Bacterial vaginosis is a mild infection of
the vagina caused by bacteria. Normally, there are a lot of "good"
bacteria and some "bad" bacteria in the vagina. The good types help
control the growth of the bad types. In women with bacterial vaginosis, the
balance is upset. There are not enough good bacteria and too many bad bacteria.
Bacterial vaginosis is usually a mild problem that may go away on its own in a
few days. But it can lead to more serious problems.
Causes
Bacterial vaginosis is caused by an imbalance
of the organisms (flora) that naturally exist in the vagina. Normally, about
95% of vaginal flora are lactobacillus bacteria. (These types are unique to
humans, different from the lactobacillus in yogurt.) These lactobacilli help
keep the vaginal pH level low and prevent overgrowth of other types of
organisms. Women with bacterial vaginosis have fewer lactobacillus organisms
than normal and more of other types of bacteria. Experts do not yet understand
what causes this imbalance. Although the specific cause isn't known, a number
of health and lifestyle factors have been linked to bacterial vaginosis.
Symptoms
Many women with bacterial vaginosis do not
have any symptoms. Bacterial vaginosis does not typically cause itching. But it
does cause:
- An excessive grayish white vaginal discharge, unlike normal vaginal
discharge. Some women describe the discharge as "yellow."
- A bothersome "fishy" odor, which is usually worse after sex (intercourse). Other conditions with similar symptoms include some sexually transmitted infections (especially trichomoniasis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea) and vaginal yeast infection.
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.
Yoghurt
Dip a tampon
in plain yoghurt and insert it in your vagina to get rid of bacterial
infection. Yoghurt contains natural bacteria, which help to balance the pH
level of the vagina while eliminating the infection. You can also eat plain
yoghurt at least twice a day.
3. Tea
Tree Oil
Tea tree oil
is an herbal remedy to treat bacterial vaginosis at home. Mix a few drops of
tea tree oil in the lukewarm water and rinse your vagina with this solution.
Tea tree oil is a natural anti-bacterial that is very effective in reducing
bacterial infection in the vagina.
4. Garlic
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
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.
6. 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.
7. Milk
& Turmeric
Mix a
teaspoon of turmeric powder in a glass of lukewarm milk, and drink it every day
till the symptoms subside completely.
8.
Margosa Leaves
Margosa is
an effective natural cure for bacterial infection. Crush a handful of margosa
leaves in some water to form a paste. Apply this paste on your vagina and leave
it for some time. Repeat this remedy at least twice a day in order to get
relief.
9.
Calendula
Make
calendula tea by boiling it in some water. Now, soak a clean cloth in it and
gently rub it into your vagina. It will give you relief from the inflammation
caused due to bacterial infection.
10. Black
Walnut
You can
apply black walnut tincture to cure bacterial vaginosis. Black walnut has great
antiseptic, as well as anti-parasitic properties; therefore, it is effective in
healing the infection of the vagina.
11.
Golden Seal
Goldenseal
is a powerful remedy to treat the bacterial infection in the vagina. You can
apply it as a tincture in order to get rid of the problem fast.
12.
Echinacea
You can also
take Echinacea supplement in order to heal the bacterial infection quickly.
13. Boric
Acid Suppositories
Boric acid
also works a lot in curing the ailment. You can insert boric acid suppositories
in your vagina for getting quick relief. Take a 0 sized gel capsule and fill it
with 500 mg of boric acid to make your own boric acid suppositories.
14.
Citrus Fruits
Drink juices
of or eat citrus fruits, such as lemons, grapefruits or oranges. These fruits
are abundant in vitamin C and strengthen your immune system to keep you away
from all sorts of infections.
15.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen
peroxide works as a natural disinfectant and helps to eradicate the bad
bacteria and other inflammatory agents that cause bacterial vaginosis. Mix 3%
hydrogen peroxide with equal quantity of water. You can use this solution as a
douche. Else, apply it to a tampon and insert in the vagina. Don’t let the
tampon inserted for more than 30 minutes.
16.
Over-the-counter Medications
Metronidazole
and Tinidazole are two antibiotics that are very effective in curing the
bacterial vaginosis. You can also apply vaginal cream, known as Clindamycin.
17. Warm
Water Bath
A bath with
warm water helps to soothe the tissues of the vagina, thereby, preventing
infection.
REMEMBER
Things that
increase your risk of getting bacterial vaginosis include:
- Having more than one sex partner or
having a new sex partner.
- Smoking.
- Douching.
- Not using condoms.