Do you want to get rid of bacterial vaginosis fast? Look! Bacterial vaginosis is a common infection in women and can have long effects if it’s not treated early. So, we cover here BV remedies, causes, symptoms, and preventions of this common bacterial infection.
It is not abnormal for a healthy vagina to have bacteria. Certain bacteria protect the vagina and keep it healthy; these are called Lactobacilli.
However, there are other bacteria present which can are considered harmful to the vagina and these are called Anaerobes.
Needless to say, the presence of “harmful” bacteria should not outweigh the presence of the “good” bacteria.
When this happens and there is a change in the balance of bacteria, it can lead to bacterial vaginosis (BV).
What is Bacterial Vaginosis?
BV is the most common type of infection amongst women within childbearing age.
This means women between the ages of 15-44 years are more likely to have this infection.
You should note that bacterial vaginosis alone poses no serious threats to your health but when left untreated.
It can lead to certain complications. These complications can lead to a breakdown of the immune system thereby increasing your vulnerability to infection.
This means these complications will most likely increase your chances of having HIV.
Untreated BV also increases your chances of having a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
This includes simplex virus, herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and human papillomavirus (HPV).
Bacterial Vaginosis During Pregnancy
BV can lead to the following during pregnancy:
- Loss of pregnancy
- Amniotic sac breaking open too early
- Pre-term delivery
- Postpartum Endometritis; which simply means the inflammation of the lining of the uterus after delivery.
BV during pregnancy can also cause damage to the fallopian tubes which is known as Tubal factor infertility.
It can also lead to Chorioamnionitis. This is inflammation of the membranes surrounding the fetus which is known as the chorion and the amnion
These complications go to prove why it should be treated as soon as possible.
In addition, BV can increase the risk of having a pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
Pelvic inflammatory diseases are infections of reproductive organs in women. PID can lead to infertility and ultimately death.
Fortunately, vaginosis can be treated naturally at home. These treatments are widely known as Bacterial Vaginosis home remedies.
Bacterial Vaginosis Causes
As earlier stated, BV occurs as a result of the different “good” bacteria getting outnumbered by the “bad” bacteria in the vagina.
This leads to a change in the natural balance of the microorganisms present in the vagina.
There are different factors that can also lead to BV. They are:
Douching
Douching can lead to BV because it disturbs and upsets the natural balance of the bacteria in the vagina.
This disturbance can lead to different changes which create an enabling environment for the growth of more “bad” bacteria in the vagina.
Also, you should note that the Vagina has its own self-cleaning mechanism.
It is important you avoid douching to prevent or get rid of Bacterial Vaginosis.
Natural Lack of Good Bacteria
Bacterial Vaginosis can also occur as a result of a lack of good bacteria in the vagina and this can lead to a change in your vaginal environment.
This is why it is important to stay healthy and ensure you eat healthy meals in order to prevent this.
Smoking
Smoking is not a healthy habit because it does more harm than good to the body.
Studies have shown that there is a connection between smoking and Bacterial Vaginosis.
This is because smoking increases the risk of having Bacterial Vaginosis.
Also, smoking increases the bacteriophage amounts of lactobacillus which can eventually lead to Bacterial Vaginosis.
Using Lubricants and Perfume
When using lubricants and/or perfume during intercourse can irritate your vagina and this can lead to Bacterial Vaginosis.
Therefore, avoid lubricants that contain perfume to prevent the occurrence of Bacterial Vaginosis.
Multiple Sex Partners
Having multiple sex partners is not a healthy habit because you are only exposing yourself to different illnesses.
Also, it has been discovered that Bacterial Vaginosis occurs more often in women with a new sex partner or multiple sex partners.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes can definitely lead to different changes in your body. One of these changes can be Bacterial Vaginosis.
Hormonal changes are natural and cannot be really avoided. However, one can put in some effort to manage these changes.
These efforts include eating healthy, having quality sleep, exercise, avoiding stress as much as possible and drinking lots of water.
Bacterial Vaginosis Infection Symptoms
Most women hardly experience any of the symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis.
However, some women can experience the following symptoms listed below:
- Burning feeling when you pee.
- Fishy smell that gets stronger after sex.
- Thin white, gray or green discharge.
- Watery discharge.
- Itching around the opening of the vagina.
Is BV a Sexually Transmitted Disease?
Vaginosis is not a sexually transmitted disease although the chances of you having bacterial vaginosis increase when you have multiple sexual partners.
You should also note that you don’t need to have sex before having Bacterial Vaginosis.
Also, Bacterial Vaginosis does not spread like a sexually transmitted infection.
Having BV however, can increase your chances of getting other sexually transmitted diseases.
Furthermore, there is no over the counter bacterial vaginosis treatment.
Ensure you consult your Doctor or physician before using any medicine as a bacterial vaginosis remedy.
10 Bacterial Vaginosis Remedies: Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention
Here are several solutions to BV that you can give a try.
1. Hydrogen Peroxide for BV
This is one of the most effective bacterial vaginosis remedies.
Hydrogen peroxide is one of the popular home remedies of bacterial vaginosis and also reputedly has little or no side effects.
This bacterial vaginosis remedy is a considerably cheap method of treatment.
A study which was conducted in 2003 suggests that about one ounce of hydrogen peroxide. When used daily for a week, can help to get rid of bacterial vaginosis.
2. Tinidazole (Tindamax)
This is a medicine that is taken orally.
To avoid stomach upset, nausea and abdominal pain, ensure you avoid alcohol while on this medicine.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar for BV
Some natural healers have suggested that apple cider vinegar can help get rid of Bacterial Vaginosis.
A study which was conducted in 2017, revealed how effective apple cider vinegar can be for treating a Bacterial Vaginosis infection.
Another study in 2016, revealed that lactic acid-based treatments may be beneficial in treating Bacterial Vaginosis. And one of the major components of apple cider vinegar is lactic acid.
Apple cider vinegar also contains some antimicrobial properties which are good for getting rid of Bacterial Vaginosis infections.
Experts suggest that rinsing your vulva with diluted apple cider vinegar and water can help get rid of the symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis.
Read Also: How to Get Rid of a UTI in 24 Hours: 6 UTI Remedies
4. Practice Good Hygiene
This is one of the best Bacterial Vaginosis treatments. Good hygiene can help prevent and treat Bacterial Vaginosis.
Always wipe from front to back. This is to prevent contamination from stool because the anus and vagina are close to each other.
Also, ensure you change the pad or tampon several times during your period.
Clean your sex toys with soap and warm water before and after using them.
5. Probiotics for BV
These are live microorganisms that when consumed, are beneficial to your health. Probiotics can be in liquid or pill form.
You should ensure your probiotics also contain “food” for the bacteria. In most cases, the major ingredients are pectin, cellulose, and inulin.
You can make use of probiotics food like yogurt as a BV remedy. Yogurt is a natural probiotic.
Eating yogurt can introduce and increase healthy bacteria in your body. This can help create a balanced vaginal environment in your body.
Also, this can help fight the “bad” bacteria in the body. To enjoy the benefits of using yogurt, ensure you take at least one serving of yogurt per day.
6. Metronidazole
This one of the most effective treatments for bacterial vaginosis infection.
Metronidazole can be taken either orally as a pill or in special cases, applied directly inside the vagina.
For the oral treatment, you are to take 500 mg of the drug twice a day for seven days.
You should note that for the vaginal treatment there are no side effects.
To avoid serious side effects as regards oral application, you should not take this medicine with alcohol.
Because it can lead to palpitation, chest pain, flushing, low blood pressure, and vertigo.
There are also other not so serious side effects of this medicine which are: nausea, metallic taste in the mouth and temporary low blood count.
Read Also: How to Get Rid of Period Cramps-7 Menstrual Cramps Relief Hacks
7. Clindamycin for BV
This is another BV remedies. This is a cream that should be applied inside the vagina before bedtime.
It should be applied inside the vagina for seven days.
To avoid condom breakage, clindamycin should not be applied with latex condoms.
It can also be taken as a pill for seven days.
8. Wear Breathable Pants
One of the home remedies for getting rid of BV is to wear breathable cotton pants.
This will prevent air from getting trapped in your vagina.
To prevent the occurrence or reoccurrence of Bacterial Vaginosis or yeast infection, ensure you stay away from pants made out of materials that are not cotton.
9. Use Essential Oil
Essential oils such as tea tree oil, lavender oil, neem oil and oil of oregano can be used as one of the bacterial vaginosis remedies.
This is another effective way to get rid of bacterial vaginosis without antibiotics.
A little study was conducted which shows that treating with tea tree oil can help get rid of bacterial vaginosis.
However, you should avoid the using essential oil directly on your skin.
So, ensure you use a small amount of diluted Tea tree oil with a carrier oil ( coconut oil or olive oil) on your skin before applying it on your tender vaginal tissue.
Ingredients
- Tea tree
- Carrier oil e.g olive oil
- Tampon
Directions
To treat Bacterial Vaginosis with tea tree oil,
- Soak your tampon with Tea tree oil
- Dilute it with a carrier oil.
- Then, insert it inside your vagina and remove it after an hour.
- You can repeat this a few times a day.
Warning: Never sleep with a diluted Tea tree tampon inside your vagina.
Ensure you get Tea tree oil ( Order here )from an authorized seller to prevent getting a fake product.
10. Boric Acid for BV
This also serves as a good BV remedy.
Boric acid can be inserted into the vagina every night for two weeks to treat Bacterial Vaginosis infection.
It is quite safe to insert it inside your vagina and it is an effective approach one can utilize to get rid of BV.
After taking one of these bacterial vaginosis remedies, you might be wondering how long it will take for Bacterial vaginosis to go away.
Bacterial Vaginosis usually clears off within 2 to 3 days with antibiotics. Order fo Boric Acid on Amazon
However, you should continue the treatment as recommended by the Doctor.
Bacterial Vaginosis Prevention
Practice the following tips below to avoid BV.
- Use Mild Soap
Soaps can facilitate the increase of an infection. These scented or bubble soaps have chemicals that can irritate the vagina and this can lead to Bacterial Vaginosis.
- Use Unscented Tampons and Pads
Ensure you make use of unscented tampons and pads.
Because scented tampons can irritate your vagina which can lead to Bacterial Vaginosis.
Also, ensure you change your pad or tampons often in order to reduce the risk of inflammation.
- Wear Cotton Underwear
Cotton underwear is one of the best ways to avoid BV infection. Cotton underwear allows your vagina to breathe.
This helps to keep the vagina free of excessive moisture.
It also makes you feel comfortable while reducing the risk of Bacterial Vaginosis and yeast infection.
- Keep Your Workout Light
Your vagina tends to sweat more when you engage in heavy exercise.
Ensure your workout is light which will prevent excess moisture. And reduce the risk of having BV or a yeast infection.
- Limit your Number of Sex Partners
Having multiple sex partners can increase your risk of having several infections; chief among which is BV.
- Support your Immune System
Avoid stress, get adequate sleep and eat healthy meals to boost your immune system in order to help prevent and fight away infection.
Related Post– How to Use Tea Tree Oil for Yeast Infection Treatment
Suggested Products for BV
Other Suggested Products for Bacterial Vaginosis Treatment
Conclusion
Now you have them the bacterial vaginosis home remedies, causes, symptoms, and preventions. Try them now before any complications.
Note– Consult your Doctor for diagnosis before using any of these home remedies. Never take medicine without your Doctor’s authorization.
Leave a comment below if you have any questions. Stay healthy
