Are There Any Over The Counter Treatments For bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial Vaginosis is an inflammation that occurs within the vagina. The inflammation of the vagina caused by bad bacteria. A lot of wome still think that a yeast infection is a common type of vaginal infection. Keep in mind however, that BV is not an infection. Better described as an inflammation of the vagina caused by and overgrowth of bad bacteria called Gardnerella.
Currently there are many antibiotics available to combat this inflammation. Popular antibiotics to treat bacterial vaginosis are metronidazole and clindamycin. The downside of using antibiotics is that there is a very strong possibility that BV will reappear even after finishing the entire course of the antibiotics. As well as this if you continue to use antibiotics to treat your bacterial vaginosis the body becomes less responsive to them.
Then again there aren’t that many good products that are available over the counter to treat bacterial vaginosis. These products work on a few principles such as:
1. the eradication of bad or unwanted bacteria
An example of such a product would be Tea-tree oil products or FemiGel. They work in largely the same was as the antibiotics.
2. Lowering of pH level within the vagina by adding buffer/acid
For anaerobic bacterial growth within the vagina an alkaline pH level is required. Making the vagina more acidic by increaseding the pH level inhibits the growth of the bacteria. RepHresh is one of the products which work on this principle.
3. Addition of lactic bacteria
Fem-dophilus is an example of a great product in this category. This is a lactobacillus product. It specifically claims to help maintain a healthy vagina by encouraging the presence of essential and “vagina-friendly” bacteria.
4. Addition of nutrients
Certain types of bacteria are native to the vagina. They are essential for the vagina’s well-being, and actually help by eating the bad bacteria. Without the good bacteria, the vagina would be crawling with bad bacteria, slowly destroying the vagina. By providing the good bacteria with “food” such as lactose, they can grow and produce acid. If you have a strong bacterial flora or well balanced bacterial levels setting the correct pH level inflammations of the vagina will be kept at bay. That is how the product ladybalance works.
A lot of the over the counter treatments and cures are not scientifically backed but if you find one that works for you then who cares. Some of the home treatments will only mask the symptoms, its really important to find a natural remedy that works for you. If this happens, it will allow for the room of recurrence and inflammation.
As an alternative to over the counter products, consider natural cures as an option. Try to make changes to your diet and include vitamin supplements or herbal products. The use home remedy methods have been proven to be effective, and such natural treatments will leave you with reduced chances of recurrence.
Bacterial Vaginosis can bring about significant changes in a woman’s life. Fortunately, there are many ways to help improve the situation. By choosing the right treatment you can save yourself from many of the discomforts that come from Bacterial Vaginosis.
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Tags: bacterial vaginitis, bv, over the counter treatments for bacterial vaginosis, vaginal odor
March 27th, 2010 at 8:43 am
Finally, a good site that isn’t in my face trying to constantly sell me something. Thanks, please keep up the good work.