Alternative Treatments for Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common type of vaginal infection that develops when there is an overgrowth of certain bacteria in the vagina. Doctors often prescribe antibiotics as treatment for bacterial vaginosis. Antibiotics can successfully treat this condition in many women. However, other women may experience side effects when using antibiotics or have recurring bouts with BV even after treatment. For women who want other options, there are some natural alternative treatments for bacterial vaginosis.

The Facts

• Bacterial vaginosis usually develops when there is an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina. An increase or overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria causes this imbalance. Some symptoms of BV are vaginal discharge accompanied by an unpleasant smell, burning sensation while urinating, itching and pain. The exact cause of bacterial vaginosis is unclear. However, certain activities such as douching and sexual contact with a new partner or multiple partners can disrupt the balance of bacteria and increases a women's risk of getting bacterial vaginosis. It is important to be properly diagnosed and treated for BV to avoid certain complications.

Significance

• When left untreated, bacterial vaginosis can cause health problems. Some of the complications associated with BV are premature delivery for pregnant women with BV, an increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease, and a greater chance of acquiring a sexually transmitted infection or HIV.
  Treatment is important to avoid these health risks. For BV, doctors prescribe oral antibiotics or antibiotic creams or gels like metronidazole, which comes in either pill form for oral use or as a vaginal gel. Another antibiotic called clindamycin comes as a cream. This condition can recur after treatment. For women who want to use alternative treatments for bacterial vaginosis, there are some options.

Tea Tree Oil

• Tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties that may be helpful in treating bacterial vaginosis. The use of tea tree oil suppositories in a mixture of warm water and tea tree oil are purported to be effective treatments for this condition. Be sure to dilute the tea tree oil as it can cause irritation. There are other ways to prepare and use tea tree oil (see the Resources). Be aware that you should use this treatment with advice from a doctor. Do not ingest tea tree oil.

Yogurt

• Yogurt may be another alternative treatment for BV. Unpasteurized yogurt contains lactobacillus acidophilus, which may help to restore the balance of vaginal bacteria. Women can either take it orally or apply it directly into the vagina. This treatment requires the use of plain, unpasteurized yogurt. You can eat the yogurt or take acidophilus pills. Women can also utilize a vaginal insert such as a tampon soaked with yogurt. A second method is to use a vaginal cream applicator to apply the yogurt at night for approximately three to seven days.

Consideration

• Women can lower their risk of getting bacterial vaginosis by taking some preventive measures. Some of these include avoiding douching on a regular basis and getting routine pelvic exams. Likewise, good hygiene can be effective in avoiding a vaginal bacteria imbalance (see the Resources). Safe sex practices like abstinence and the use of condoms can also help to reduce the incidence of bacterial vaginosis.
  Although there are some alternative treatments for bacterial vaginosis that may be helpful, do not try to self-treat yourself. If you have symptoms of BV, it is important to see a doctor. Being diagnosed and properly treated can reduce the risk of any complications. It is also important to weigh all risks before using alternative treatments for bacterial vaginosis, or any other condition.