Sexual practices that disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina may also trigger an outbreak of BV. Strategies that lower the risk include:. Condoms may be purchased over-the-counter or online.
Because BV can cause a foul-smelling odor, many women mistakenly believe it is due to poor hygiene. This is a myth. The vagina is a self-cleaning organ that does not require douches, soaps, or perfumes. In fact, the use of these products can alter vaginal pH. This increases vulnerability to BV and may produce a foul-smelling odor in itself. Probiotics help the body grow beneficial bacteria. These can fight unhealthy bacteria and fungi, such as yeast. Natural probiotics can support the bacterial colony that keeps the vagina healthy.
These include:. A probiotic supplement may also help. Compare various probiotic supplements online. To do this, women can try freezing unflavored plain yogurt in a tampon applicator, then inserting it into the vagina. The cooling sensation temporarily alleviates pain, and the probiotic may fight the underlying infection. Increasingly, researchers are taking seriously the power of folk medicine to fight BV.
A person may want to consider one of the following strategies:. Apple cider vinegar may help balance vaginal pH. Rinsing the vulva in a solution of 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and 1 cup of water twice per day may alleviate symptoms.
Honey , which has natural antimicrobial properties, may boost the effectiveness of apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is available in different forms , including as a supplement. Some research suggests that garlic is a natural antibacterial. Adding it to the diet or taking a garlic supplement can reduce the risk of BV.
However, it is important that it is only eaten. People should not insert garlic into the vagina, as it will burn the tender skin. Research suggests that boric acid can fight BV, particularly in women who have recurring infections. In one research , researchers supplemented antibiotic treatment with mg of boric acid inserted directly into the vagina.
Women who used boric acid had higher cure rates than those who did not. The study cautions, however, that further research is needed to validate this as a home remedy for BV. But symptoms often come back after antibiotic treatment. For some women, bacterial vaginosis goes away without treatment. But when it does not go away even with treatment, bacterial vaginosis is frustrating and troublesome. Bacterial vaginosis makes the reproductive tract vulnerable to infection or inflammation.
So your doctor will test and treat you with antibiotics for bacterial vaginosis if you are:. If your doctor finds other problems during the exam, such as a possible sexually transmitted infection STI , appropriate treatment will be recommended. Bacterial vaginosis may be passed between women during sexual contact.
If you have a female sex partner, you may benefit from using protection and carefully washing shared sex toys. Bacterial vaginosis is generally not considered a sexually transmitted infection STI. But if you are exposed to an STI while you have bacterial vaginosis, you are more likely to get that infection.
It is always important to practice safer sex to prevent sexually transmitted infections, whether or not you have bacterial vaginosis. Preventing an STI is easier than treating an infection after it occurs. Some women have tried treating bacterial vaginosis with the probiotic Lactobacillus.
This is found in foods like yogurt and in dietary supplements. But more research is needed to find out if Lactobacillus works to treat or prevent bacterial vaginosis. There are also different types of Lactobacillus, and researchers don't yet know which type would be most effective.
The antibiotics metronidazole such as Flagyl and MetroGel , clindamycin such as Cleocin and Clindesse , and tinidazole such as Tindamax are used to treat bacterial vaginosis. Depending on the antibiotic you are prescribed, you may take it by mouth or use it vaginally. The oil in clindamycin cream and ovules can weaken latex. This means condoms and diaphragms may break, and you may not be protected from STIs or pregnancy. Author: Healthwise Staff. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor.
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Top of the page. Topic Overview What is bacterial vaginosis? What causes bacterial vaginosis? Your risk of getting bacterial vaginosis is higher if you: Have more than one sex partner or have a new sex partner. What are the symptoms?
How is bacterial vaginosis diagnosed? What problems can bacterial vaginosis cause? If you have it when you are pregnant, it increases the risk of miscarriage, early preterm delivery, and uterine infection after pregnancy. If you have it when you have a pelvic procedure such as a cesarean section, an abortion, or a hysterectomy, you are more likely to get a pelvic infection.
If you have it and you are exposed to a sexually transmitted infection including HIV , you are more likely to catch the infection. How is it treated? Cause Bacterial vaginosis is caused by an imbalance of the organisms flora that naturally exist in the vagina. Symptoms Many women with bacterial vaginosis do not have any symptoms. But it does cause: An excessive grayish white vaginal discharge, unlike normal vaginal discharge.
Some women describe the discharge as "yellow. What Happens Bacterial vaginosis often clears up on its own. Complications Your risk of complications from bacterial vaginosis is higher: During pregnancy. Compared to pregnant women who don't have it, women who have bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy have a higher risk of early preterm delivery or of uterine infection after pregnancy.
Also, pregnant women may have an increased risk of miscarriage. After gynecological surgery. Women with bacterial vaginosis at the time of an invasive vaginal procedure have an increased risk of developing more serious infection or inflammation, such as pelvic inflammatory disease PID or endometritis.
When exposed to HIV or other sexually transmitted infection. Women who have bacterial vaginosis when they are exposed to sexually transmitted infections including HIV have an increased risk of becoming infected with the sexually transmitted infection. What Increases Your Risk Things that increase your risk of getting bacterial vaginosis include: Having more than one sex partner or having a new sex partner. Not using condoms. When should you call your doctor? Are pregnant and have symptoms of a vaginal infection.
Call your doctor for an appointment within 1 week if you: Have vaginal discharge with an unusual or foul odor. Have vaginal itching. Have pain during sex or during urination. Develop any other discomfort or discharge that may mean you have a vaginal infection. If you have not been diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis but you have symptoms that concern you, see: Female Genital Problems and Injuries. Abdominal Pain, Age 12 and Older. Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding. Treatment may also reduce the risk for some STDs.
Male sex partners of women diagnosed with BV generally do not need to be treated. BV may be transferred between female sex partners. Box Rockville, MD E-mail: npin-info cdc. Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, Hillier S and Holmes K. Bacterial vaginosis. In: K. Holmes, P. Sparling, P. Mardh et al eds. Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 3rd Edition.
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