Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Remedies For Bacterial Vaginosis


Bacterial vaginosis is a condition that produces itchiness, some pain, discharge and odor in the vagina. It is caused by an overgrowth of normal bacteria within the vagina. Although these various species of bacteria are naturally in the vagina, an overgrowth will cause bacterial vaginosis.


Remedies for this condition are numerous. If it is persistent, you may need to consult with your physician. Initially your physician will probably prescribe a medication called Flagyl. Flagyl can be administered in two different ways. It can be given either as a pill or a vaginal cream or suppository. The most effective treatment is usually seven days long but recently one time doses of the cream have become available. Many physicians feel that the one time dose may be temporarily effective but recurrence is more common with it.


It is also important to note that while remedies for bacterial vaginosis are numerous, you should be evaluated by a health care professional before beginning any treatment. There are other possible causes of the unusual discharge and other symptoms. Chlamydia and gonorrhea will manifest themselves in much the same way initially. After consulting with your health care professional begin the prescribed treatment immediately.


There are several home remedies for bacterial vaginosis. Most of them restore the normal balance of the good bacteria with the bad. Douching and suppositories are the prevailing treatments. Tea tree oil suppositories or douche will work on some women. The douche or suppositories should be used for six weeks. The antifungal qualities of tea tree oil are believed to be the activity that attacks the \”bad\” bacteria and restores normal bacteria and ph. It is also important to note that tea tree oil should not be placed undiluted into the vagina. This can cause some allergic reactions.


Continuing with remedies for bacterial vaginosis, there is also the extract from grapefruit seeds that may be used as douche. The mixture of 2 cups of water and one teaspoon of the extract is the recommended dosage. Again, the grapefruit seed extract should not be inserted to the vaginal lining without dilution. It too can cause very uncomfortable reactions.


Douching with hydrogen peroxide in a diluted form will also aid in restoring normal bacteria and a normal ph to the vagina. By combining 2 cups of water and ¼ cup of hydrogen peroxide (3%) you have a safe douche to use.


Remedies for bacterial vaginosis continue with the insertion of acidophilus capsules or suppositories into the vagina. Douching with 1 teaspoon of acidophilus mixed in two cups of water will also create a safe douche. It is reported that this will aid in restoration of the good vs. bad bacteria.


Last is plain yogurt that contains lactobacillus. The yogurt may be placed directly into the vagina. It is important to obtain yogurt that contains the live lactobacillus and not that which does not contain it. The yogurt is inserted with the assistance of a plastic applicator.