Traditional Bacterial Vaginosis Treatments - Can We Expect Them To Cure The Condition Permanently?
If you are diagnosed with BV, you have to undergo bacterial vaginosis treatments
, not only because it's nasty symptoms but also because it can cause complications. The major complications are;- Premature labor if you are pregnant as well as an
- increased risk for sexually transmitted diseases.
The usual symptoms of BV are;
- Abnormal vaginal excretion
- Malodorous fishy smell, vaginal odor and itching
- Swelling and irritation of the nether regions
- Stomach cramps
Most women with BV don't experience the symptoms. Which treatments do we have for this condition?
Do-It-Yourself Home Remedies for Bacterial Vaginosis
These bacterial vaginosis treatments vary according to the principles used to counteract the infection.
Products containing Lactic Bacteria.
These products are based on the principle that lactobacilli, also known as "good bacteria",
Products based on Tea Tree Oil
These products kill the bacteria, probably by producing antiseptic and antifungal elements.
Products lowering the pH Level of the Vagina
These products are adding an acidic buffer in vagina. This will help to protect against vaginal infections like bacterial vaginosis.
Most of the home remedy products mentioned above will only alleviate the symptoms without eliminating the bacteria or vaginal odor completely.
Antibiotics Treatment
If you have BV or you suspect you have it you should always approach a physician or a gynecologist for medical advice. The treatment these professionals most likely will recommend for your bacterial vaginosis is antibiotics. With an antibiotic treatment, it is crucial that you follow the prescription the doctor has given very carefully.
Even if the symptoms disappear before the treatment period is over, follow it all the way though. Your doctor or gynecologist will also inform you of the unpleasant side effects antibiotics may have on your condition. In most cases two antibiotics are used for treating bacterial vaginosis;
Metronidazole
This medication is available in either oral form or as a topical vaginal cream or gel. For oral intake it can be used as a one-time treatment, which means taking one dose one time. In most cases, however, the treatment is administrated over a week or so. Clinical studies have showed that one-time treatment is less effective than the weeklong treatment. Metrodinazole is known as the most efficient antibiotic BV treatment. Unfortunately, it has some side effects such as
- Headaches,
- Dizziness,
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Allergic reactions,
In the gel or cream form, vaginal yeast infection has been reported as a side effect. If you experience any of these side effects when you are treated with antibiotics, you should consult your physician immediately
Clindamycin
Like metronidazole, clindamycin is available as oral medication and topical cream or gel. This medication is also linked to side effects which include
- Rashes,
- Nausea,
- Diarrhea,
- Abdominal cramps
Approach your doctor if you experience any of these side effects.
The good thing with antibiotics is that they kill the bacteria that cause bacterial vaginosis. However, in 50 percent of the cases, the BV infection will recur within 12 months after an antibiotic treatment. In other words; antibiotics fails to give permanent bacterial vaginosis relief for a significant number of women.
This fact has forced us to look for other bacterial vaginosis treatments.
by: Gerd Petersen