Bacterial Vaginal Infections | Bacterial Vaginosis
Is it yeast infection of bacterial infection of the vagina? This is the first and foremost question that most women should ask before doing self-treatment.
According to a American Social health Association study it was found that more than 70% of the women do the self-treatment before calling for medical help.
This means that these women are assuming that they don’t have Bacterial Vaginal Infection as most over the counter treatments are for vaginal yeast infections.
Generally all vaginal infections (vaginitis) are inflammations of vagina. The symptoms of such infections include vaginal discharge, odor, irritation and or feeling itchy.
Causes of Bacterial Vaginal Infections
There are a number of reasons that causes bacterial vaginal infections. These include stress, hormones changes, contraceptives, antibiotics, sexual intercourse, change of partner and sexually transmitted diseases.
Vaginal douching and cigarette smoking are also found to be the causes of bacterial Vaginal Infections.
The hormonal changes during the menopause and even not maintaining public hygiene also contributes to the infections.
Any of the above can disturb the balance of the normal bacteria found in the vagina. It is important that the guesswork is kept away and treatment after proper diagnosis is undertaken.
Diagnosis of Bacterial Vaginal Infections
It is very difficult to differentiate yeast infection with initial bacterial infection without proper lab testing because the symptoms for both the infections are almost the same.
Bacterial Vaginal Infections affect the ph Value (Acid- Alkalinity) balance of the vagina. This happens because of the bad bacteria (anaerobes) outgrow the good bacteria.
When the infection spreads to advance stage the one odor that almost confirms Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is foul fishy smell. The discharge usually is thin and white (can be a bit greyish also).
Doctor may perform pelvic examinations including appearance of vaginal lining and cervix, ovaries and uterus. Lab tests from a sample taken to rule out chlamydia or gonorrhea infections.
A sample is examined under microscope to rule out yeast vaginitis (vaginal yeast infection) and trichomoniasis ( STD- sexually transmitted disease). Vaginal cells called clue cells are generally found covered with bacteria under the microscope. This is one of the most reliable diagnostic test for bacterial vaginal infection.
Another lab test is called whiff test in which a drop of Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) is added to a drop of discharge taken from the vagina to find the resulting odor. Presence of a certain fishy odor confirms the bacterial vaginal infection ( bacterial Vaginosis)
Bacterial Vaginosis Treatment - Cure for Bacterial Vaginal Infections
Bacterial vaginosis can reoccur after treatment and in that stage it can be considered chronic bacterial vaginal infection.
Most common and safe treatment that doctors suggest is the use of metronidazole and clindamycin antibiotics. These are applied to vagina in the form of a cream or gel. Even the pregnant women are prescribed this antibiotic treatment of bacterial vaginosis. Of course the dosage for pregnant women are smaller
Folic Acid is also recommended as a cure for bacterial vaginal infections.
Natural Home Remedies for Bacterial Vaginosis
Some remedies are able to give complete relief to some women and they are able to completely get rid of bacterial vaginosis.
Apple Cidar Vinegar works very well as home remedy for bacterial vaginosis in most cases. Add two cups of Apple cidar vinegar in your bath tub water. Soak for 20 minutes. Regular use every day for a week will help getting rid of bacterial vaginal infection.
Another effective natural remedy for bacterial vaginosis is Yogurt. Yogurt can be used both by consuming it and by applying it on the affected area.
Eat 200 gms of yogurt every day. It can be of any flavor. Important is to eat as much as possible. Another method is to use tampon. Make sure that it is plain yogurt. This home remedy works very well as good bacteria bad bacteria balance is restored.
Other natural home remedies for bacterial vaginal infections are the use of tea tree oil. You can add tea tree oil to the water in the bath tub and soak for 20 minutes. You can also apply tea tree oil around vagina for better results.
Some women have found that within 3days to a week they are able to get rid of bacterial vaginosis by using these natural home remedies.
Learn More about Vaginal Infections in the other related articles:
Other related articles
|
Bacterial Vaginal Infections