Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is one of the most common conditions in women. It is not a serious condition by any means, but it can be irritating and embarrassing. Having BV doesn’t increase your risk of getting or transmitting HIV or any other STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease). The bacteria that cause BV cannot be contracted from toilet seats, towels, bed linens, or other objects that come into contact with the body. It can only be transmitted by direct contact with an infected person.
Generally speaking, there are two kinds of bacterial vaginosis: inflammatory and non-inflammatory. In this article, we will take a look at both types and explore some home remedies to cure bacterial vaginosis in 24 hours.
What is Bacterial Vaginosis?
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is an infection of the vagina caused by an overgrowth of certain bacteria that are normally found in the vagina. The most common symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis are a change in vaginal discharge and an increase in the frequency of urination.
BV can be treated with antibiotics; however, studies have found that the infection often recurs in women who have been previously diagnosed with BV. BV is not caused by poor hygiene.
BV affects more than 50% of women at some point in their lifetime and is most common during childbearing years. BV is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI). The bacteria that cause BV are found in the vagina of many women who don’t have any symptoms of an infection. BV is not a serious infection but can cause itching and a bad smell from the discharge if left untreated.
1. Inflammatory Type of BV
In this type of BV, there will be a yellowish discharge from the vagina along with itching, swelling and redness of the skin near the labia. This may also cause pain during urination. The color will be more intense, and the itching will be more intense. The color of the discharge will be more intense (orange or yellowish-green), and it may also have a fishy odor.
2. Non-Inflammatory Type of BV
This type of BV is not accompanied by itching or swelling. In fact, the person may not even be aware of it. The color of the discharge will be light yellow. There may also be a mild odor.
What Causes Bacterial Vaginosis?
The vaginal environment contains a type of bacteria called lactobacillus rhamnosus. This bacteria keeps the vagina slightly acidic, so the bad type of bacteria doesn’t grow well. A decline in the number of lactobacilli causes more bad bacteria to thrive, resulting in bacterial vaginosis.
Douching, the practice of washing and cleaning out the inside of the vagina with water or another cleansing agent, alters the natural balance of the vagina and predisposes women to develop the condition. The vagina is self-cleaning, so douching is often not required. Having a female partner increases the chance of infection by 60%. Having multiple sex partners or a new partner, smoking, using an intrauterine device, and using certain antibiotics can be a reason for bacterial vaginosis.
Home Remedies to Cure Bacterial Vaginosis
Here are some effective treatments to cure bacterial vaginosis.
1. Natural Treatment with Oregano Oil
Oregano oil is a natural antioxidant and is proven to be effective against a wide range of diseases, including bacterial vaginosis. It is believed to be one of the best home remedies to cure bacterial vaginosis. Take 2 teaspoons of oregano oil and mix it with a glass of water. Drink this solution 2-3 times every day. If you are taking antibiotics for bacterial vaginosis, you can take oregano oil along with it. Wait for about 2 weeks to notice the results.
2. Natural Treatment with Grapefruit Seed Extract
The grapefruit seed extract is one of the best home remedies to cure bacterial vaginosis. It is used to treat infections and other diseases. It is a potent antimicrobial agent and fights against bacteria, fungi and viruses. It has been proven to be effective against bacterial vaginosis.
Take 3 capsules of grapefruit seed extract and mix it with a glass of water. Drink this solution 2-3 times every day. If you are taking antibiotics for bacterial vaginosis, you can take grapefruit seed extract along with it. Wait for about 2 weeks to notice the results.
3. Natural Treatment with Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is another potent natural antiseptic and antifungal agent that can treat bacterial vaginosis effectively. Take 2 teaspoons of tea tree oil and mix it with a glass of water. Drink this solution 2-3 times every day. If you are taking antibiotics for bacterial vaginosis, you can take tea tree oil along with it. Wait for about 2 weeks to notice the results.
4. Natural Treatment with Yogurt
Yogurt is a probiotic, and therefore it can be used to treat bacterial vaginosis. Consuming a bowl of yogurt daily can help to cure yeast infections. Dip a cotton pad in yogurt and apply it to the affected area. Repeat this process three times a day.
5. Natural Treatment with Turmeric
Turmeric powder contains antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. It also has antiseptic properties. The antibacterial agent helps to fight harmful bacteria. To get rid of vaginal bacteria, take a glass of warm milk and add one teaspoon of turmeric powder. Mix it well and drink this daily till the ailment is cured.
6. Natural Treatment with Neem leaves
Neem leaves have antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. This can help fight bacterial vaginosis infection. To get rid of recurrent yeast infection, take a handful of neem leaves. Heat them mildly in a saucepan for about 2- 3 minutes. Allow them to cool and crush them into a fine and store it.
Take about 2 teaspoons of this powder and add a little water to it. Mix it well and apply this around the affected area. Do this twice daily till the recurrent infection is cured.
7. Natural Treatment with Coconut oil
Coconut oil is an astringent that can be used to treat bacterial vaginosis. Coconut oil contains antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. It also helps in a bacterial imbalance within your vagina. It is a natural remedy to get rid of bacterial vaginosis. To get rid of bad bacteria, freeze some coconut oil for a few minutes. Apply it to the vagina. Do it once a day.
Tips to Cure Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
Here are some tips which will help you to cure bacterial vaginosis. Let’s take a look at some of them.
- Stay hydrated
This is one of the best home remedies to cure bacterial vaginosis. Bacterial vaginosis thrives in a moist environment, so it’s important to stay hydrated. Drink at least eight glasses of water every day.
- Eat a healthy diet
The foods you eat directly impact your health, including your vaginal health. So, eat a healthy and balanced diet to stay fit and healthy. Include foods like fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds in your diet. Avoid junk foods like chips, burgers, fries, etc., as these have no nutritional value and can only harm your health in the long run.
- Avoid douching
Douching can damage the natural bacterial balance in the vagina, which leads to BV. So, avoid douching at all costs.
- Exercise regularly
Regular exercise is one of the most effective home remedies to cure bacterial vaginosis. It will keep your body fit and help you perform at your peak during intimate moments. Exercise has been proven to significantly reduce stress, which is one of the main causes of bacterial vaginosis.
- Sleep 7-8 hours
Often, we are so busy in our lives that we hardly get time to relax. But, we fail to realize that rest is as important as exercise. Sleep deprivation is one of the main causes of bacterial vaginosis. So, get adequate sleep every day to stay healthy and fit.
- Take a warm bath
A warm bath is one of the most effective home remedies to cure bacterial vaginosis. It will soothe your nerves and reduce stress, which is one of the main causes of bacterial vaginosis.
- Avoid unhygienic practices
Make sure that you don’t practice unhygienic practices like having sex without wearing a condom, having multiple sexual partners, and changing sexual partners regularly. These practices can lead to bacterial vaginosis. – Avoid stress: Stress is one of the main causes of bacterial vaginosis. So, make sure that you don’t experience stress in your life.
- Limit your intake of sugar
Sugary foods can increase your risk of bacterial vaginosis. So, avoid sugary foods to stay fit and healthy.
- Use a non-scented and unscented moisturizer
Using a scented or scented moisturizer can change the pH of your vagina, which may lead to bacterial vaginosis. So, use a non-scented and unscented moisturizer to stay healthy.
- Change your underwear
Don’t wear your underwear for a long time, especially if it is wet. Instead, change it immediately to stay healthy. And use breathable cotton underwear and loose clothing.
- Stop using scented wipes
Scented wipes can change the pH balance of your vagina, which can lead to bacterial vaginosis. Instead, use plain water to clean your private parts.
- Don’t douche
Douching is not recommended for cleaning your vagina. It can change the pH balance of your vagina and lead to vaginal yeast infection. So, don’t douche.
- Practice good hygiene
Good hygiene is the best way to prevent bacterial vaginosis. So, make sure that you wash your hands before touching your vagina.
- Have a healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one of the best ways to prevent bacterial vaginosis. So, adopt a healthy lifestyle to stay fit and healthy.
- Consume probiotics
Probiotics are one of the best ways to prevent bacterial vaginosis. So, you can consume probiotics to prevent bacterial vaginosis.
- Avoid sex to prevent the spread of BV
Vaginal hygiene is really important. If you have bacterial vaginosis, avoid sexual intercourse until it is treated. It can be passed to your partner and cause them to develop BV as well.
Bacterial Vaginosis FAQ
What are the most common causes of bacterial vaginosis?
Bacterial vaginosis may occur because more bad bacteria are present in the vagina than good bacteria. There are multiple things that increase the chance of bacterial vaginosis.
1. Having different sexual partners
2. Douching
3. Having sex with a new partner
4. Not using any condom while having sex
Is bacterial vaginosis (BV) a STD?
Bacterial vaginosis can not be considered an STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease). But having multiple sexual partners may increase the risk of this infection. If the person is suffering from bacterial vaginosis and has sex with another person, then that person may need BV treatment.
Is there any fastest way to treat BV (Bacterial Vaginosis)?
There is no easy and fastest way to treat BV. But if you want to treat your BV quickly, then you need to visit your doctor as early as possible and get a prescription to treat your infection.
Does stress cause BV?
As we all know that any kind of change in your immune health can have an effect on your vaginal pH level. This commonly increases the chance of yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis.
How long does it take to cure bacterial vaginosis?
If you visit your doctor and start taking the required treatment, then your bacterial vaginosis symptoms start improving witing 2 to 4 days. It typically takes upto 7 days to cure this particular infection only if you continue taking your medication for the recommended period of time.
Conclusion: Home Remedies to Cure Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis is an extremely common bacterial infection, but it is easily treatable with these home remedies. If left untreated, bacterial vaginosis can lead to other vaginal infections and may be passed on to your sexual partners. There are two types of bacterial vaginosis: the inflammatory type and the non-inflammatory type.
The inflammatory type is caused by an overgrowth of certain bacteria that are normally present in the vagina. The non-inflammatory type is caused by different bacteria that normally live in the vagina.
To treat bacterial vaginosis, do not douche or use scented or perfumed products on your vagina, as these can exacerbate the infection. Instead, take these simple home remedies to cure bacterial vaginosis. Proper treatment and medical care are important if remedies don’t work. There are a lot of bacterial vaginosis treatment options to treat the infection, like medical treatment, antibiotic treatment, and probiotic supplements which can cure the infection.
