If you suffer from BV, you need at least one of several bacterial vaginosis treatments, not only because it's symptoms but also because the risk of complications you run. The most common complications are;
- Premature labor and birth for pregnant women and - carries a higher risk for sexually transmitted diseases.
The most common symptoms of BV are;
- Abnormal discharge from vagina - Bad vaginal odor - Itching - Irritation and swelling of the nether regions - Abdominal cramps
A majority of women with BV don't experience the symptoms. Which treatments are offered for this condition?
BV Home Remedies
This group of bacterial vaginosis treatments differs according to the principles used to counteract the infection.
Remedies containing Lactic Bacteria
These remedies are based on the principle that lactobacilli, also called "good bacteria", will prevent vaginal infections.
Remedies based on Tea Tree Oil
These remedies kill the bacteria, probably by producing antiseptic and antifungal substances.
Remedies that lower the pH Level of the Vagina
These remedies are adding an acidic buffer in vagina. This will help to protect against infections like bacterial vaginosis.
Most of the home remedies mentioned above will only alleviate the symptoms without eliminating the bacteria or vaginal odor completely.
Treatment with Antibiotics
If you are suffering from BV or you suspect you have it you should always visit your physician or gynecologist for medical advice. The treatment these professionals most likely will give for your bacterial vaginosis is antibiotics. If you are treated with antibiotics, it is very important that you follow the prescription the doctor has given very carefully. Should the symptoms disappear before the treatment period is over, don't stop the treatment but continue as long as the doctor has prescribed. Your physician or gynecologist will also inform you of the unpleasant side effects antibiotics may have on your condition.
There are mainly two antibiotics that are used for treating bacterial vaginosis;
Metronidazole
Metronidazole is available in either oral form or as a topical vaginal cream or gel. The oral medication can be used as a one-time treatment, which means taking one dose one time only. It's more common, however, to administer the treatment over a week or so. Clinical studies have documented that one-time treatment is less effective than the weeklong treatment. Metrodinazole is known as the most efficient antibiotic for treating BV. The problem with this medication are the side effects;
In the cream or gel form, one of the side effects reported is vaginal yeast infection. If you experience any of these side effects during an antibiotic treatment, you should contact your doctor immediately
Clindamycin
Like metronidazole, clindamycin can be purchased as oral medication and topical cream or gel. Clindamycin is also attached with side effects that includes
- Rashes, - Nausea - Diarrhea, - Cramps in the stomach
Speak with your doctor if you experience any of these side effects.
Antibiotics kill the bacteria that cause BV. In 50 percent of the cases though, bacterial vaginosis will recur within one month after the antibiotic treatment. Antibiotic treatment will only give permanent bacterial vaginosis relief for half of the women who are suffering from it.
This fact has forced the medical industry to look for alternative bacterial vaginosis treatments.
