Natural Remedies for Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
Table of Contents
Introduction
What is BV?
Causes of BV
Symptoms of BV
Conventional Treatment Options
Potential Side Effects of Antibiotics
Why Consider Natural Remedies?
H1: Probiotics
H2: Yogurt
H3: Fermented Foods
H4: Apple Cider Vinegar
H1: Boric Acid
H2: Using Boric Acid
H3: Safety Considerations
H1: Tea Tree Oil
H2: Using Tea Tree Oil
H3: Diluting Tea Tree Oil
H4: Safety Tips
H1: Garlic
H2: Using Garlic
H3: Making a Garlic Paste
H4: Taking Garlic Supplements
H1: Vitamin C
H2: Food Sources of Vitamin C
H3: Vitamin C Supplements
H4: Vitamin C Dosage
Lifestyle Changes
When to See a Doctor
Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ 1: What causes BV?
FAQ 2: What are the symptoms of BV?
FAQ 3: How is BV diagnosed?
FAQ 4: Can BV go away on its own?
FAQ 5: How do antibiotics treat BV?
FAQ 6: What are some pros and cons of using
antibiotics for BV?
FAQ 7: How do natural remedies help treat BV?
FAQ 8: Are natural remedies safe?
FAQ 9: How long do natural remedies take to
work?
FAQ 10: Should I see a doctor if natural
remedies don't work?
Natural Remedies for Bacterial
Vaginosis (BV)
Introduction
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the natural
remedy for bv most common vaginal infection, affecting up to 30% of women of
reproductive age. It occurs when there is an overgrowth of harmful bacteria in
the vagina, disrupting the natural balance of microbes. While BV can be treated
with prescription antibiotics, many women want to know if there are effective natural
remedy for bv alternatives. In this article, we will explore some of the most
popular and proven natural remedy for bv home remedies for bacterial vaginosis.
From probiotics to boric acid, tea tree oil to vitamin C, natural solutions may
help get rid of BV without the side effects of antibiotics. Read on to learn
more about managing this uncomfortable condition with items from your pantry
and supplement stash!
What is BV?
Bacterial vaginosis happens when
there is an imbalance between good and bad bacteria in the vagina. Normally,
beneficial lactobacilli bacteria keep pathogens like Gardnerella vaginalis and
Prevotella in check. But when something disrupts the vaginal pH and microbiome,
these harmful bacteria can multiply unchecked, leading to natural remedy for bv.
While the exact cause is unknown,
certain factors are associated with BV:
- New or multiple sex partners
- Douching
- Using scented soaps or hygiene
products
- Hormonal changes
- Antibiotic use
- An IUD
BV is not considered an STD,
though it is associated with sexual activity. Yet many women get BV who have
never had sex. The condition is common, but it can recur and requires proper
treatment.
Causes of BV
As mentioned, bacterial vaginosis
results from an imbalance between good and bad bacteria in the vagina. But what
exactly causes this imbalance to occur? Here are some potential contributing
factors:
- Douching - Using douches can
disrupt the normal vaginal pH and wash away protective lactobacilli. This
allows bad bacteria to take over.
- Irritants - Scented soaps,
perfumes, laundry detergents and fabric softeners contain chemicals that may
irritate the vagina and allow BV-causing bacteria to proliferate.
- Sex - Sexual activity,
especially with a new partner or multiple partners, is associated with BV since
it introduces foreign bacteria to the vagina. However, BV is not considered an
STD.
- Other infections - Having other
infections like trichomoniasis can increase susceptibility to developing
bacterial vaginosis.
- Menstruation - Hormonal changes
around the menstrual cycle can alter the vaginal environment and its pH.
- Antibiotics - Antibiotic use is
a known risk factor, as it can wipe out the good lactobacilli and allow
overgrowth of harmful bacteria.
- Foreign objects - Using an IUD,
diaphragm, or vaginal ring may increase risk of BV.
- Pregnancy - Hormonal
fluctuations during pregnancy can predispose some women to bacterial vaginosis.
Symptoms of BV
Some of the most common signs and
symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include:
- Grey, white or green vaginal
discharge - often thin and watery with a fishy odor
- Fishy smell, especially during
or after sex
- Burning or itching around the
vagina
- Slight redness and swelling of
the vagina or vulva
- Pain or discomfort when
urinating
- Increased uterine cramps during
periods
However, it's important to note
that up to half of women with bacterial vaginosis have no symptoms. BV may be
discovered during routine gynecological exams or Pap smears when a vaginal swab
is taken and tested. Testing the vaginal pH can also aid diagnosis.
Conventional Treatment Options
Pharmaceutical antibiotics are
the standard medical treatment for bacterial vaginosis. Metronidazole and
clindamycin are commonly prescribed, either as an oral medication or a topical
vaginal gel. Tinidazole is another antibiotic used to treat chronic or
recurrent BV.
These antibiotics work by killing
off the pathological overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria, allowing probiotic
lactobacilli to recover and recolonize the vagina. But symptoms may return
after stopping treatment.
Other prescription options
include vaginal boric acid capsules or hormonal birth control pills to help
regulate vaginal pH and bacteria.
Potential Side Effects of
Antibiotics
While antibiotics can be
effective for treating BV, they come with some potential drawbacks:
- Antibiotic resistance - overuse
of antibiotics leads to drug-resistant strains of bacteria
- Kills beneficial bacteria -
antibiotics kill good and bad bacteria indiscriminately
- Vaginal yeast infection -
antibiotics can open the door to fungal overgrowth
- Digestive distress - oral
antibiotics often cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, etc.
- Recurrence of BV after
treatment is stopped
- Adverse reactions - allergic
reactions, dizziness, headaches, etc.
This is why more women are
interested in exploring natural remedies for bacterial vaginosis that avoid
antibiotics.
Why Consider Natural Remedies?
Natural remedies offer a safe and
generally effective alternative for managing BV without relying on prescription
antibiotics. There are several reasons women may want to try DIY home
treatments:
- Avoid side effects of
antibiotics
- Low risk of complications
- Readily available ingredients
- Less chance of yeast infection
or antibiotic resistance
- Promote vaginal health and pH
balance
- May reduce recurrence when
combined with lifestyle changes
- Empowering to treat condition
without prescription
Of course, not all natural
remedies live up to their claims. But some of the most well-researched options
include probiotics, boric acid, vitamin C, tea tree oil, and garlic. Let's
explore how these can help treat bacterial vaginosis.
H1: Probiotics
Probiotics may be the 1 most
important natural remedy for restoring vaginal health and fighting BV. These
live microorganisms help build up the populations of beneficial lactobacilli
bacteria that keep the vagina slightly acidic and protect against infection.
You can boost your probiotic
intake through both supplemental capsules as well as probiotic-rich foods. Look
for brands that contain specific strains linked to vaginal health, like L.
crispatus, L. gasseri, L. fermentum, and L. reuteri.
H2: Yogurt
Eating plain, unsweetened yogurt
with live cultures is an easy way to consume more probiotics. Look for yogurts
containing Lactobacillus acidophilus, a common vaginal bacteria. You can also
apply yogurt topically - frozen yogurt pops can be soothing if you have
irritation. Just make sure to choose a yogurt without any added sugars.
H3: Fermented Foods
Sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, and
other fermented foods contain beneficial bacteria from the fermentation
process. Try eating a serving daily as a probiotic boost. You can also apply
them topically when diluted - soak a tampon in cooled fermented tea or vegetable
brine to introduce lactobacilli.
H4: Apple Cider Vinegar
Raw, unfiltered apple cider
vinegar balances vaginal pH thanks to its acetic acid content. It makes a great
addition to a probiotic-rich diet. Add 1-2 tablespoons diluted in a glass of
water daily. You can also dilute ACV as a topical wash.
H1: Boric Acid
Boric acid is a potent antiseptic
that can rebalance vaginal pH and beat BV in two ways:
1) It lowers vaginal alkalinity
closer to its ideal acidic level
2) It has anti-bacterial and
fungicidal properties to kill off pathogens
Numerous clinical studies
demonstrate boric acid's effectiveness and safety for treating recurrent
bacterial vaginosis. It may work better than prescription antibiotics for some
women.
H2: Using Boric Acid
Look for boric acid vaginal
suppositories and capsules from health food stores or pharmacies. Follow
instructions for insertion - usually 1 suppository per night for 1-2 weeks.
Boric acid is not meant for oral consumption and should ONLY be used vaginally.
Repeat treatment may be needed in
cases of chronic BV. Many women report relief from symptoms with continued,
intermittent use. Maintain probiotic intake alongside boric acid treatment.
H3: Safety Considerations
When used INTERNALLY at the
recommended dosage, boric acid is considered safe and non-toxic. Oral ingestion
can be dangerous.
To be cautious, avoid use during
pregnancy unless under medical guidance. Discontinue use if irritation occurs.
Do not use for prolonged periods without consulting a doctor.
H1: Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a powerful
essential oil long used as a topical disinfectant. It contains antimicrobial
compounds like terpinen-4-ol that destroy bad bacteria and yeast overgrowth.
Several studies have found tea tree oil effective at inhibiting vaginal pathogens
like Candida albicans.
H2: Using Tea Tree Oil
Add 3-5 drops of tea tree oil to
1 tbsp coconut oil, olive oil or vitamin E oil. Apply this mixture topically on
a tampon and insert overnight. Remove in the morning.
You can also add 5 drops per cup
of warm bathwater and soak for 15-20 minutes. Rinse area thoroughly after
bathing. Limit applications to 1-2 times daily.
H3: Diluting Tea Tree Oil
Like all essential oils, tea tree
oil should ALWAYS be diluted before use on the sensitive vaginal mucosa or
skin. Use a carrier oil or water to reduce potency and prevent irritation.
Start with a low 3-5% solution
until you know your sensitivity. Grassroots dilution is typically 5 drops of
essential oil per tablespoon of carrier.
H4: Safety Tips
- Spot test for allergic reaction
before use and discontinue if irritation occurs
- Only use 100%
therapeutic-grade, organic tea tree oil
- Tampon use safer than direct
vaginal application
- Don't use if pregnant or
breastfeeding without medical approval
- Rinse area after use and wash
hands thoroughly
H1: Garlic
This common culinary ingredient
also holds medicinal value thanks to its antimicrobial sulfur compounds like
allicin. Garlic has been shown in lab studies to combat BV pathogens including
Gardnerella vaginalis. Its antibacterial and antifungal properties can help
control infections.
H2: Using Garlic
Minced raw garlic can be used
topically - wrap in cheesecloth and insert overnight like a tampon. Rinse in
the morning.
Garlic capsules or supplements
taken orally can also enhance antimicrobial defenses and immunity. Follow
dosing on packaging. Those with bleeding disorders should use caution.
H3: Making a Garlic Paste
For topical application, blend
3-5 peeled garlic cloves with a little water or yogurt to form a paste. Apply
this paste inside the vaginal opening overnight and rinse thoroughly in
morning. Repeat for 3-7 nights.
H4: Taking Garlic Supplements
Aged garlic extract is a popular
oral supplement, praised for its antimicrobial and immunity-boosting abilities.
Typical dosing is 600-1200 mg daily in divided doses. Check with your doctor
before using alongside medication.
H1: Vitamin C
This ubiquitous immune-boosting
antioxidant is also valued in fighting bacterial vaginosis when applied
topically. Vitamin C may help lower vaginal pH and inhibit pathogen growth
through its acidic nature.
H2: Food Sources of Vitamin C
Eating vitamin C-rich fruits like
oranges, grapefruit, strawberries and bell peppers can raise your intake. But
direct topical application may be more effective for BV treatment.
H3: Vitamin C Supplements
Vitamin C capsules are another
option - poke holes to empty the powder into bath water or mix with water as a
topical wash. You can also use vitamin C powder sold in bulk bins. Ascorbic
acid works best.
H4: Vitamin C Dosage
Aim for 500-1000 mg of vitamin C,
1-2 times per day for topical vaginal application. Mix powder into a douche
bottle with water. Use for 7-14 days or until BV symptoms resolve. Rinse
thoroughly after use.
Lifestyle Changes
Using natural remedies can help
treat and manage bacterial vaginosis. But making certain lifestyle adjustments
may prevent recurrence down the line:
- Avoid douching, scented
feminine products
- Wear cotton underwear and avoid
tight clothes
- Don't use scented soaps or
bubble baths near vagina
- Urinate before and after
intercourse
- Limit your number of sexual
partners
- Get screened/treated for STIs
if new partner in last 6 months
- Don't smoke or expose yourself
to secondhand smoke
- Eat probiotic foods and
supplements
- Take immune-boosting vitamins
like A, C, and zinc
- Reduce stress through yoga,
meditation, exercise
- Sleep at least 7-8 hours per
night
When to See a Doctor
While bacterial vaginosis can
often be treated with natural remedies, it's important to consult a
gynecologist for an official diagnosis. See a doctor if:
- Symptoms don't improve after
1-2 weeks of home treatment
- You've never been diagnosed
with BV before
- You have an uncommon gray,
yellow, or green discharge
- You have burning pain in lower
abdomen or pelvis
- You are pregnant
- You have multiple sex partners
or a new partner
- You have other medical
conditions or weakened immunity
Your doctor can examine you,
confirm it's BV through lab tests, and discuss whether prescription antibiotics
or other medications are needed. Home remedies can typically be used safely
alongside antibiotics as well under medical guidance.
Conclusion
Bacterial vaginosis is an
inconvenient yet common vaginal infection that can be self-treated with natural
remedies like probiotics, boric acid, tea tree oil, and vitamin C. When used
properly, these alternatives often resolve symptoms without the adverse effects
of antibiotics. However, see a doctor if home treatment fails or your symptoms
seem severe. Combining natural remedies with healthy lifestyle changes -
avoiding douching, irritants, and high-risk behaviors - gives you the best
chance of getting rid of BV for good.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ 1: What causes BV?
BV is caused by an imbalance
between good and bad bacteria in the vagina. Usually, harmful bacteria like
Gardnerella overgrow when something alters the vaginal pH and microbiome. Risk
factors include douching, new sex partners, menstruation, and more. But the
exact cause is still being researched.
FAQ 2: What are the symptoms of BV?
Symptoms include thin gray,
white, or green vaginal discharge with a fishy odor. You may also experience
burning, itching, swelling, and pain when urinating. However, nearly half of
women with BV have no symptoms at all, so a vaginal swab and lab test may be
needed for diagnosis.
FAQ 3: How is BV diagnosed?
Doctors diagnose BV by examining
vaginal discharge under a microscope to look for clue cells, taking a whiff
test for fishy odor, measuring vaginal pH, and sending discharge to the lab for
further testing. These help determine if bacterial vaginosis is present versus
other infections.
FAQ 4: Can BV go away on its own?
In some cases, mild bacterial
vaginosis may resolve on its own. But the imbalance usually recurs unless
properly treated with prescription antibiotics or effective natural remedies.
Leaving BV untreated allows the infection to worsen and upsets vaginal pH
further. So treatment is recommended.
FAQ 5: How do antibiotics treat BV?
Antibiotics like metronidazole,
clindamycin, and tinidazole treat BV by killing the overgrowth of bad bacteria
like Gardnerella vaginalis and anaerobes. This allows good lactobacilli to
recover and restore the normal vaginal flora and pH. But antibiotics have
downsides like yeast infections.