When there is an imbalance in the good and bad bacteria in the female genitalia area, it leads to an infection termed bacterial vaginosis or BV. There is concrete evidence on the cause but women aged between 15 and 44 years are often affected by this. Smoking and douching can cause a risk of getting this infection. It is not a STDs but the balance of bacteria can be disturbed on starting coitus or copulation with a new partner. This can even lead to the risk of contracting an STD. It can cause issues when someone is trying to conceive.
Symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis
BV doesn’t have any symptoms half of the time but when it does, here are the things experienced:
- Burning sensation during urination
- Stronger fishy smell after having intercourse.
- Itching sensation.
- Discharge of white, gray, or green color. gray or green color. It doesn’t have any smell, nor is it related to yeast infection.
Consulte with A Doctor
You need to check with a doctor in the following cases:
- Having fever along with female genitalia discharge with some smell.
- Intimacy with a new partner.
- You had a yeast infection but still experiencing symptoms despite taking over-the-counter drugs.
How To Use Hydrogen Peroxide for BV
This is a popular remedy for bacterial vaginosis. Studies conducted show that using 30 ml of hydrogen peroxide regularly for a week for douching can help in getting rid of the BV symptoms This is an antiseptic solution and can be as effective as an antibiotic.
[ Read: How to Use Coconut Oil for BV ]
Advantages of Peroxide Douche
Antibiotic therapy is needed for treating BV. So doctors often prescribe oral antibiotics or antibiotic cream which can be effective in the short term. Hydrogen peroxide also acts as an antibiotic. It takes about 3 weeks for the symptoms to vanish but they might reappear in 2-12 months.
The benefits of using peroxide douche are:
- It helps in getting rid of nausea, irritation, and yeast infection.
- You don’t have to rely on other antibiotics. Thus you will be saved from their side effects.
Side Effects of Hydrogen Peroxide Douche
Though there are some advantages of hydrogen peroxide douche, it comes with some drawbacks too:
- The female genitalia microbiomes will be negatively affected by antiseptic douching because antiseptics are of broad spectrum which kill the good as well as bad bacteria.
- The good bacteria plays an important role in protecting from yeast infection and STIs.
- There can be irritation in the female genitalia and vulva.
- The natural acidity will be disrupted which might increase chances of infection.
- Mold or other fungus can be caused by a reusable douche.
- It can cause the harmful bacteria to be flushed up into the uterus which can affect the fallopian tubes and ovaries. It can result in infertility and chronic pain.
[ Read: How to Use Coconut Oil for BV ]
Complications Associated with BV
Here are the health risk associated with BV:
- Those who had hysterectomy or other surgery or female organs while having BV, can experience bacterial infection.
- It can result in low birth weight of a new born baby.
- There is an increased risk of transmission of STDs such as HIV, chlamydia, herpes, or gonorrhea.
- Reduced chances of successful IVF or other treatments for infertility.
[ Read: How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for BV ]
Medications Used of BV
Once diagnosed, BV should be treated as soon as possible because untreated BV causes an increase in the risk of HIV and genital herpes. Even the chances of complications in pregnancy occur.
Here are the medications prescribed for treating the infection:
- Metronidazole: It is orally taken or applied topically. The topical medication is in the form of a gel that is inserted into female genitalia and can lead to some side effects like an upset stomach.
- Clindamycin: It is also taken orally. Sometimes doctors even recommend a topical cream. Those using condoms need to rely on alternative birth control measures as it can weaken the latex condoms.
- Tinidazole: It is an oral antibiotic which can result in stomach upset as its side effect.
Treat Without Antibiotics
- Maintaining a Healthy pH of female genitalia: One reason for the occurrence of BV is overgrowth of bacteria found in the female genitalia canal. So when the pH alters, the bacteria flourishes. This makes it important to enhance the healthy lactobacillus species by avoiding intercourse with new partners without condoms, using lubricants and douching.
- Use Cotton Undergarments: This ensures breathability and a dry environment which does not support bacterial growth
- Focusing on Hormonal Balance: female genitalia microbiomes can be disturbed by hormonal changes. To maintain a hormonal balance, you can consult a nbaturopatchic doctor to tweak your diet and lifestyle.
- Avoiding Products Which are Cause female genitalia Irritation: Things which cause female genitalia irritation include tampons, menstrual cups, pads, and scented soaps. So it is better to find mild products that can prevent irritation.
[ Recommended: How to Treat BV with Garlic ]
Home Remedies for BV
1. Tea tree oil
- It is known for its antibacterial and antifungal characteristics. Dilute it with a carrier oil such as sweet almond, olive or coconut oil.
- Test this on your skin and let it be for 24-48 hours before applying on tender female genitalia tissue.
- It can be soaked in a tampon and inserted into female genitalia.
- This can be removed after an hour or in case there is irritation.
- Repeat it a few times a day.
[ Read: How to Use Tea Tree Oil for BV ]
2. Prebiotics:
- It is in yoghurt and is also available in the form of supplements in liquid or pill form. This is needed to replace the good bacteria that have been killed by the prescribed antibiotics.
3. Garlic:
- It has antibacterial characteristics. You can include it in your food or as a supplement for treating BV.
Hydrogen peroxide is not the best method for treating BV. In order to avoid complication during the treatment, it is important to consult the doctor. Moreover you need to opt for the natural methods that are safer than taking antibiotics. Practicing hygiene is also extremely important.
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