How to Treat BV Infection- Bacterial Vaginosis

Infections are caused by tiny living organisms that get into the body and start to multiply. Some of these organisms are harmless and help our bodies to function properly while others cause diseases. 

Bacteria are living things that have only one cell. Under a microscope, they look like balls, rods, or spirals. They are so small that a line of 1,000 could fit across a pencil eraser. Most bacteria won't hurt you. Less than 1 percent of the different types make people sick. Many are helpful. Some bacteria help to digest food, destroy disease-causing cells, and give the body needed vitamins. 

Bacteria are also used in making healthy foods like yogurt and cheese. But infectious bacteria can make you ill. They reproduce quickly in your body. Many give off chemicals called toxins, which can damage tissue and make you sick. 

Note: Antibiotics are the usual treatment. When you take antibiotics, follow the directions carefully. Each time you take antibiotics, you increase the chances that bacteria in your body will learn to resist them. Later, you could get or spread an infection that those antibiotics cannot cure.

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is an infection caused by an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina common in women of childbearing age. Not much is known about what causes BV beyond an overgrowth of bad bacteria in the vagina. While all women are at risk for BV, there are certain behaviors that will increase your risk of contracting an infection. Follow the suggestions below to prevent BV or treat the infection if you've already contracted it.

Signs:

 

Notice any abnormal vaginal discharge with an unusual or unpleasant odor. Women with BV may have a thin white or gray discharge with a fish-like odor. This discharge is usually heavier and stronger-smelling directly after engaging in sexual intercourse.

Recognize any burning sensations that occur while urinating. Burning can be a sign that you may be infected with BV.

Notice any itching on the outside of the vagina. Itching usually occurs on the skin around the vaginal opening.

See your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms and suspect that you may have BV. Although BV does not normally cause lasting problems, there are some serious risks associated with the condition. These include:

• Increased susceptibility to HIV infection if exposed to the virus.
• An increased chance that a woman infected with HIV can pass the infection to her sexual partner(s).
• An increased chance of developing an infection after a surgery such as a hysterectomy or an abortion.
• An increased risk of complications during pregnancy for pregnant women that have BV.
• Higher susceptibility to other sexually transmitted disease, such as herpes simplex virus (HSV), chlamydia and gonorrhea.

Method 1: Treat Bacterial Vaginosis

Take antibiotics prescribed by a doctor. Two different antibiotics are recommended as treatment for BV: metronidazole or clindamycin. Metronidazole comes in both pill and gel form. Your doctor will determine which antibiotic is right for you.

• The oral metronidazole antibiotic form is believed to be the most effective treatment.
• Either probiotic can be used to treat non-pregnant or pregnant women, but the recommended dosages differ.
• Women with BV who are HIV-positive should receive the same treatment as those who are HIV-negative.

Try a home remedy. It is thought that L. acidophilus or Lactobacillus probiotic tablets may help get rid of BV. The probiotic tablets contain a lactic acid-producing bacteria that balances out bacteria levels in the vagina.

• Though these tablets are usually for oral consumption, they can also be used as vaginal suppositories to balance out bacteria levels in the vagina.
• Insert one probiotic pill vaginally directly before going to sleep at night. Do not use me thaorn one per night to avoid any possible irritation. The foul odor should disappear after a few dosages. Repeat for 6-12 nights until the infection goes away. If the infection does not go away or gets worse after a few days, see a doctor.

Understand that BV sometimes clears up on its own without treatment. All women with symptoms of BV should seek treatment to avoid complications.

Always keep in mind that BV can recur even after treatment. More than half of those treated experience recurrent symptoms within 12 months.

Method 2: Prevent Bacterial Vaginosis

Aviod having sex with multiple partners and limit your number of new partners. Having sex with a new partner means exposing yourself to new bacteria. Abstinence may decrease your risk of BV, but sexually inactive women are not immune to BV.

Avoid douching. Research shows that women who douche regularly encounter more health problems than women who do not douche. While doctors are unsure of the specific link between douching and BV, it is advisable to refrain from douching.

Take oral probiotic pills regularly. Check with your doctor to see if a probiotic regiment is appropriate for you. Specific strains of Lactobacillus are thought to inhibit the growth of BV-causing bacteria.

Be aware that BV is potentially dangerous for pregnant women. Pregnant women who have given birth to a baby weighing less than 5 pounds 8 ounces, or have had a premature delivery should be considered for a BV exam even if no symptoms are present.

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Tips

• Have your partner wash his/her hands before touching your vaginal area. Clean hands are important.
• Women do not get BV from toilet seats, bedding, swimming pools, or from simply coming into skin contact with objects.
• If prescribed antibiotics, make sure to take the antibiotics for the full number of days prescribed by your doctor. If you stop taking your antibiotics before the prescribed time period, you may redevelop BV.
• Always see a doctor if any of the symptoms listed above occur.
• Women with BV who are infected with HIV should undergo the same treatment as those who are free of the virus.

Warnings

• BV may reoccur even after treatment.
• BV may spread between female sexual partners.
• Expectant mothers with BV may have babies born premature or with low birth weight.