Drink plenty of water to flush out toxins and re-establish proper vaginal pH. The mucous membranes in the vagina require fluids to be supported and healthy. Dehydration can make BV worse by allowing bacteria to become concentrated in the vagina.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), douching after a BV infection may increase the risk of relapse, and it is not recommended as a treatment strategy. The vagina is self-cleaning and doesn't need any douching. So you shouldn't bother to wash it with cold or warm water.
Did you know drinking water can lower your risks of infection? Not only can drinking water help with issues like urinary tract infections but taking in ample fluid can also lower bacteria levels in your mouth.
Kefir is a healthy, fermented food with a consistency comparable to drinkable yogurt. It is beneficial to cure bacterial vaginosis, because kefir has high quantities of multiple strains of live lactobacillus.
Your healthcare provider can treat BV with antibiotics; the most common ones prescribed are Metronidazole, Metronidazole gel, or Clindamycin cream. Dean points out that while on any treatment for BV, you should refrain from having sex, as intercourse and other kinds of sexual activity could lead to discomfort or pain.
While bacterial vaginosis may go away on its own, most doctors use antibiotics to treat it. You may have been prescribed pills or vaginal cream. With treatment, bacterial vaginosis usually clears up in 5 to 7 days.
Foods that are high in Vitamin C, such as citrus, kiwi, strawberries, and bell peppers, are a good choice for an immune system boost. A healthy immune system is better able to fight off infections, such as yeast infection and bacterial vaginosis.
Drinking 2-3 liters (70-100 oz) of fluid per day helps flush bacteria out of the bladder. Vitamin C. Vitamin C prevents bacteria from growing by making urine more acidic.
During the infection — and after — make sure to drink a lot of water, at least 12 8-ounce cups per day. This will flush out your system and help prevent future infections. If you feel like you've got to go, GO! Don't hold it, as this simply delays getting rid of more bacteria.
Green tea is packed with antioxidants that have been shown to enhance immune system function. It also contains amino acids that may aid in the production of germ-fighting compounds in your T-cells, which reduces inflammation in the body and helps fight infection.
The vagina is a delicate ecosystem and if something as serious as dehydration throws it off, the PH balance can be thrown off and a domino effect of complications can be set into motion. The complications include bacterial vaginosis, an increase in contracting STIs and post-hysterectomy infection.
Researchers suggest that high fat intake, particularly saturated fat may increase vaginal pH, thereby increasing the risk of bacterial vaginosis. As you can see in the associated video Bacterial Vaginosis and Diet, most saturated fat in the American diet comes from dairy, desserts, and chicken.
There are many ways that can help restore pH balance – you can take prebiotics, use gentle cleansers to clean the vulva, change tampons regularly and consider using condoms during sex. You're not alone in this.
Actions such as douching, using scented products and deodorants around the vagina, wearing tight non-breathable clothing, or using irritating products can all contribute to ph imbalance.
Disruptive microbes have formed a biofilm
The ability of BV-causing bacteria to potentially form a biofilm may explain in part why BV has such a high recurrence rate.
Many papers have linked BV with sexual behaviour; a recent change of sexual partner,7 and multiple partners compared with one partner10 increasing the risk.
Most often, BV does not cause other health problems. However, if left untreated, BV may increase your risk for: Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV. Pelvic inflammatory disease where BV bacteria infect the uterus or fallopian tubes.
Pain, itching, or burning in the vagina; A strong fish-like odor, especially after sex; Burning when peeing; and.
Some studies show that eating yogurt or probiotic supplements may treat bacterial vaginosis, and is quite safe. Another promising remedy is boric acid, a white powder with antifungal and antiviral properties.
Duration of Bacterial Vaginosis
Once BV is treated with antibiotics, it usually goes away. But sometimes it persists or recurs, often within three months, for reasons that aren't entirely understood. If a person keeps getting BV, a longer course of antibiotics may be necessary.
A SINGLE-DOSE ORAL TREATMENT OPTION
Solosec ® (secnidazole) is a BV treatment that is administered orally as a single dose. Solosec ® can be coadministered with combination oral contraceptives (such as combination ethinyl estradiol/norethindrone) and has no alcohol restriction.