How to Get Rid Off Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis has a lot of the same characteristics as a yeast infection, but it is not the same thing. This vaginal infection is not a sexually transmitted infection but rather is a disruption of the Ph balance in the vagina. When you want to get rid of this infection, understanding the causes will help you to find the cures more easily.
There are good bacteria in the vagina that naturally produce hydrogen peroxide. This bacteria kills the bad bacteria that causes bacterial vaginosis. When there is a disruption in the acid balance in the vagina, the bad bacteria can start to reproduce very quickly. The bacteria will coat the walls of the vagina and, the most noticeable symptoms of this infection will be a white discharge and a strong odor.
There are many things that can cause this imbalance in the body. Thongs or tight clothing that rubs against the vagina and anus, new sex partners, improper hygiene, and a change in diet are some of the most common causes of the infection. In addition, pregnant women and women with sexually transmitted infections are also susceptible to the infection.
The medical and natural treatments that work effectively for yeast infections will not work on bacterial vaginosis. Although some physicians prescribe antibiotics, these can sometimes make the imbalance worse and the symptoms will continue. When left untreated however, this infection can cause itching, swelling, and difficulty for women who are pregnant. Therefore, it is important that the right treatment plan be found and used.
One of the reasons that home remedies are very popular for treating this infection is that it is usually recurring. Until women reach menopause, they can disrupt the pH balance in their vagina very easily. A person who gets the infection will want to evaluate what external things are causing it, such as thongs or tight clothing, and make changes to the wardrobe. In addition, it may be helpful to increase vaginal hygiene to make sure that no bacteria are entering the vagina that can cause a disruption.
One of the ways that a person can control outbreaks of bacterial vaginosis is to learn what the triggers are for the infection. Some people find that using a pH kit made especially for measuring the pH balance in the vagina. If you have a problem identifying triggers for the infection, using the pH kit on a regular basis will help you to identify what the triggers are.
For many women, their active lifestyle is one of the main triggers. When you are not getting the proper nutrients and vitamins in your body, it will become imbalanced. This, coupled with stress, will cause the pH balance in the vagina to shift and the bad bacteria to begin to take over.
Antioxidants are very helpful in keeping the body flushed of the toxins that kill the flora in the vagina. In addition Vitamins A, C, D, E, and B-complex taken on a daily basis will keep your body in a more balanced state. Among the other minerals and nutrients that are very effective in increasing the pH in the vagina are Acidophilus, and Folic Acid supplements and eating plain yogurt.
Avoiding foods that increase bacteria and yeast in the body will help you to alleviate the bacterial vaginosis. These foods include those that contain mold, fermented foods, alcohol, cheese, and other foods that contain yeast organisms.
Switching underwear when you exercise or go to the gym to loose fitting briefs will keep a thong or bikini underwear from rubbing the vaginal area. In addition, it is important to shower after exercising so that creases and folds in the skin does moist and warm which can often make an infection worse.
One of the methods to relieve the swelling and itching from an infection is to put cold compresses on the area. Using Vitamin E oil, topical cream, or powder is also soothing. In addition, Aloe Vera gel can be effective if the area is not raw.
It is important to treat bacterial vaginosis right away. The infection will not go away on its own and treatment will relieve the burning, itching, and discharge very quickly when the formula that works for you is found. In addition, some people find that putting plain yogurt in a tampon tube and squirting in the vaginal area will bring the pH into balance within a few days.
Some people get the infection from environmental triggers. Sitting too long can cause pressure and rubbing on the vagina that can irritate an infection. In addition, stress can often trigger an imbalance in the pH in the body. By taking vitamins and minerals that will help to maintain balance in the body, it is often possible to reduce the physical effects of stress.
Talking to a health professional about the different options available for effectively dealing with bacterial vaginosis, identifying triggers and learning how to avoid them, and creating a plan to maintain a healthy and balance body, will be the most effective way to avoid reoccurrences of the infection. In some cases, you may need to see the assistance of a medical professional who will provide you with further details and information about the medical treatments that may be available.