Wellness  

4 Home Remedies For Bacterial Vaginosis

By Modupeoluwa Adekanye

25 February 2021   |   10:36 am

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Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal infection affecting 1 in 3 women. It occurs when there is an imbalance of bacteria in your vagina. This triggers symptoms like vaginal itching, a fish-like odor, white or gray vaginal discharge, and painful urination. Women at any age can get BV, but it tends to happen more…

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal infection affecting 1 in 3 women. It occurs when there is an imbalance of bacteria in your vagina.

This triggers symptoms like vaginal itching, a fish-like odor, white or gray vaginal discharge, and painful urination.

Women at any age can get BV, but it tends to happen more frequently in sexually active women during their reproductive years. However, it’s not a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

BV can sometimes clear up on its own, but you should see your doctor if you start to experience symptoms.

Below are some home remedies for BV according to Healthline:

Probiotics
Yogurt contains some probiotics. But there are plenty of probiotic supplements available. According to a 2014 review, which focused on the effects of probiotics on bacterial vaginosis, there is evidence that taking probiotic supplements daily can help treat and prevent bacterial vaginosis. If you have bacterial vaginosis, try taking probiotics daily to help treat and prevent future cases of bacterial vaginosis. Probiotics come in pill or liquid form. Probiotic supplements and yogurt can help replace good bacteria.

Garlic
Garlic has strong antibacterial properties, and it’s long been used as a home remedy for bacterial vaginosis. A 2014 study compared the use of garlic tablets and oral metronidazole, an antibiotic, in treating the condition. Study results showed that taking a garlic supplement tablet could be an option for treating bacterial vaginosis.

Breathable cotton underwear
Certain types of underwear, including spandex, aren’t as breathable as cotton underwear. Wearing underwear made of these materials can trap moisture. This can cause a breeding ground for bacteria and can worsen a bacterial vaginal infection. According to the University of New Hampshire’s Department of Health and Wellness, to help your bacterial vaginosis heal quickly and to prevent future cases, wear cotton underwear that’s breathable. Also, avoid wearing tight pants.

Don’t douche
Some women douche because they believe it makes them “cleaner.” In reality, it can disrupt the natural balance of vaginal bacteria and increase the chance of infection. The vagina is self-cleaning and douching only throws off its natural environment.

If your symptoms haven’t resolved or reduced after a week of home treatment, make an appointment with your gynecologist. Also, make an appointment with your doctor right away if your bacterial vaginosis is recurrent.

The medical information provided in this article is provided as an information resource only. This information does not create any patient-physician relationship and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment.