, always use condoms, especially with new sexual partners. T…