Your vagina is riddled with bacteria, but don’t worry—most of them are harmless and fall into a category called lactobacilli, also known as the “good” kind of bacteria.
The vagina also plays host to the “bad” kind, called anaerobes, and sometimes the anaerobes get too plentiful and throw off the balance, creating a situation called bacterial vaginosis (1).
Bacterial vaginosis is a form of vaginitis, an inflammation of the vagina.
Although not a sexually transmitted disease in and of itself, the condition does make contracting an STD easier so knowing how to get rid of bacterial vaginosis is important for anyone who plans on being sexually active.
Vaginosis while pregnant can also cause infants to be born premature or underweight, so pregnant women in particular have an interest in a bacterial vaginosis cure.
The good news is that the condition is treatable and there are various bacterial vaginosis (or “BV”) home remedies that can be employed alongside medical options.
What Causes Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)?
As mentioned, bacterial vaginosis occurs when the anaerobe bacteria in the vagina multiply to the point where they disrupt the normally lactobacilli-dominated environment. This usually happens because something has caused lactobacilli levels to drop. It’s a trigger that can play out across similar overgrowth disorders that can appear in other places, such as the intestines or the mouth. However, the exact cause of bacterial vaginosis is unknown and nor is it clear just how low lactobacilli levels need to be in order for an anaerobe surge to develop. What is known is that certain activities can increase the likelihood of developing BV, including:
- Vaginal douching;
- Unprotected intercourse;
- Intercourse with a new partner or multiple partners;
- Using antibiotics; and
- Using any vaginally delivered medications.
Symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
The good news is that around 50 to 75% of women with BV don’t develop symptoms, sparing them from various forms of discomfort. The bad news is that these individuals still have the associated pregnancy and STD risks that BV can bring, so it’s not a perfect situation.
Among those who do experience bacterial vaginosis symptoms (2), the most common is a vaginal discharge. This discharge will be thin, dull gray or white, and can sometimes appear foamy. It will also have a fish-like odor that intensifies during menstruation or intercourse as blood or semen interact with the chemicals the bacteria are giving off.
Bacterial vaginosis can result in itching and irritation along with a painful or burning sensation when urinating. It can also cause pain during intercourse and in some cases even light bleeding or spotting. In rare cases, the infection can spread to the uterus and fallopian tubes. This causes a condition called pelvic inflammatory disease and can potentially lead to infertility.
How to Get Rid of Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
There are numerous home treatments for bacterial vaginosis that can be applied in concert with conventional medical treatment. It is important when using any BV home remedy that you do not do so at the expense of any doctor-prescribed medication. The good news is that natural remedies for bacterial vaginosis and medical treatments are not mutually exclusive, so you can use them both at the same time without incident. With that in mind, here are some tips for how to get rid of a vaginal bacterial infection.
Hydrogen Peroxide for BV
This is one of the more reliable methods for how to treat BV at home. Hydrogen peroxide is a disinfectant that can be applied to the vagina to help kill any bacteria that have set up shop. Since hydrogen peroxide is quite strong and because you are applying it to a sensitive area, it’s important to dilute the substance first. To create this natural treatment for bacterial vaginosis, use a solution of equal parts water and 3% hydrogen peroxide then soak a tampon in the resulting mixture. Insert the tampon and leave it in place for 20 to 30 minutes before removing.
Apple Cider Vinegar for BV
Using apple cider vinegar for bacteri