Home Remedies for BV (Bacterial Vaginosis) Best Natural Ways
BV Home Remedies – A healthy vagina naturally contains both “good” and “bad” bacteria. However, overgrowth of bad bacteria can lead to an infection called bacterial vaginosis.
Bacterial vaginosis is thought to be common in people with a vagina. It may resolve on its own, but treatment may reduce the risk of certain complications and health risks associated with bacterial vaginosis.
Read this article to learn about the best home remedies for bv (bacterial vaginosis) and helpful tips to reduce your risk.
What is bacterial vaginosis?
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is known as a vaginal infection caused by an excess of bad bacteria. This causes the vaginal environment to become unbalanced, resulting in the following symptoms:
- Light grayish-white discharge, especially after intercourse.
- fishy discharge
- pain when urinating
- pain during or after intercourse
- vaginal itching
In some cases, BV may not cause symptoms. BV commonly affects people with vaginas between the ages of 15 and 44. It typically occurs in sexually active people.
Causes of bacterial vaginosis
Medical professionals do not know exactly what causes BV.according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)but it is more common in people who are considered sexually active.
Things that can increase the risk of BV include:
- douching
- Prohibition of condom use
- have sex with multiple partners
- have sex with a new partner
Home Remedies for Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
Women who think they may have bacterial vaginosis should seek treatment, especially during pregnancy.
You may need to try natural home remedies for BV, but some are harmful and you should consult a medical professional before applying them.
Here are some of the most common natural remedies for BV.
1. Probiotics
Probiotics may help the body grow beneficial bacteria that may help fight the bacteria associated with BV.
A 2019 study showed that probiotic therapy may provide short-term and long-term benefits in treating BV.
People may want to take probiotic supplements. However, natural probiotics may also support the bacterial colonies that keep the vagina healthy. .
- Yogurt
- fermented food
- some cottage cheese
- Kefir
2. Garlic
Garlic is considered a common home remedy to help treat infections like BV. increase.
Although this treatment appears to be as effective as metronidazole.Also, this may not be the green light for putting garlic in your vagina.
The best way is to incorporate garlic into your food or in a garlic supplement tablet as needed.
3. Tea tree oil
Limited research has shown that tea tree oil can help treat BV. Scientific evidence may never exist.
Some people believe that tea tree oil treatments can cause allergic reactions and are not safe to use if you are pregnant.
If you are considering purchasing tea tree oil to treat BV, be sure to consult your doctor before using it.
4. Yogurt
There is limited research showing that yogurt consumption may help treat BV.
Do not take yogurt into your vagina. Bacteria can grow and make symptoms worse.
5. Boric acid
Vaginal suppositories, which may contain boric acid, can help treat BV.
A 2021 study showed that using intravaginal boric acid in addition to other antibiotic drugs may be beneficial in treating BV.
Also, a 2019 study showed similar benefits of boric acid in treating BV and other yeast infections.
However, the authors of both studies concluded that more research is needed to fully evaluate how boric acid can help treat treatment.
Boric acid may be considered toxic when ingested by people. People with BV should use this product only as directed by a healthcare professional.
6. Apple cider vinegar
Some have suggested that apple cider vinegar may help treat BV. However, it is important to consider that these suggestions are mere anecdotes and there may be no evidence to prove this. is.
Home remedies may be beneficial for some people, but they are not a substitute for evidence-based treatment options.
People wishing to use these home remedies should consult their doctor before using.
7. Hydrogen peroxide
Only two small studies have claimed that the use of hydrogen peroxide solution for vaginal irrigation can eliminate vaginal odor, improve discharge, and restore vaginal pH in patients with BV.
However, as with other home remedies, there is insufficient evidence for treatment of BV.
8. Herbs
Certain herbs are believed to have strong antibacterial properties. In one study, some patients used a vaginal cream mixed with an extract of Calendula officinalis, an herb commonly known as pot marigold.
During research, it was found to be as effective in treating BV as metronidazole.However, at this time, more research is needed before doctors recommend its use.
How to reduce the risk of BV (bacterial vaginosis)?
According to the CDC, medical professionals don’t fully understand how BV spreads. In general, however, anything that can alter the chemical balance within the vagina can increase the risk of BV.
Therefore, you can lower your risk of BV by taking the following steps:
- Avoid using scented tampons or pads or any type of scented menstrual product.
- It can upset the natural balance of bacteria in your vagina, increasing your chances of infection. If you already have an infection, it can make the infection worse.
- Wear breathable cotton underwear that is not too tight.
- Reduce the number of sexual partners.
- Use latex condoms or other barrier methods whenever you have to have sex.
- Do not sit in a wet bathing suit or wet clothes. BV can spread more easily in moist conditions.
- Wipe carefully after bowel movements to prevent the spread of bacteria from the anus into the vagina.
Risks and Complications of BV (Bacterial Vaginosis)
BV can be eliminated on its own, but at a time when it can get worse without treatment.
- HIV contract if exposed to the virus
- Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Contracts
- Complications if you are pregnant
- premature birth during pregnancy
- Promoting pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Promotion of infertility by sexually transmitted diseases and PID
- Low success rate during in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment
Conclusion
BV is known as a common vaginal infection that affects people of all ages. BV may not be her STI, but some people with multiple sexual partners may be at greater risk of facilitating it.
Treatment of BV involves restoring the natural bacterial balance in the vagina.
Various treatments are available to help relieve symptoms and clear up BV. People with suspected BV should see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
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