A study revealed 75% of women at the age of 15 to 44 would have at least one episode of bacterial vaginosis in their lifetime. Though this condition is common and not fatal, it can cause mental worry and physical distress.
What is Bacterial Vaginosis?
Bacterial vaginosis is an overpopulation and change in the composition of harmful bacteria in your vagina. Harmful bacteria are always present in the vagina and kept under control by good bacteria. But sometimes, by douching or having a new sexual partner or multiple partners may disturb the balance and cause the overgrowth of harmful bacteria.
Bacterial vaginosis is not dangerous. In some cases there’s no obvious symptoms to be seen and bacterial vaginosis can even clear up by itself. But if you notice vaginal discharge, fouls smell, itching or burning sensation during urination, you should consult a doctor and get your vagina checked and immediately get treatment to avoid further infection and higher risk of getting other vagina-related diseases.
Here are top natural and simple BV treatments which you can apply to treat bacterial vaginosis.
1. Yogurt
The good bacteria in the vagina are called lactobacilli and yogurt is the most powerful source of lactobacilli we can find easily out there. Yogurt will be beneficial to restore the pH balance in the vagina and relieve discomforts.
How to use:
- Dip a tampon in sugar-free yogurt and keep it in your vagina for a few hours before rinsing with clean water.
- Add yogurt in your daily diet.
2. Hydrogen Peroxide
This versatile solution can disinfect, thus helping control the growth of harmful bacteria without leaving any side effect. Hydrogen peroxide can also alleviate the symptoms such as itchiness or pain.
How to use:
- Make a solution from water and 3% hydrogen peroxide with the ratio 1:1. Use this solution to cleanse your vagina. You can repeat this action 1 or 2 times a day.
- The other option is to put two cupful of 3%hydrogen peroxide in a douche to disinfect your vagina. Perform at least once a week.
3. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is the next effective home remedy to treat bacterial vaginosis. Its antimicrobial and antifungal properties can help is beneficial in killing the harmful bacteria. Its strong mint-like odor effectively eliminates the foul smell of the vagina.
How to use:
· Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with water and rinse your vagina daily until you see improvements.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar, with its acidic nature can make the vagina an inhospitable environment for bacteria and balance the pH level in the vagina. It can also quickly ease itching and inflammation caused by bacterial vaginosis.
How to use:
- Add 2 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar into water and clean your vagina with this solution once a day.
- Or you can add apple cider vinegar and a few drops of tea tree oil in to a warm bath and soak for 30 minutes.
5. Garlic
The benefit of garlic in treating bacterial vaginosis can be attributed to its antimicrobial, antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Garlic is also a powerful immunity booster which strengthens the body’s ability to fight against infection.
How to use:
- Take garlic supplementary pills on a daily basis. You should consult your doctor first.
- Another choice is to wrap a clove of garlic in a gauze and insert it to your vagina for half an hour
- Add raw garlic to your daily diet.
6. Good Vaginal Hygiene
It sounds obvious, but good vagina is ultimately important if you want to get rid of bacterial vaginosis. A poorly-hygienic vagina will make it favorable for harmful bacteria to thrive.
So it is of great importance to change your undergarments daily, keep your vagina dry and clean. It would be ideal if you can avoid having intercourse during treatment because this activity can bring harmful bacteria deeper in your vagina and cause further infections.
Authored By Rose Emma
This article is written by Rose Emma – Senior Editor of Authority Remedies »
She works as a health care expert in the field of Nutrition and Health for over 2 years after trained in Food and Nutrition Dietetics at Bluffton University. With all the experience she accumulates since college, she provides people with useful information about nutrition as well as helps them with their common health problems.
