subject: Natural Ways Of Treating A Bacterial Infection Of The Vagina [print this page] If you have unpleasant symptoms which include a fishy smelling vaginal discharge which is watery in consistency and gray or white in color coupled with an unbearable itching or burning sensation around the vaginal area, it is highly probable that you have the very common condition called bacterial vaginosis.
Although isolated attacks are not harmful, if left untreated, BV can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease or even infertility.
Treating a bacterial infection of the vagina is fortunately something which can be done at home. A trip to the doctors will usually result in antibiotics which will kill off the bacteria. Unfortunately though, this is only half the story, as killing the bacteria off will not eliminate the root cause which will still be there long after the antibiotics have finished working. This is why over 70% of women who take antibiotics will have a repeat attack within just a few weeks of stopping the treatment.
There are a few simple steps you can take which will help both kill off harmful bacteria and enhance the beneficial bacteria which can restore balance and health within the vagina.
One of the first steps to take when treating a bacterial infection of the vagina is to restore the natural healthy pH levels. Tea tree oil is an excellent way of killing off the harmful bacteria and this can be done by using specially produced tea tree oil pessaries, which are available from health food stores or adding a few drops to a sitz bath. Another good way to restore balance is to add a couple of cupfuls of cider vinegar to your bath as the mildly acidic pH levels can help to reinstate those within the vagina.
Supplementing the beneficial bacteria through the use of probiotics can work very well. Either use dietary probiotic supplements (ensure they are the type which can pass through the gut) or soak a tampon in natural probiotic yogurt and insert it into the vagina for an hour or two.
If you have had the symptoms of BV for more than a couple of days, it is generally recommended that you seek treatment to prevent it worsening.
