Home Remedy For Recurring BV – Truths, Myths And Cures
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common condition of the vagina caused by an overgrowth of various bacteria (germs). It is not just a simple infection caused by one type of bacterium.
What causes bacterial vaginosis? BV is not caused by a single bacterium (germ). In BV, an 'overgrowth' of various bacteria occurs in the vagina. It is not clear why this happens. Normally, there are various different types of harmless bacteria in the vagina. These bacteria help in the defence against harmful germs (such as candida which causes thrush). In BV, there is a change in the balance of the normal bacteria in the vagina, and certain bacteria multiply and thrive much more than usual. Some bacteria become much more prominent than they normally are.
Doctors describe these changes as "a change in the bacterial flora of the vagina from mainly lactobacillus species to high concentrations of anaerobic bacteria."
BV is not caused by poor hygiene. In fact, excessive washing of the vagina may alter the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina, which may make BV more likely to develop.
What are the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis?About 1 in 3 women have BV at some time in their life. It may be much more common than this as many cases are mild and cause no symptoms. Any woman can be affected by BV. BV is more common in women who have an intra-uterine contraceptive device (IUD). It may also be more common in women who smoke. Hormone changes during your menstrual cycle as well as genetics may also play a part.
BV can affect any woman, including those who do not have sex. However, BV is more common amongst sexually active women than non-sexually active women. No bacterium is passed on between sexual partners that causes this condition. Sexual partners of women with BV do not need any treatment. However, some cases of BV seem to be sexually 'related'. It may develop after a change in sexual partner. In these cases, the infection is not 'caught' from anyone. But a change in sexual partner may affect the balance of normal bacteria in the vagina. BV is also more likely in women in same sex relationships who have had a change of partner.
Is bacterial vaginosis contagious? BV can affect any woman, including those who do not have sex. However, BV is more common amongst sexually active women than non-sexually active women. No bacterium is passed on between sexual partners that causes this condition. Sexual partners of women with BV do not need any treatment. However, some cases of BV seem to be sexually 'related'. It may develop after a change in sexual partner. In these cases, the infection is not 'caught' from anyone. Since having multiple or new sexual partners increases a woman's risk of developing bacterial vaginosis, this suggests that spread of bacteria among individuals may alter the balance of bacteria in the vagina and potentially predispose to bacterial vaginosis. However, since bacterial vaginosis also occurs in celibate women, other causative factors must also play a role in its development.
If you're wondering whether you're bacterial vaginosis is contagious and if you've passed it on to your partner? Well BV is not an STD but it is a form of vaginal infection. And while there are no reports of men suffering from bacterial vaginosis, we don't exactly know what symptoms a man would have. If you think about the high rate of re-occurrence then it's safe to assume that bacterial vaginosis is contagious and your sexual partner could re-infect you.
To be perfectly clear no one is sure if you can catch bacterial vaginosis from a sexual partner, however there is not research to say your sexual partner is not re-infecting you and they can act as a 'carrier' of this bacterial infection.
Scientists have no conclusive idea what sets off this overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina. It could be related to a poor diet; it could be related to the products you use on your body like feminine sprays and body wash. Want is evident is that there's a growing concern about the internal agents you use like scented tampons and deodorant douches that don't hold natural ingredients.
For those who suffer and who have suffered from bacterial vaginosis, know all too well the pain, irritated skin, embarrassing fishy odor and repetitive remedies that haven't worked.
If you're concerned if you're bv contagious the simple resolve would be to use protection during sex, like a condom until you're sure you've eliminated the infection. Also, you should discuss and plan a remedy for your sexual partner to use so you won't worry about re-infection.
How is bacterial vaginosis diagnosed? When a woman reports an unusual vaginal discharge, the doctor will ask her a series of routine questions to help distinguish mild from more serious conditions. Additional issues that might indicate the presence of a more serious condition include fever, pelvic pain, new or multiple sexual partners (especially with unprotected intercourse), and a history of sexually-transmitted infections (STDs).
In addition to these questions, the doctor will perform a pelvic exam. During the exam, the doctor notes the appearance of the vaginal lining and cervix. The doctor will also perform a manual exam of the ovaries and uterus. The cervix is examined for tenderness, which might indicate a more serious infection. The doctor may collect samples to check for chlamydia or gonorrhea infection.
Examining the vaginal discharge under the microscope can help distinguish bacterial vaginosis from yeast vaginitis (vaginal yeast infection, Candidiasis) and trichomoniasis (a type of sexually-transmitted infection). A sign of bacterial vaginosis under the microscope is a vaginal cell called a clue cell. Clue cells are vaginal cells covered with bacteria and are believed to be the most reliable diagnostic sign of bacterial vaginosis. In addition to clue cells, women with bacterial vaginosis have fewer of the normal vaginal bacteria, called lactobacilli. A vaginal pH greater than 4.5 is also suggestive of bacterial vaginosis. Cultures of bacteria are generally not useful in establishing the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis.
Finally, the doctor may perform a "whiff test" with potassium hydroxide (KOH) liquid. When a drop of KOH testing liquid used in the "whiff test" contacts a drop of the discharge from a woman with bacterial vaginosis, a certain fishy odor can result.
- The main symptom of BV is a vaginal discharge. BV is one of the most common causes of vaginal discharge in women of childbearing age. The discharge is often a white-grey colour, and often has a fishy smell. The smell may be most noticeable when having sex. The discharge tends to be heaviest just after a period, and after having sex.
- The discharge does not usually cause itch or soreness around the vagina and vulva.
- Many women with BV do not have any symptoms (up to half of cases). BV may be found by chance when vaginal swabs are taken for other reasons.
What causes bacterial vaginosis? BV is not caused by a single bacterium (germ). In BV, an 'overgrowth' of various bacteria occurs in the vagina. It is not clear why this happens. Normally, there are various different types of harmless bacteria in the vagina. These bacteria help in the defence against harmful germs (such as candida which causes thrush). In BV, there is a change in the balance of the normal bacteria in the vagina, and certain bacteria multiply and thrive much more than usual. Some bacteria become much more prominent than they normally are.
Doctors describe these changes as "a change in the bacterial flora of the vagina from mainly lactobacillus species to high concentrations of anaerobic bacteria."
BV is not caused by poor hygiene. In fact, excessive washing of the vagina may alter the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina, which may make BV more likely to develop.
What are the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis?About 1 in 3 women have BV at some time in their life. It may be much more common than this as many cases are mild and cause no symptoms. Any woman can be affected by BV. BV is more common in women who have an intra-uterine contraceptive device (IUD). It may also be more common in women who smoke. Hormone changes during your menstrual cycle as well as genetics may also play a part.
BV can affect any woman, including those who do not have sex. However, BV is more common amongst sexually active women than non-sexually active women. No bacterium is passed on between sexual partners that causes this condition. Sexual partners of women with BV do not need any treatment. However, some cases of BV seem to be sexually 'related'. It may develop after a change in sexual partner. In these cases, the infection is not 'caught' from anyone. But a change in sexual partner may affect the balance of normal bacteria in the vagina. BV is also more likely in women in same sex relationships who have had a change of partner.
Is bacterial vaginosis contagious? BV can affect any woman, including those who do not have sex. However, BV is more common amongst sexually active women than non-sexually active women. No bacterium is passed on between sexual partners that causes this condition. Sexual partners of women with BV do not need any treatment. However, some cases of BV seem to be sexually 'related'. It may develop after a change in sexual partner. In these cases, the infection is not 'caught' from anyone. Since having multiple or new sexual partners increases a woman's risk of developing bacterial vaginosis, this suggests that spread of bacteria among individuals may alter the balance of bacteria in the vagina and potentially predispose to bacterial vaginosis. However, since bacterial vaginosis also occurs in celibate women, other causative factors must also play a role in its development.
If you're wondering whether you're bacterial vaginosis is contagious and if you've passed it on to your partner? Well BV is not an STD but it is a form of vaginal infection. And while there are no reports of men suffering from bacterial vaginosis, we don't exactly know what symptoms a man would have. If you think about the high rate of re-occurrence then it's safe to assume that bacterial vaginosis is contagious and your sexual partner could re-infect you.
To be perfectly clear no one is sure if you can catch bacterial vaginosis from a sexual partner, however there is not research to say your sexual partner is not re-infecting you and they can act as a 'carrier' of this bacterial infection.
Scientists have no conclusive idea what sets off this overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina. It could be related to a poor diet; it could be related to the products you use on your body like feminine sprays and body wash. Want is evident is that there's a growing concern about the internal agents you use like scented tampons and deodorant douches that don't hold natural ingredients.
For those who suffer and who have suffered from bacterial vaginosis, know all too well the pain, irritated skin, embarrassing fishy odor and repetitive remedies that haven't worked.
If you're concerned if you're bv contagious the simple resolve would be to use protection during sex, like a condom until you're sure you've eliminated the infection. Also, you should discuss and plan a remedy for your sexual partner to use so you won't worry about re-infection.
How is bacterial vaginosis diagnosed? When a woman reports an unusual vaginal discharge, the doctor will ask her a series of routine questions to help distinguish mild from more serious conditions. Additional issues that might indicate the presence of a more serious condition include fever, pelvic pain, new or multiple sexual partners (especially with unprotected intercourse), and a history of sexually-transmitted infections (STDs).
In addition to these questions, the doctor will perform a pelvic exam. During the exam, the doctor notes the appearance of the vaginal lining and cervix. The doctor will also perform a manual exam of the ovaries and uterus. The cervix is examined for tenderness, which might indicate a more serious infection. The doctor may collect samples to check for chlamydia or gonorrhea infection.
Examining the vaginal discharge under the microscope can help distinguish bacterial vaginosis from yeast vaginitis (vaginal yeast infection, Candidiasis) and trichomoniasis (a type of sexually-transmitted infection). A sign of bacterial vaginosis under the microscope is a vaginal cell called a clue cell. Clue cells are vaginal cells covered with bacteria and are believed to be the most reliable diagnostic sign of bacterial vaginosis. In addition to clue cells, women with bacterial vaginosis have fewer of the normal vaginal bacteria, called lactobacilli. A vaginal pH greater than 4.5 is also suggestive of bacterial vaginosis. Cultures of bacteria are generally not useful in establishing the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis.
Finally, the doctor may perform a "whiff test" with potassium hydroxide (KOH) liquid. When a drop of KOH testing liquid used in the "whiff test" contacts a drop of the discharge from a woman with bacterial vaginosis, a certain fishy odor can result.
Natural Cures For Bacterial Vaginosis
There are quite a few types of vaginal infections that women face. These infections could be caused by fungus, yeast and bacteria among many possibilities. Among them, contrary to the popular belief, it is the bacterial infection that is the most prevalent one and not the infection caused by yeast. This infection caused by bacteria is often termed as bacterial vaginosis. And as many women find out thorugh their experience, bacterial vaginosis (BV) is unfortunately a recurring problem. In other words, if someone is infected with BV, they do not find it easy to get rid of the problem or eliminate it completely.
The detailed information on bacterial vaginosis can be found at the home page of this website. The real cause(BV) is an undesirable change of acidity inside the vagina. You would not want to keep the undesirable levels of acidity unchanged. You would prefer to fix the acidity once and for all so that you can eliminate the problem forever from your life.
If you notice it carefully, conventional treatments of bacterial vaginosis involving antibiotics does not really take the acidity change factor into account. The way that the traditional antibiotic treatment for BV works is that it would kill the bacteria by sheer chemical force. In fact, direct killing of microbes is what makes antibiotics powerful and that is not an exception for the case of bacterial vaginosis also since it is cause by bacteria which is a kind of microbe.
But unfortunately, that does not end the story for a significant fraction of the infected population. It goes well beyond the initial treatment with traditional antibiotics. The antibiotics will kill the vaginal bacteria without any consideration – it would kill the health-friendly bacteria that is expected to be in the human vagina and the harmful bacteria that is causing the BV, both alike. As a result, the initial effect of the person suffering from the ailment will be one of relief. The intensity of bacterial vaginosis will go down initially with the traditional antibiotic treatment. For some women, it will never return and the woman will believe she is healthy.
But for a number of other women, the bacteria will come back and infest the vagina once again. And then they would take the antibiotic again. And then it would disappear again, only to show up yet again. And this becomes a cycle and keeps repeating. In short, the BV goes chronic from this point onwards.
But what makes bacterial vaginosis(BV) become recurrent?
If you carefully observe, the treatment method (antibiotics) described so far does not in any way attempt to take care of the vaginal acidity. All that it tries to do and successfully does is that it ends up killing bacteria. But in reality the effect of the antibiotics cannot last forever. So what would happen once the effectso f the antibiotics wear off? Unelss the vagina self-heals within this time period, the bad bacteria starts growing faster than the health-friendly Lactobacillus bacteria again. And the outcome is that the BV that had apparently disappeared is back again, giving an impression of recurring bacterial vaginosis.
So the real way to eliminate recurring bacterial vaginosis is not to kill the micro-organism but to fundamentally change the conditions inside the vagina. You would not want to kill the bacteria forcefully over and over again usinng antibiotics. Over-exposure to antibiotics could possibly lead the bacteria develop resistance powers to medicine inside your body and then antibiotics may not help when you need them for some serious requirements. Plus, overuse of antibiotics could leave other possible side effects.
What you would rather want to do is go for natural treatments to increase the vaginal acidity and thus create a more suitable environment for the "good bacteria” to grow back. So you would want to follow some of the natural BV treatment methods and lead a disciplined life. The natural elements, easily found in nature, would help maintain the vaginal acidity without producing side effects. So you need to keep maintaining a life with certain disciplines and that in itself will help you a lot in the long term.
Also, among the popular bacterial vaginosis home remedy (BV) methods, there are some elements such as yogurt and apple cidar vinegar that are used quite a lot. One of the most effective means is to use certain probiotics along with leading a disciplined life. More more on treating your BV using natural methods, please take a look at this page.
The detailed information on bacterial vaginosis can be found at the home page of this website. The real cause(BV) is an undesirable change of acidity inside the vagina. You would not want to keep the undesirable levels of acidity unchanged. You would prefer to fix the acidity once and for all so that you can eliminate the problem forever from your life.
If you notice it carefully, conventional treatments of bacterial vaginosis involving antibiotics does not really take the acidity change factor into account. The way that the traditional antibiotic treatment for BV works is that it would kill the bacteria by sheer chemical force. In fact, direct killing of microbes is what makes antibiotics powerful and that is not an exception for the case of bacterial vaginosis also since it is cause by bacteria which is a kind of microbe.
But unfortunately, that does not end the story for a significant fraction of the infected population. It goes well beyond the initial treatment with traditional antibiotics. The antibiotics will kill the vaginal bacteria without any consideration – it would kill the health-friendly bacteria that is expected to be in the human vagina and the harmful bacteria that is causing the BV, both alike. As a result, the initial effect of the person suffering from the ailment will be one of relief. The intensity of bacterial vaginosis will go down initially with the traditional antibiotic treatment. For some women, it will never return and the woman will believe she is healthy.
But for a number of other women, the bacteria will come back and infest the vagina once again. And then they would take the antibiotic again. And then it would disappear again, only to show up yet again. And this becomes a cycle and keeps repeating. In short, the BV goes chronic from this point onwards.
But what makes bacterial vaginosis(BV) become recurrent?
If you carefully observe, the treatment method (antibiotics) described so far does not in any way attempt to take care of the vaginal acidity. All that it tries to do and successfully does is that it ends up killing bacteria. But in reality the effect of the antibiotics cannot last forever. So what would happen once the effectso f the antibiotics wear off? Unelss the vagina self-heals within this time period, the bad bacteria starts growing faster than the health-friendly Lactobacillus bacteria again. And the outcome is that the BV that had apparently disappeared is back again, giving an impression of recurring bacterial vaginosis.
So the real way to eliminate recurring bacterial vaginosis is not to kill the micro-organism but to fundamentally change the conditions inside the vagina. You would not want to kill the bacteria forcefully over and over again usinng antibiotics. Over-exposure to antibiotics could possibly lead the bacteria develop resistance powers to medicine inside your body and then antibiotics may not help when you need them for some serious requirements. Plus, overuse of antibiotics could leave other possible side effects.
What you would rather want to do is go for natural treatments to increase the vaginal acidity and thus create a more suitable environment for the "good bacteria” to grow back. So you would want to follow some of the natural BV treatment methods and lead a disciplined life. The natural elements, easily found in nature, would help maintain the vaginal acidity without producing side effects. So you need to keep maintaining a life with certain disciplines and that in itself will help you a lot in the long term.
Also, among the popular bacterial vaginosis home remedy (BV) methods, there are some elements such as yogurt and apple cidar vinegar that are used quite a lot. One of the most effective means is to use certain probiotics along with leading a disciplined life. More more on treating your BV using natural methods, please take a look at this page.