subject: Should Bacterial Vaginosis Be Treated? [print this page] If you are wondering "should bacterial vaginosis be treated?" then the answer is generally, yes. If left, the condition will usually worsen and can cause complications such as an infection of the fallopian tubes or the uterus itself. There is also an increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease. Pelvic inflammatory disease can sometimes lead to infertility and be a causal factor of ectopic pregnancy.
Not only are there medical issues to consider, repeated episodes of BV can seriously affect a woman's self esteem. It is an embarrassing condition to have as the intense fishy odor can be noticeable by family members, work colleagues and even passers-by. In addition, the itching and burning of the sensitive vaginal tissues can leave you feeling irritable and drained.
Antibiotics would usually be given by a doctor to treat bacterial vaginosis. These have the effect of killing off the bacteria within the vagina. Unfortunately, they cannot distinguish between the good and bad strains, meaning that the protective effect of the beneficial bacteria is lost after a course of antibiotics which is why repeated attacks are very common. The natural internal balance is disturbed after antibiotics are taken, not only of the vagina, but of the gut and this can cause problems in itself, not to mention the wider problem of antibiotic resistance.
When looking at the question, "should bacterial vaginosis be treated" you also need to consider how long the problem has persisted. An isolated outbreak may disappear quickly, but if you have had the symptoms for more than a couple of days, then taking proactive steps is recommended. You can start by trying the following:-
* Eat a healthy, balanced diet
* Take a good all-round nutritional supplement to boost immunity
* Do not douche
* Wash with only unperfumed products
* Wear cotton panties
* Try to relax
See below for details of my recommended treatments.
