Vaginal Cream: Uses, Types, and How to Apply
Bacterial Vaginosis Is Really Common – Here's Why The Infection Happens And How To Treat It
People are talking about BV on TikTok, and we're here for it.
Discussing discharge is not easy. For something that is produced by our vaginas naturally, we seem to have an issue with speaking about it openly.
TikTok is determined to change that. Armed with fifteen second clips and catchy viral sounds, creators on TikTok have been using the platform to break down the stigma surrounding bacterial vaginosis (BV) – a vaginal infection which can cause fishy smelling discharge. After all, 1 in 3 women will get BV at least once in their lifetime, so we might as well start feeling comfortable talking about vaginal odour.
With the #BV having 982.4 million views on TikTok alone, videos range from medical experts advising how to spot the symptoms to women talking about their own personal experiences and remedies. Most importantly, these creators are helping women everywhere feel less alone in their struggles with their discharge.
For years, women have been made to feel embarrassed about their discharge. Jokes about fishy vaginas have often meant women who suffer from BV lose self esteem and often withdraw from their sex lives.
Bacterial vaginosis (BV, for short) is a super common vaginal infection that can lead to vaginal odours, itching, down there and excessive discharge.
Despite its ubiquity – 1 in 3 of you will experience it, at some point – it's also something we don't talk about enough. A survey from Canesten Intimate Health found that 52% of women didn't have a clue what bacterial vaginosis was, despite their high chance of dealing with it.
If that sounds like you (it's okay, no shame here) then you've come to the right place. We've got the BV all-you-need-to-know guide, so we can all get on the same page.
How do you get bacterial vaginosis?Let's get one thing straight: bacterial vaginosis is common. So common, in fact, that it's twice as prevalent as thrush.
CanesBalance Canesbalance Bacterial Vaginosis Vaginal Singleuse Gel, Pack of 7
CanesBalance Canesbalance Bacterial Vaginosis Vaginal Singleuse Gel, Pack of 7
Credit: AmazonSo, why does it happen? BV occurs when the natural balance of bacteria in your vagina goes amiss. Instead of all your good bacteria leading the way, the bad stuff gets on top, making what should be a slightly acidic environment more alkaline – triggering the likes of a bacterial vaginosis infection, and reducing the effectiveness of your vagina's naturally protective mucus.
Canestest Canestest Self Test for Vaginal InfectionsHelps Diagnose Common Vaginal Infections Including Thrush & Bacterial VaginosisClinically Tested with 90% Accuracy - 1 Swab
Canestest Canestest Self Test for Vaginal InfectionsHelps Diagnose Common Vaginal Infections Including Thrush & Bacterial VaginosisClinically Tested with 90% Accuracy - 1 Swab
Credit: .Some of the common culprits behind bacterial vaginosis include:
That's the million-dollar question. Why? Because, as we've said already, everyone is different and 50% of women don't experience symptoms of bacterial vaginosis at all.
General symptoms are:
Not sure if your symptoms are ticking the box? Or, worried you may have symptomless BV? Check in with your GP, try on online symptom checker or invest in an over-the-counter product such as the Canestest.
Can I get BV from sex?'BV is not a sexually transmitted disease,' says consultant gynaecologist at London Gynaecology, Ash Alam. 'It's an overgrowth of bacteria and has similar symptoms to thrush though thrush is an overgrowth of yeast.'
Can not having regular sex cause bacterial vaginosis?Bacterial vaginosis is more common in people who are sexually active – 85 percent of women who get BV are also getting some. The reason being that semen is naturally alkaline.
Therefore, having a new sexual partner or having multiple partners can cause a bout of BV, as can not using a condom, receiving oral sex, or having anal sex before vaginal intercourse without using a new protective barrier.
Note: BV cannot be passed on to men, but it can be passed between women.
Can birth control cause bacterial vaginosis?
We've all heard the rumours – but is there any truth in them?'Some people believe that their contraceptive can affect the prevalence of the BV,' says gynaecologist Tania Adib. 'And yes, this is true. However, this depends on the type of contraception you use as some can actually reduce your risk of getting BV.'
Canestest Canestest Self Test for Vaginal InfectionsHelps Diagnose Common Vaginal Infections Including Thrush & Bacterial VaginosisClinically Tested with 90% Accuracy - 1 Swab
Canestest Canestest Self Test for Vaginal InfectionsHelps Diagnose Common Vaginal Infections Including Thrush & Bacterial VaginosisClinically Tested with 90% Accuracy - 1 Swab
Credit: .So, before you consider coming off the contraceptive pill, it's been scientifically shown that women who take a hormonal contraceptive are less likely to get bacterial vaginosis. The catch? If you use an IUD, you're not included.
'Women who use an intrauterine device such as a coil, can be more susceptible to having BV due to the possible increased bacteria as a result of the coil's presence in the vagina, as well as the change in menstrual bleeding, which can onset bacterial vaginosis,' Adib says.
How can I treat BV at home?Generally you can get over the counter medication in terms of acidic gels which restore the normal pH balance of your vagina. However Alam advises to look at your lifestyle. 'You can treat BV by changing what you're washing your body with and making sure you're not using any perfumed soaps.
What's the best treatment for bacterial vaginosis?So, bacterial vaginosis can go away by itself – but, if you're in the 50% experiencing fishy odours and grey discharge, chances are you won't want to wait.
Your GP or a sexual health clinic should be able to prescribe a course of antibiotics tablets, or a treatment cream or gel (watch out, as these can weaken the latex in condoms).
What is the best natural cure for bacterial vaginosis?Prefer to do things au naturel? Well, if you're asking yourself 'Can probiotics treat bacterial vaginosis?' or 'Does yoghurt cure bacterial vaginosis?', read on.
'Whilst people do talk about natural remedies for BV such as treating the area with apple cider vinegar or tea tree oil, I would advise against this, as there is little evidence to say that these work – and, if you are not applying them in a sterile environment, it could worsen the condition or cause it to recur,' says Adib.
'I have also heard of women using live yoghurt in and around their vagina, however, I would not recommend this either. Women may use it with the idea that it contains lactobacilli (a type of friendly bacteria) however, a lot of the time the yoghurt will not contain the bacteria specifically needed by the vagina.
'I would recommend for women to use a proper, manufactured probiotic treatment with lactobacilli already in it that is sterile and suitable to use. These can often be found as capsules that are inserted into the vagina directly or taken orally.'
What is the reason that I keep getting bacterial vaginosis?You've had BV, got it treated, but, damn, it's back. You're not alone. Up to 72 percent of women will get a recurrence of bacterial vaginosis within seven months.
Those triggers will be the same as before, so your best bet at keeping this condition at bay is to identify what does it for you. Is it semen? Abstain. (Jokes). Try using a condom.
Are you using 'intimate hygiene' products? Follow our guide on how to clean your vagina, instead. Have you been fitted with an IUD? It can double the risk of BV in certain women; perhaps consider an alternative form of contraception.
Gynaecologist Ash Alam explains, 'no one has truly found the one cause for BV so therefore this could be happening for multiple reasons. So a few things to try is to change to an alternative body wash that is not perfumed, don't douche and generally look after your vaginal health.'
Stress can also be a cause for BV so looking after your mental health is also key.
Can BV affect my fertility?
The good news is that there's no evidence to show that bacterial vaginosis negatively impacts fertility so, if you are one of the unlucky ones, who suffers from repeat episodes, and you're wanting to start a family, you'll be no worse off.
The only instance when BV could cause a problem, is if you are pregnant. Then it's best to get seen by a medical expert as a) you might need a slightly different treatment to usual; and b) it may increase your risk of miscarriage symptoms, premature birth or having a low-weight baby.
Best Over-the-counter (OTC) Drugs For Common Ailments
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Generated by cloudfront (CloudFront) Request ID: FgcBZJ5fv-gzwCGifB06IbvBU-sbddzVQYcO0iqoSobeaNUaR_cIeQ==How To Treat Psoriasis: An Overview Of The Available Options
There are many different treatments for psoriasis, including topical therapy, systemic therapy, and light therapy. The severity of the condition and personal preference will affect which treatment combination is best for a person.
Treatment options help manage symptoms and prevent the condition from worsening.
This article explains the different types of medical and over-the-counter treatments available for psoriasis and how they work. It also answers some frequently asked questions (FAQs).
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), there is no best treatment for psoriasis. However, a person can work with a dermatologist to determine which options are best for them.
Treatment aims to:
Topical creams can help alleviate symptoms.
Learn more about lotions, creams, and ointments for psoriasis.
EmollientsEmollients are an important treatment option for psoriasis. They provide intense moisture to support dry skin, which can help prevent irritation. They can also help improve the function of other topical medications.
However, they do not work by themselves. Instead, a person will need to use these alongside other treatment options for psoriasis.
Learn more about emollients and how to use them.
CorticosteroidsSuitable for mild or moderate psoriasis, corticosteroids can help:
They are available in different strengths. A person can purchase mild corticosteroids without a prescription. A dermatologist can prescribe stronger corticosteroids, depending on a person's treatment needs.
Learn more about steroid creams and psoriasis.
Synthetic vitamin DApplying synthetic vitamin D can help:
The AAD notes that a dermatologist may combine this medication with topical corticosteroids if a person needs stronger medication.
Synthetic vitamin D is suitable for treating psoriasis in most people, including children. A person may notice an improvement in symptoms after 2 weeks.
Topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs)It is important to note that this medication was originally intended to treat eczema. However, a dermatologist may prescribe TCIs off-label.
TCIs can treat psoriasis that affects more delicate skin areas, such as the face, neck, and body folds.
Although TCIs have a good safety record, they are newer medications and long-term safety is unknown.
Salicylic acidSalicylic acid is a keratolytic agent that helps remove the rough scale associated with psoriasis. It is available in a variety of over-the-counter (OTC) treatments.
A dermatologist may recommend salicylic acid alongside corticosteroids.
This medication is not suitable for treating psoriasis in children. Pregnant people should speak with a dermatologist before using salicylic acid.
Topical retinoidsRetinoids are derivatives of vitamin A. They are useful for maintaining psoriasis at a manageable level. It helps normalize the level of cell turnover in the skin of a person with psoriasis.
Topical retinoids help:
A combination of topical retinoids and corticosteroids can provide effective results and may result in longer remission.
Roflumilast creamThis cream can help treat mild, moderate, and severe psoriasis. It is also suitable to treat psoriasis that affects the skin folds, or inverse psoriasis.
It can help treat psoriasis in both children and adults and is safe to apply once a day, as long as a person needs it.
Tapinarof creamTapinarof cream can treat mild, moderate, and severe psoriasis in adults.
People may notice that their psoriasis improves after 12 weeks of use.
Coal tarThe AAD notes that coal tar is present in many psoriasis treatments. It is cheaper than other treatment types, and a person can use it long term.
It can help:
A dermatologist may suggest coal tar as a stand-alone treatment or alongside other medications in a treatment plan.
Learn more about coal tar for psoriasis.
AnthralinAnthralin is a type of cream that reduces the inflammatory processes that trigger psoriasis. A doctor may prescribe anthralin in the form of short-contact anthralin therapy (SCAT), where treatment is of high concentrations.
A 2017 article notes that the use of anthralin has declined in recent years in favor of newer treatments.
Phototherapy exposes a person's skin to ultraviolet light under medical supervision.
There are two main types of phototherapy — ultraviolet light B (UVB) and ultraviolet light A (UVA). The AAD notes that most people undergo UVB phototherapy.
UVB phototherapy can help:
People should not apply salicylic acid before undergoing phototherapy treatment. Salicylic acid can decrease the efficacy of UVB phototherapy.
Learn more about light therapy for psoriasis.
If a person's condition requires stronger treatment, a dermatologist may suggest medications that work throughout the body.
There are a variety of oral and injectable medications that help alleviate symptoms of psoriasis:
There are many ways to help manage symptoms of psoriasis at home, including over-the-counter treatments that a person can buy.
A person can use emollient creams at home to help treat psoriasis. Some treatments contain active ingredients, such as coal tar, hydrocortisone, and salicylic acid.
These ingredients are often in the forms of:
A doctor or dermatologist will create an individualized treatment plan. This will help create the most effective way to relieve a person's symptoms.
Some things a dermatologist may consider include:
People should also discuss any potential risks and side effects with a dermatologist.
A person will not be able to treat psoriasis using natural remedies alone. However, when used alongside medical treatment options, they may be able to help relieve symptoms.
It is important that a person checks with their dermatologist prior to starting any natural treatments alongside their current treatments.
Herbal remedies may have dangerous interactions with medications that a person is not aware of. For example, those taking cyclosporine should avoid a herb called St. John's Wort.
Herbal remedies may also be inappropriate for people with certain conditions, such as high blood pressure.
The National Psoriasis Foundation notes that the following integrative approaches may be beneficial for psoriasis:
However, more research is necessary to confirm the safety and efficacy of natural treatment options.
Learn more about 12 home remedies for treating psoriasis.
The following are FAQs about treatment for psoriasis.
What is the first-line treatment option for psoriasis?First-line treatment for psoriasis will vary between different dermatologists and between individuals. The treatment will depend on the type and severity of the psoriasis, and which part of the body it affects.
How long will a person have to treat psoriasis?Psoriasis is a lifelong condition, that will require long-term treatment.
Psoriasis typically comes and goes, and people will have periods of time where they do not have symptoms. This is called remission, which can last for months or years. During remission, a person may not need treatments, with their symptoms reducing.
However, it is helpful to have a treatment plan that a person knows is effective in case a flare-up occurs.
While no cure for psoriasis yet exists, there are many treatments to help manage symptoms. These include topical creams and lotions, phototherapy, and other types of medications.
A person can work with their dermatologist to determine the best treatment combination for their symptoms.
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