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Professional FAQs: How Do You Get Rid Of Bacteria Vaginosis?
© Provided by ShutterStock Images M.D., FAAFP (Family Physician) · 40 years of experience · USA One can get rid of bacterial vaginosis by, *proper medications *maintaining vaginal hygiene *maintaining proper vaginal pH *wear breathable underwear *having lots of liquid diet.
DO, MPH · 16 years of experience · USABacterial vaginosis is curable with either oral medications or gel or a cream to apply in the vaginal area. Maintain vaginal hygiene pH, wear breathable under garments
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MBBS · 4 years of experience · IndiaMetronidazole in oral or vaginal gel/cream can be used along with Clindamycin oral tablets/ cream. Alternative to Metronidazole is Tinidazole. Safe sex practices and single partner norm can prevent it. Avoid use of Intra Uterine Devices in case of Bacterial Vaginosis.
→ See more questions and expert answers related to bacterial vaginosis.
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Disclaimer: This is for information purpose only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. These are opinions from an external panel of individual doctors, and not to be considered as opinion of Microsoft. Please seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns.
Apple Cider Vinegar For BV (Bacterial Vaginosis)
Although there are indications that apple cider vinegar may have some limited medical applications, scientific research has not proved many of the claims.
About 29 percent of women in the United States have bacterial vaginosis (BV). Although some women experience no symptoms, others may notice an unpleasant smell coming from their vagina.
Some women also experience itching and burning feelings and sometimes, an unusual gray discharge.
According to a 2016 study, about 75 percent of women have tried to treat BV with home remedies, such as:
The same study indicated that data on the effectiveness of alternative treatments for BV are predominantly of poor quality. Most of the women reported their self-help remedies did not help, and, in some cases made the symptoms worse.
Natural healers suggest treating BV with apple cider vinegar. They justify their recommendation by drawing a correlation (that may or may not be medically sound) from the following research:
As part of the diagnosis, your doctor might use a pH test strip to check the acidity of your vagina. If your vagina has a pH of 4.5 or higher, it could be an indication of bacterial vaginosis. You can also buy an at-home pH test at your drugstore or online.
Because ACV is acidic and has antimicrobial effects, proponents of natural healing suggest that rinsing the vulva in a solution of apple cider vinegar and water may alleviate symptoms.
A 2015 article indicated that vaginal-acidifying holds some promise for long-term prevention
If you've been diagnosed with BV, your doctor might prescribe medication such as:
It's important that you follow your doctor's instructions and keep taking the medication according to your doctor's instructions. Don't stop mid-treatment, even if your symptoms go away. You increase your risk for recurrence if you stop treatment early.
If you have bacterial vaginosis, you can take steps to avoid exacerbating the infection. These steps can also help you avoid BV:
Vinegar has been used to flavor and preserve food for thousands of years. It's also celebrated for its ability to clean surfaces, fight infections, heal wounds, and manage diabetes. Today, many people consider it an answer to almost any health need.
Although there are indications that apple cider vinegar may have some limited medical applications, scientific research has not proved many of the claims. Future investigations are necessary before drawing scientifically sound conclusions.
If you're considering using ACV as part of your treatment of bacterial vaginosis, talk to your doctor about the pros and cons prior to making a final decision.
Bacterial Vaginosis Symptoms: Everything You Need To Know About Bacterial Vaginosis
At some point in their lives, most women and people with vaginas will have encountered some kind of vaginal discomfort (be it itching or atypical discharge), but not everyone is clued up about what could be the cause.
Although plenty of us know about vaginal issues like thrush and cystitis, the same can't be said for bacterial vaginosis – also known as BV – and many of us only learn about the condition after we've Googled the symptoms we've experienced.
So, what actually is bacterial vaginosis? What are the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis? What causes bacterial vaginosis? And what treatment is available for it? To find out, we consulted with Anna Druet, a researcher at period-tracking app Clue – meaning you can consider yourself an expert (ish) when you've finished reading...
What is bacterial vaginosis?Bacterial vaginosis (or BV) happens when the normal balance of vaginal bacteria is disrupted, being replaced by more bacteria that doesn't need oxygen to grow. The most common type of BV-causing bacteria is called Gardnerella (not to be confused with the STI gonorrhea, just in case you were panicking), which creates different byproducts and causes environmental changes in your vagina, leading to the unpleasant symptoms listed below.
Because of the changes, an immune response is also triggered in the vagina which can make the vagina's naturally protective mucus less effective, making the reproductive tract more prone to contracting STIs. Not a vibe.
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What are the bacterial vaginosis symptoms?According to the NHS, symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include:
Notably, half of women and people with vaginas who have bacterial vaginosis do not have any symptoms.
What are the causes of bacterial vaginosis?The exact causes of bacterial vaginosis are still unclear, but it's thought the natural vaginal environment can be disrupted by both internal factors (eg. Antibiotics, diet) and external factors (eg. Soap, semen).
Some people are also more prone to getting recurrent BV in certain situations, although it's not fully understood why that is. Some factors which are thought to increase risk, however, include douching and prolonged or irregular uterine bleeding.
People who have prolonged bleeding as a side effect of a new IUD, for example, may be more likely to have BV, but more research into this is needed. For the same reason, recurrent BV may tend to pop up around the time of of your period.
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Sexual activity is also associated with a higher risk of BV, with one study finding that around 85% of people who get BV are sexually active – even though it's not deemed an STI. Specific risk factors may include new or multiple sex partners, a lack of condom use, vaginal intercourse and receiving anal sex before vaginal intercourse without a new protective barrier.
Another study into bacterial vaginosis also revealed a link between oral sex and the infection. The research, published in the journal PLoS Biology, suggests that oral sex may create the right 'environment' for BV to occur.
In particular, one common type of mouth bacteria – fusobacterium nucleatum, that's linked with plaque and gum disease – was found to aid the growth of other bacteria involved in the onset of BV, leading experts to suggest oral sex could be a potential trigger. Because how else is mouth bacteria getting inside the vagina?!
How common is bacterial vaginosis?BV is the most common vaginal complaint among women and people with a vagina of childbearing age, but it can occur at any age.
How can you treat and prevent bacterial vaginosis?Vaginal bacteria can sometimes get out of balance and then improve on its own. To prevent BV, start by limiting your risk factors. Use condoms, don't douche and keep soap away from your vulva and vagina (some experts say non-foaming unscented soap is okay on the vulva, and others say stick to water). Don't use any products with scents or perfumes in that area, and limit your bubble baths.
Treatment of BV can range from antibiotics and antiseptics, to medications that restore acidity as well as probiotics. Some treatments are available over the counter, but others will need a prescription, so it's best to talk to your doctor if you notice bacterial vaginosis symptoms.
This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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