Lactobacilli-based probiotics such as Lacticasebacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus fermentum, and Lactobacillus reuteri are best for treating BV.
This meta-analysis involved 10 RCTs with a low or moderate risk of bias, which suggested that the treatment with probiotics alone was more effective in the therapy of BV for both short- and long-term; however, the probiotics used after antibiotic treatment was effective only for a short term.
How long does it take for probiotics to clear up BV? Probiotics should clear up vaginal infections within two weeks. However, it may take longer depending on the severity of the condition. Some women experience symptoms such as burning, itching, pain during intercourse, and white discharge.
To treat bacterial vaginosis, your doctor may prescribe one of the following medicines: Metronidazole (Flagyl, Metrogel-Vaginal, others). This medicine comes as a pill or topical gel. You swallow the pill, but the gel is inserted into your vagina.
Bacterial vaginosis is a common infection, and there's no way to completely stop all infections. Still, you may be able to lower your risk of developing BV with good hygiene and taking care of your overall health. Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider if you're experiencing any of the symptoms of BV.
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.
Probiotics are packed full of healthy bacteria that not only help your GI tract, but also your vagina. Studies have shown that when taken, probiotics will improve symptoms for those who already have a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis. Probiotics are also able to prevent a potential infection.
Yes, BV can be treated without antibiotics. Natural remedies such as tea tree oil, boric acid or probiotics can be effective in treating BV.
Women who are not pregnant
After treatment, you do not need any further tests to ensure that BV has cleared (a test of cure) provided that your symptoms have gone.
Metronidazole, Clindamycin, and Tinidazole are the first line of treatment options for BV. Some alternatives for BV prevention; Boric acid, Probiotics+Prebiotics, avoiding douching, avoid unprotected sex.
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.
Studies have found that women who have an ongoing male sexual partner are twice as likely to experience BV recurrence [3,10] and that inconsistent condom use for penile-vaginal sex is also associated with higher rates of recurrence after treatment [10].
Within a month, antibiotics clear up to 85% of bacterial vaginosis cases, yet for over half of these patients, BV will return within 6 months. This is thought to be in part because the antibiotics don't fully eradicate the pathogenic microbes, leaving BV-associated bacteria to regrow in the vagina following treatment.
A: Possibly helpful for treating BV: Vitamin C: One study1 of 142 European women evaluated vaginal use of silicone-coated 250mg vitamin C tablets to reduce BV recurrence and showed a nearly 50% decrease in recurrence of BV.
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.
Vaginal probiotic supplements are hugely popular. This includes both probiotic pills and suppository capsules that are inserted into the vagina using an applicator. But evidence of effectiveness is scant. “There is almost no evidence that these have benefit for vaginal health.
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.
Living with bacterial vaginosis
Some women suffer from chronic (recurring) bacterial vaginosis. Medicine can clear up the infection, but it returns again after a few weeks. Some women report that bacterial vaginosis returns after their period each month. Or it can return after they have sex.
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.
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.
The primary treatment course for BV is antibiotics. However, some people may wish to treat the condition at home. Options for home treatments include practicing safe hygiene, using barrier protection during intercourse, and taking probiotic supplements. BV is a common condition and typically is not cause for concern.
In an attempt to treat or prevent recurring vaginal symptoms women will often employ their own self-help remedies such as douching, taking yoghurt orally or vaginally, probiotics or vitamin supplements, using over the counter yeast infection treatment products and antiseptic creams, wearing cotton underwear and ...
Eat plain, probiotic yogurt daily. One study showed that after consuming 150mL yogurt containing L. acidophilus daily for two months, there was a 60% reduction in BV episodes.