Learn About Alternative Treatments For Bacterial Vaginosis

One of the things that can really ruin a woman's day is a vaginal infection. Unfortunately they are pretty common these lower vaginal tract infections. The symptoms can be very disturbing. Luckily though there are both medical and alternative methods of treatment. It is these alternative treatments for bacterial vaginosis that we shall discuss.

Intercourse, douching, unnecessary use of antibiotics, over washing and hormonal changes are some of the numerous causes of this condition. It is not very easy to pin point the exact cause in some cases. The root cause is colonization of the vagina by microbes due to weakening resident bacterial flora.

There already exist in the vaginal tract beneficial bacteria that ward of colonization by harmful microorganisms. When the population of these beneficial bacteria is depleted the harmful ones take over. This leads to an inflammation and itchiness coupled with a whitish fishy smelling discharge. Unchecked the infection can spread and has been known to cause infertility.

Prescription antibiotics and vaginal creams are the standard medical treatment. The problem is that they only give a temporary reprieve. An antibiotic will kill all bacteria including the good ones but does not solve the root cause of the problem. Once the effects of these medicines wears off the patient might experience other flare ups because the problem was only managed and the root cause has not been eliminated.

Getting to the root of the problem is what alternative treatments offer. These are mostly naturally occurring remedies. Probiotic yoghurt is especially effective. Drinking it or soaking a tampon and applying it directly to the inflamed vagina can also be effective. Probiotic yoghurt contains live bacteria that actively fight pathogens.

It is also possible to maintain the optimum vaginal conditions for good bacteria to flourish. This is easily achieved by adding either tee tree oil or apple cider vinegar to your bath water. A couple of drops of tee tree oil adds enough bacterial substance that will combat pathogens while apple cider vinegar will ensure that there is an optimum vaginal PH.

Something as simple as drinking eight water glasses a day can be beneficial. Maintaining a healthy diet is also among the good alternative treatments for bacterial vaginosis. Keeping to a diet rich in grains, fruit, vegetables and the likes will support the good bacterial flora. Avoid alcohol, meats and foods with excessive sugar as these have the effect of promoting harmful microbes.