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How Do You Effectively Treat Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) usually results in unusual vaginal discharge. Although BV is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI), it can raise your chance of contracting an STI like chlamydia. Keep reading for more information on BV treatment at home.
What causes bacterial vaginosis
A shift in the normal balance of bacteria in your vagina leads to bacterial vaginosis.
The exact cause of this is unknown, but the following factors increase your risk of contracting it:
- Being sexually active (however, women who have not had intercourse can also contract BV)
- You have a new sex partner
- Using perfumed products in or around your vagina
- You have an IUD (contraception device)
It's also important to learn more about the causes of other similar conditions such as Thrush. Find out more about the condition in our previous blog post here:
Symptoms of BV
The most typical vaginal condition affecting women of childbearing age is BV.
Approximately 50–75% of females with BV are asymptomatic. If they do, the vaginal discharge is usually altered, such as by becoming more abundant. Additionally, there might be itching or a burning feeling in the vaginal region.
When a person has BV, vaginal discharge may:
- Be gray or white in colour
- Be watery, thin consistency
- Have a strong, unpleasant smell, often described as fishy
Bacterial vaginosis does not normally cause any itching or soreness.
Can BV clear up on its own without home treatment?
Although the body may be capable of eliminating BV on its own, the infection can raise the risk of developing additional health problems if left untreated. Anyone experiencing BV symptoms should speak with a medical practitioner.
The best BV treatment at home
Antibiotic tablets, creams, or gels are used as treatments for Bacterial vaginosis. A general practitioner or sexual health clinic can prescribe these.
If you have a same-sex companion, they will also require treatment.
Recurring bacterial vaginosis
BV usually recurs typically within 3 months.
If you continue to develop BV, you may need to continue treatment for an additional six months (you get it more than twice in 6 months). How long you should treat it will be advised by your doctor or a sexual health clinic. They can also aid in determining whether something, like sex or your menstruation, is triggering off your BV.
What happens if BV treatment at home doesn't work?
Although BV itself is not dangerous, it can increase the risk of other health conditions.
General health complications
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), for instance:
- Chlamydia
- Herpes
- Gonorrhea
- Human papillomavirus, better known as HPV
- HIV, as having BV increases one’s susceptibility to the virus
- A postsurgical infection, for example after a hysterectomy or some types of abortion
Pregnancy complications
Some complications of BV during pregnancy are:
- Loss of pregnancy
- Early or preterm delivery
- Postpartum endometritis, which is inflammation or irritation of the lining of the uterus after delivery
- Chorioamnionitis, which is inflammation of the membranes around the fetus
BV treatment at home
To assist in symptom relief and protect against recurrence of bacterial vaginosis:
Do
- Use water and plain soap to clean your genital parts
- Opt for showers instead of baths
Don’t
- Use perfumed soaps, shampoo, bubble bath, or shower gel in the bath
- Put antiseptic liquids in the bath
- Use vaginal deodorants, washes, or douches
- Do not use strong detergents to wash your underwear
- Do not smoke
Shop online at Chemist.net for the best treatment for Bacterial Vaginosis.
This blog post was written on behalf of Chemist.net by Pharmacy Mentor.