Bacterial vaginosis is generally not considered a sexually transmitted infection STI. But if you are exposed to an STI while you have bacterial vaginosis, you are more likely to get that infection. It is always important to practice safer sex to prevent sexually transmitted infections, whether or not you have bacterial vaginosis. Preventing an STI is easier than treating an infection after it occurs.
Some women have tried treating bacterial vaginosis with the probiotic Lactobacillus. This is found in foods like yogurt and in dietary supplements. But more research is needed to find out if Lactobacillus works to treat or prevent bacterial vaginosis. There are also different types of Lactobacillus, and researchers don't yet know which type would be most effective.
The antibiotics metronidazole such as Flagyl and MetroGel , clindamycin such as Cleocin and Clindesse , and tinidazole such as Tindamax are used to treat bacterial vaginosis. Depending on the antibiotic you are prescribed, you may take it by mouth or use it vaginally. The oil in clindamycin cream and ovules can weaken latex. This means condoms and diaphragms may break, and you may not be protected from STIs or pregnancy.
Author: Healthwise Staff. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
Updated visitor guidelines. You are here Home » Bacterial Vaginosis. Top of the page. Topic Overview What is bacterial vaginosis? What causes bacterial vaginosis? Your risk of getting bacterial vaginosis is higher if you: Have more than one sex partner or have a new sex partner.
What are the symptoms? How is bacterial vaginosis diagnosed? What problems can bacterial vaginosis cause? If you have it when you are pregnant, it increases the risk of miscarriage, early preterm delivery, and uterine infection after pregnancy.
If you have it when you have a pelvic procedure such as a cesarean section, an abortion, or a hysterectomy, you are more likely to get a pelvic infection. If you have it and you are exposed to a sexually transmitted infection including HIV , you are more likely to catch the infection. How is it treated?
Cause Bacterial vaginosis is caused by an imbalance of the organisms flora that naturally exist in the vagina. Symptoms Many women with bacterial vaginosis do not have any symptoms. But it does cause: An excessive grayish white vaginal discharge, unlike normal vaginal discharge. Some women describe the discharge as "yellow. What Happens Bacterial vaginosis often clears up on its own. Complications Your risk of complications from bacterial vaginosis is higher: During pregnancy. Compared to pregnant women who don't have it, women who have bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy have a higher risk of early preterm delivery or of uterine infection after pregnancy.
Also, pregnant women may have an increased risk of miscarriage. After gynecological surgery. Women with bacterial vaginosis at the time of an invasive vaginal procedure have an increased risk of developing more serious infection or inflammation, such as pelvic inflammatory disease PID or endometritis. When exposed to HIV or other sexually transmitted infection. Women who have bacterial vaginosis when they are exposed to sexually transmitted infections including HIV have an increased risk of becoming infected with the sexually transmitted infection.
What Increases Your Risk Things that increase your risk of getting bacterial vaginosis include: Having more than one sex partner or having a new sex partner. Not using condoms. When should you call your doctor? Are pregnant and have symptoms of a vaginal infection. Call your doctor for an appointment within 1 week if you: Have vaginal discharge with an unusual or foul odor. Have vaginal itching.
Have pain during sex or during urination. Develop any other discomfort or discharge that may mean you have a vaginal infection.
If you have not been diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis but you have symptoms that concern you, see: Female Genital Problems and Injuries. Abdominal Pain, Age 12 and Older. Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding. Exams and Tests Your doctor may test you for bacterial vaginosis if you: Have symptoms.
Are going to have a hysterectomy or surgical abortion. Bacterial vaginosis increases infection risk afterwards. Are pregnant and have symptoms. Laboratory tests to detect signs of bacterial vaginosis may include: Wet mount. A sample of vaginal discharge is mixed with a salt normal saline solution after placing it on a microscope slide. The prepared slide is examined to identify the bacteria present, to look for white blood cells that point to an infection, and to look for unusual cells called clue cells.
The presence of clue cells is one sign of bacterial vaginosis. Some may be more effective than others. But many come without some of the side effects prescription medications can cause. Yogurt is a natural probiotic, which means it has plenty of healthy bacteria in it. Eating yogurt may help introduce healthy bacteria back into the body. This helps establish a balanced vaginal environment and could help fight off the bad bacteria. To get the full benefits, eat at least one serving of yogurt per day.
Yogurt contains some probiotics. But there are plenty of probiotic supplements available. If you have bacterial vaginosis, try taking probiotics daily to help treat and prevent future cases of bacterial vaginosis.
Probiotics come in pill or liquid form. Probiotic supplements and yogurt can help replace good bacteria. A study compared the use of garlic tablets and oral metronidazole, an antibiotic, in treating the condition. Study results showed that taking a garlic supplement tablet could be an option for treating bacterial vaginosis.
An older study found that about 1 ounce of hydrogen peroxide used daily for 1 week as vaginal irrigation was able to help treat bacterial vaginosis as well as traditional medications. It comes with the advantage of a much lower cost than these medications. It also has fewer side effects.
Tea tree oil has powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help treat bacterial vaginosis. One small study done in vitro reported successful treatment of bacterial vaginosis with only tea tree oil. That being said, additional human studies for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis with tea tree oil are still needed.
Essential oils like tea tree oil need to be diluted with a carrier oil like coconut , sweet almond , or olive oil. Do not use tea tree oil without mixing it with a carrier oil first as it can burn tender skin. Many people are allergic to tea tree oil. Before you try this home remedy test a small amount of the diluted oil on your skin before using it on your tender vaginal tissue. There are different ways to use tea tree oil to treat bacterial vaginosis, including mixing it with coconut oil or another carrier oil and soaking a tampon in it.
Insert the tampon into the vagina and remove it after an hour. Repeat this a few times per day. You can also purchase tea tree oil vaginal suppositories online. Tea tree is an essential oil. Now the Centers for Disease Control CDC is also recommending milligrams mg of vaginally-administered boric acid in a gelatin capsule for two weeks for recurrent cases.
Before trying hydrogen peroxide, boric acid, probiotics, or any other home remedy for BV, be sure to talk to your health care provider.
Michelle Konstantinovsky is an experienced writer, regularly producing content on a variety of wellness-oriented topics ranging from breaking health news to fitness and nutrition. To read more of her work, visit www.
Any general advice posted on our blog, website, or app is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace or substitute for any medical or other advice. If you have specific concerns or a situation arises in which you require medical advice, you should consult with an appropriately trained and qualified medical services provider. Learn More Opens in a new window. Join today and experience primary care designed for real life, in-office and in-app.
0コメント