One of the most common infections of the female reproductive system can be referred to be as the bacterial vaginosis; targeting around 1 out of 4 women in developed countries such as US, UK, etc. Through conventional therapeutic mode, use of antibiotics was the only option to treat the issue; however, experts have as well suggested certain home remedies for bacterial vaginosis.
Go on to read more about the infection and how to get rid of bacterial vaginosis naturally!
Introduction
Bacterial vaginosis is a kind of vaginal inflammation, which is associated with the overgrowth of certain bad bacteria that are naturally found in the vagina. The infection is quite common in women from 15 to 49 years, i.e. young to middle age women. Experts have stated that the women under this category are highly susceptible to bacterial vaginosis; especially due to their active sex life, fluctuating immunity as well as hormonal imbalance.
In this regard, certain home remedies for bacterial vaginosis can be helpful to prevent the spread of infections.
What are the underlying causes of bacterial vaginosis?
The above-stated conditions like contraception during sexual activity, hormonal imbalances, and diversions in the immune system, creates turbulence in the pH of the vagina. In normal conditions, the vaginal pH is slightly acidic, between 3.8-4.2, which is essential to prevent unnecessary bacterial growth.
Imbalance in the pH can facilitate overgrowth of certain bacteria, like coccobacilli through easy reproduction inside the vagina. Further to which, depending upon the overgrowth of the type of bacteria; different symptoms can be experienced, like itching, pain while urinating as well as unusual smell.
Some of the most common signs and symptoms of bacterial vaginosis
According to the reported cases so far, approximately 84% of the women, who have been affected with bacterial vaginosis do not experience any symptom, due to which most of them are unaware about their afflictions. Rest of them, although have experienced symptomatic exhibitions feel embarrassed to seek medical help and hence, look for some home remedies for bacterial vaginosis.
However, it should be noted that chronic bacterial infection in the vagina can put these women at a higher risk of other dangerous health conditions susceptibility to sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV as well as pregnancy-associated complications.
Accordingly, some of the commonly expressed signs and symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include:
- Sexual discharge ranging from white, off-white to grey in color; accompanied by a fishy
- If ignored for a longer period of time, some women can experience clumpy or frothy discharge turning from grey to yellowish green in color.
- Unusual pain experienced particularly during sexual activity, urination or showering.
- The irritated, sensitive or red skin inside the vagina.
Risk Factors associated with Bacterial Vaginosis
- As mentioned women in their fertile age are at a great risk of experiencing bacterial vaginosis; due to their active sex life, hormonal imbalances and fluctuating immune system.
- Studies have found that women with certain sociodemographic characteristics like black or Mexican-American women tend to be affected more as compared to their other counterparts, like White of Hispanic women.
- Women, who tend to frequently douche inside of their vagina are at a higher risk of infection; due to the increase in the pH of the vagina.
- Studies have also acknowledged that pregnant women, women who smoke or are drug abusers or obese women with low level of education are at an increased risk of infection.
- Women, who are accustomed to using soaps, laundry detergents, perfumes etc. or birth control pills are also susceptible to bacterial vaginosis; and wish to know more about how to treat the same.
What are conventionally available treatments for bacterial vaginosis
As stated earlier, many women are unaware of the fact that they are being affected with bacterial vaginosis; since the absolute lack of exhibition of any symptom. However, once diagnosed; a specialist can typically offer any one of the following stated therapeutic modules:
- Oral antibiotics, such as clindamycin or metronidazole.
- Antibiotic creams for topical applications that are available over the counter or through prescriptions.
- Complete abstinence from sexual activity or use of soaps.
Apart from these, experts have suggested possible applications of home remedies for bacterial vaginosis to get rid of the same.
Home remedies for bacterial vaginosis
·        Balanced blood sugar
Studies have indicated that various microorganisms present in the gut or vagina survive on the sugar. Thus, balancing the sugar level can further help maintain the vaginal ecology. You can cut your sugar consumption through avoiding processed food items and refined grains, like bread, pasta etc. However, you can be more generous towards the use of natural sugar substitutes, such as honey, mashed sweet potatoes, etc.
·        Maintain your flora through good gut bacteria
Researchers have suggested that imbalance in the gut flora, also known to be as intestinal dysbiosis is the root cause of bacterial vaginosis. Thus, it is highly advisable to create a balance in your gut flora by consuming high-quality probiotic food daily, such as yogurt, lacto-fermented vegetables and probiotic bacteria like Lactobacillus reuteri.
Women, who are experiencing pain or itching in the vagina can try douching with probiotic tampons to prevent the growth of unhealthy fungi or bacteria.
·        Always practice for healthy sex
It is highly important to understand that BV can spread rapidly between sexual partners; and hence, women who are suspecting BV should complete refrain themselves from sexual activity. Moreover, certain practices that may have been incorporated in sex can also trigger a sudden overgrowth of bacteria causing infections; and hence should never be implemented.
Thus, if you really wish to know what to do to prevent the spread of infection during sex; implementation of some strategies noted herewith can be helpful:
- The transition from vaginal to anal sex should be avoided, and if in case this is to be practices then condoms have to be changed during the transition.
- Always practice using condoms during sexual intercourse.
- Incorporate a practice of urinating immediately after sexual intercourse; it is also to be noted that vagina, as well as vulva, should be internally washed with clean water, after intercourse to avoid the spread of infection.
Some of the alternative remedies noted herewith can be one of the good home remedies for bacterial vaginosis
- Rinsing your delicate body parts with 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and 1 cup of clean water, twice a day can maintain the pH balance.
- Garlic being a natural antibacterial should be one of the specific supplements of your daily diet to reduce the risk of BV.
- Studies have indicated that Boric acid can fight recurrent BV infection; thus, it is a good idea to insert approximately 600mg of boric acid directly into the vagina as an antibiotic treatment.
