Bacterial vaginosis or BV is an imbalance of naturally occurring bacteria found in the vagina. This commonly happens when “good” bacterial flora in the vagina called lactobacilli become overgrown by “bad” bacteria known as anaerobes. This bacterial imbalance results in a bacterial infection and creates vaginosis which is an abnormal discharge from the vagina. 1,2
Bacterial vaginosis is not the same as other vaginal disorders that also cause vaginosis discharges. While BV is the result of an imbalance of otherwise naturally occurring vaginal bacteria, vaginosis caused by a yeast infection or candida is fungal and vaginosis due to trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by a parasite. 3,4
Bacterial vaginosis is extremely common, especially in women of childbearing years, but it can affect women of any age. 2
What Causes Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis causes are unknown and the exact cause of why a bacterial imbalance occurs is not clearly understood. BV is not contracted from an outside source like sexually-transmitted diseases, it’s felt that a number of contributing factors work to upset the normal bacteria and pH levels in the vagina. 1,2
Bacterial vaginosis causes include these contributing factors:
Bacterial Vaginosis Symptoms
Bacterial vaginosis symptoms are primarily a change in texture and/or smell in a normal vaginal discharge. Bacterial vaginosis symptoms may include:
Approximately half of women who have bacterial vaginosis present little or no symptoms. 1
Natural Remedies and Herbs for Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis home remedies are very effective treatments. Bacterial vaginosis is cured by restoring a healthy balance of lactobacilli bacteria to anaerobes. Some of the best bacterial vaginosis home remedies are:
References
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is the most effective natural product for Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) CuresDecoded worldwide community recommends
Apple cider vinegar can help to treat symptoms of bacterial vaginosis. Dilute one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar into a glass of water. Apply as a douche regularly until symptoms clear.
Probiotics are healthy bacteria that can help to fight off bad bacteria that cause bacterial vaginosis. Probiotics can be taken in supplement form. Probiotics are also available in many yogurt products. Consume probiotics daily to fight a bacterial vaginosis infection.
Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant that can help to fight off a bacterial vaginosis infection. Vitamin C tablets are available which are inserted into the vagina to reduce bacterial vaginosis symptoms.
Acidophilus is a healthy bacteria that can help restore a bacterial balance and eliminate a bacterial vaginosis infection. Acidophilus is available in a tablet to be inserted into the vagina to fight off a bacterial vaginosis infection.
Hydrogen peroxide 3% can be used to kill a bacterial vaginosis infection. Dilute hydrogen peroxide 3% with half water and use as a douche regularly until symptoms clear.
Warm water and squeeze half a lemon into it.