Home Remedies and Herbs for Vaginosis

Vaginosis is an infection of the vagina. Vaginosis is commonly referred to as “bacterial vaginosis” and is slightly different from the term “vaginitis” which is the symptomatic inflammation of the vaginal area. ¹
 
Vaginosis is a very common infectious condition that frequently affects women of childbearing age. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that over 21 million American women between the ages of 14 to 49 have a vaginosis infection. Vaginosis regularly occurs in pregnant women and is extremely high for women who are infected by a sexually transmitted disease (STD). ^1,5
 
It’s important to know that vaginosis infections are not considered to be STDs and are not contagious. Vaginosis cannot be contracted from toilet seats, public pools and hot tubs or sharing clothing. Vaginosis is not directly spread by sexual contact, however, there is evidence that foreign bacteria exchanged during sex can contribute to an imbalance in regular vaginal bacteria which is the cause of vaginosis. ^1,3,5
 
Bacterial vaginosis is also different from other vaginal infections such as yeast infections and trichomoniasis. Bacterial vaginosis is a condition where naturally-occurring vaginal bacteria become imbalanced. Yeast infections are caused by foreign fungal invasion and trichomoniasis or “trich” is caused by a parasitic microorganism. ^3,5
 
What Causes Vaginosis?
 
Vaginosis causes are due to a bacterial imbalance in the vagina. A number of bacterial species naturally occur in the vagina that contribute to health, lubricate and prevent disease. One natural bacteria is the hydrogen peroxide producing lactobacilli that works to control other natural and foreign bacteria. A reduction of lactobacilli leads to an increase of anaerobic bacteria that grow in the absence of oxygen. This results in an infectious growth of “bad” vaginal bacteria. Why this imbalance occurs is unknown. ^1,3,5
 
Other vaginosis causes are allergic reactions to soaps, perfumes and certain clothing materials as well as irritant foreign materials like IUDs, tampons or toilet tissue in the vagina may also cause vaginosis. ^3,4,5
 
Risk factors that increase the likelihood of vaginosis include: 

• Multiple sex partners that introduce foreign bacteria
• IUD birth control devices
• Reaction to antibiotic medication
• Vaginal douching
• Tobacco smoking

Vaginosis Symptoms
 
Often, women who have bacterial vaginosis present little or no symptoms. The primary vaginosis symptoms are a change in vaginal discharge. That may be a difference from normal amounts of discharge, color, texture or odor. ^2,5
 
Other vaginosis symptoms may be: 

• Itching and swelling of the vaginal area
• Vaginal bleeding or spotting outside menstrual periods
• Pain in urination
• Pain during intercourse

Natural Remedies and Herbs for Vaginosis
 
Vaginosis natural treatments focus on restoring bacterial balance in the vagina. Effective natural vaginosis home remedies include:

• Peroxide 3 and Water - Hydrogen peroxide is a natural cleanser produced by lactobacilli bacteria in the vagina. A douche composed of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide mixed with water is an effective vaginosis a natural treatment for eliminating harmful bacteria and restoring a proper bacterial balance.
• Apple Cider Vinegar and Water - Apple cider vinegar has an acidic nature that works to kill harmful bacteria through increasing vaginal acidity.
• Garlic - Garlic is a natural antibiotic that helps to treat vaginosis. Antibacterial and antifungal properties in garlic kill harmful vaginal bacteria and restore a healthy mix of normal bacteria.
• Probiotics - Probiotics are antibacterial agents added to foods as a health measure. Probiotics work to eliminate harmful bacteria and restore a natural vaginal bacterial balance.
• Folic Acid - Folic acid is a B vitamin also known as folate. Folic acid works to improve the immune system including fighting harmful bacteria including those that cause vaginosis.
• Yogurt - Eating yogurt is one of the most common vaginosis home remedies. Yogurt naturally contains lactobacillus bacteria that contribute to a proper vaginal bacteria balance.

References

1. https://labtestsonline.org/understanding/conditions/vaginitis/
2. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vaginitis/home/ovc-20258665
3. https://www.cdc.gov/std/bv/stdfact-bacterial-vaginosis.htm
4. http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bacterialvaginosis/Pages/Introduction.aspx
5. http://www.medicinenet.com/bacterial_vaginosis_causes_symptoms_treatment/page4.htm