Home remedies for bacterial vaginosis
By Zawn Villines
Reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson,
PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT
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.
The most common symptom of BV
is a foul-smelling, fishy odor coming from the vagina. Some women also
experience itching, burning, or an unusual gray discharge.
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
- stop it returning
1.
Know when to see a doctor
The vagina is home to a
complex colony of organisms that maintain vaginal health and its chemical pH.
When vaginal pH or bacteria change, the vagina is more vulnerable to
infections, including BV.
A BV infection suggests that
something has upset the balance of the vaginal chemistry. Addressing this
underlying cause can help treat it and reduce the risk of it returning.
BV rarely causes serious
symptoms, so most women who want to try home remedies for bacterial vaginosis
can safely do so. 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. Moreover, some home remedies for BV, such as the use of essential oils, may not be safe for pregnant women.
- There are other symptoms: A burning sensation during urination, intense pain, blood discharge, or similar symptoms may suggest something other than BV.
- They develop a fever: This also points to another infection.
- They experience intense burning or itching.
- Home remedies have failed: Some other infections can mimic BV. Untreated, these infections can get much worse.
- They are unsure whether the problem is BV: Women with a history of recurring yeast infections, for example, should see a doctor before beginning home treatment. Some companies now sell over-the-counter vaginal tests, which may be an option for women unsure of the cause of their symptoms.
In most cases, a doctor can
easily diagnose BV. A short course of antibiotics should clear up the
infection. These antibiotics rarely produce significant side effects.
2.
Know how sex can cause bacterial vaginosis
BV can spread between sexual
partners. So, a woman who thinks she has BV should abstain from sex, or
practice safer sex with a condom, until the infection is gone.
Sexual practices that disrupt
the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina may also trigger an outbreak of
BV. Strategies that lower the risk include:
- Never transition from anal to vaginal sex: This can transfer fecal material to the vagina, causing BV. Change condoms before going from anal to vaginal intercourse, and never place anything in the vagina that has been in the anus without washing with soap and warm water.
- Using a condom during sexual intercourse: When semen mixes with vaginal fluids, it can make the smell of an existing BV infection worse.
- Urinating immediately after intercourse: After urinating, rinse the vagina and vulva with clear water. In some women, sexual fluids and lubricants change the delicate pH balance of the vagina, making them more vulnerable to a BV infection.
Condoms may be purchased
over-the-counter or online.
3.
Use safe hygiene practices
Because BV can cause a
foul-smelling odor, many women mistakenly believe it is due to poor hygiene.
This is a myth.
The vagina is a self-cleaning
organ that does not require douches, soaps, or perfumes. In fact, the use of
these products can alter vaginal pH. This increases vulnerability to BV and may
produce a foul-smelling odor in itself.
To reduce the risk and avoid
exacerbating an existing infection:
- Avoid using any scented products on the vagina, including scented tampons or soaps. Various brands of safe, unscented soaps can be purchased online.
- Do not douche, as this alters vaginal chemistry and can use scented products that may cause irritation.
- Wash the vagina with water only and never insert soap into the vagina. It is usually safe to use unscented soap on the vulva.
- Wear breathable cotton underwear.
- Wipe from front to back, as this will avoid sweeping fecal matter into the vagina. Never use objects that have been in the anus, such as sex toys, in the vagina.
- Keep the vaginal area dry. Avoid sitting in wet swimwear or underwear, and gently pat the vagina dry after a shower.
- Wash hands before touching the vagina, especially if inserting objects, such as tampons or menstrual cups.
4.
Try a probiotic
Probiotics help the body grow
beneficial bacteria. These can fight unhealthy bacteria and fungi, such as
yeast.
Natural probiotics can support
the bacterial colony that keeps the vagina healthy. These include:
- yogurt
- fermented foods
- some cottage cheeses
A probiotic supplement may
also help. Compare various probiotic supplements online.
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.
Try an alternative remedy
Increasingly, researchers are
taking seriously the power of folk medicine to fight BV. A person may want to
consider one of the following strategies:
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.
Apple cider vinegar is available in different forms, including as a supplement.
Garlic
Some research suggests that
garlic is a natural antibacterial. Adding it to the diet or taking a garlic
supplement can reduce the risk of BV.
However, it is important that
it is only eaten. People should not insert garlic into the vagina, as it will
burn the tender skin.
Boric acid
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. Women who used boric acid had higher cure
rates than those who did not. The study cautions, however, that further
research is needed to validate this as a home remedy for BV.
Before considering purchasing
boric acid suppositries, seek advice from a doctor if considering any.
Pregnant women should not use
home remedies.
Tea tree oil
A limited body of research
suggests that application of tea tree oil might treat symptoms of BV. It may
also help some other infections, such as yeast.
People can be allergic to tea
tree oil. To test for a reaction, rub a little on the forearm. If there is no
reaction in 24-48 hours, it may be useful. However, the oil can burn.
Importantly, people should remember that it is not safe for pregnant women.
Women considering purchasing tea tree oil treatments should consult a doctor
first.
SOURCE:
MEDICAL NEWS TODAY
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