How to Get Rid of Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a very common infection that generally develops in sexually active women aged 15 to 44.

BV results from an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina. It is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI), however, developing BV does increase a woman’s chances of contracting an STI. This is because it degrades the vaginal mucus barriers, producing uncomfortable symptoms and leaving the vagina unprotected from further infection.

Women do not always present with symptoms when they have BV. If symptoms do occur, the most common ones include vaginal itching or irritation, and abnormal discharge.

In order to get rid of a BV infection, the vagina needs to be restored to a balance of natural, healthy bacteria.

Treating BV with Antibiotics

The best and most effective way of treating BV is with a prescribed course of antibiotics. Although the infection can sometimes go away on its own, antibiotic treatment is important because BV increases susceptibility to other infections, including STIs.

There are a variety of treatment options available. It is important to consult with a licensed healthcare provider to understand the most appropriate treatment for you.

The most common antibiotics used to treat BV include:

• Metronidazole (Flagyl, Metrogel-Vaginal, others): An antibiotic taken as a pill twice a day, or in the form of a daily topical gel.
• Clindamycin (Cleocin, Clindesse, others): A medication that is available as a cream, suppository, or pill, and taken three to four times a day.
• Tinidazole (Tindamax): An oral medication taken in the morning with food.
• Secnidazole (Solosec): A one-time antibiotic in the form of edible granules that is eaten with food.

According to a study published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Canada, over 80% of women treated for BV using one of these antibiotics fully recovered from the infection after one month.

Natural Remedies for BV

There are a few steps women can take to help relieve the symptoms of BV. Keep in mind that natural remedies can not fully replace the effectiveness of antibiotics.

Some natural remedies that may help alleviate the pain and severity of a BV infection include:

• Probiotics: Taking probiotic supplements that contain at least 1 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) will establish and help to grow healthy bacteria in the body. Natural probiotics are found in foods such as yogurt and sauerkraut.
• Garlic supplements: Garlic has strong antibacterial properties and has been used for centuries as an alternate treatment for infection. You can increase your intake of garlic in foods or take a garlic supplement.
• Boric acid: This white powder is derived from the element Boron, and can be taken as a suppository. Boric acid is known to have antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties.
• Tea tree oil: According to an article published in The Lancet, there are reports of tea tree oil helping to relieve the symptoms of BV due to its antibacterial properties.

BV Prevention

Preventative Measures

While the exact cause of BV is unknown, there are several preventative measures women can take to limit their chances of developing the infection.

These include making choices to:

• Avoid douching
• Take daily probiotics
• Use mild soap
• Use unscented feminine hygiene products
• Avoid tight clothing and change out of sweaty clothing quickly
• Use condoms and avoid flavored condoms or lubricants

Lifestyle Changes

In addition to making active choices to decrease the risk of developing BV, women can also make general lifestyle changes to lessen their chances of infection.

Women can consistently:

• Limit their number of sexual partners
• Engage in stress management activities to reduce stress and anxiety

Resuming Sexual Activity After BV Treatment

BV is not sexually transmitted. That being said, it is advised to wait until you complete the entire course of antibiotics when treating BV before engaging in sexual activity again. This is because penetrative sex may be uncomfortable and worsen symptoms, lengthening the total recovery period. Additionally, sexual activity can further disrupt the vaginal flora.

Where Can I Learn More About Getting Treated for BV?

The best way to treat BV is with a course of antibiotics. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing BV symptoms, specifically unusual vaginal discharge or general vaginal discomfort.

Make an appointment at LifeMD to consult with a trusted doctor or nurse practitioner for an accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan that works for you, from the comfort of your home.