If you have BV, you need to go through at least one of several bacterial vaginosis treatments, not just because it’s symptoms but also because the risk you run for complications. The main complications are;

- Premature labor during pregnancy
- Increase risk of getting sexually transmitted diseases.

The main symptoms of BV are;

- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Bad fishy smell from vagina
- Itching
- Irritation and swelling of the nether areas
- Cramps in the stomach

A majority of women diagnosed with BV, don’t experience the symptoms. How is BV treated?

Do-It-Yourself BV Home Remedies

bacterial vaginosis treatments with home remedies will vary according to the method they use to fight the infection.

Lactic Bacteria Remedies

These remedies are based on the principle that lactobacilli - the “good bacteria”, will prevent infections in vagina.

Tea Tree Oil Remedies

These home remedies kill the bacteria, most likely by producing antiseptic and antifungal substances.

Remedies that lower the Vaginal pH Level

These home remedies are adding an acidic buffer in vagina. This will help to protect against infections like BV.

Most of the home remedy products mentioned above will only alleviate the symptoms without eliminating the bacteria or vaginal odor completely.

Antibiotics Treatment

If you have BV or you suspect you have it you should always approach a physician or a gynecologist for medical advice. The treatment these professionals most likely will recommend for your bacterial vaginosis is antibiotics. With an antibiotic treatment, it is crucial that you follow the prescription the doctor has given very carefully.
Even if the symptoms disappear before the treatment period is over, follow it all the way though. Your doctor or gynecologist will also inform you of the unpleasant side effects antibiotics may have on your condition. In most cases two antibiotics are used for treating bacterial vaginosis;

Metronidazole

This medication is available in either oral form or as a topical vaginal cream or gel. For oral intake it can be used as a one-time treatment, which means taking one dose one time. In most cases, however, the treatment is administrated over a week or so. Clinical studies have showed that one-time treatment is less effective than the weeklong treatment. Metrodinazole is known as the most efficient antibiotic BV treatment. Unfortunately, it has some side effects such as

- Headaches,
- Dizziness,
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Allergic reactions,

In the gel or cream form, vaginal yeast infection has been reported as a side effect. If you experience any of these side effects when you are treated with antibiotics, you should consult your physician immediately

Clindamycin

Like metronidazole, clindamycin is available as oral medication and topical cream or gel. This medication is also linked to side effects which include

- Rashes,
- Nausea,
- Diarrhea,
- Abdominal cramps

Approach your doctor if you experience any of these side effects.

The good thing with antibiotics is that they kill the bacteria that cause bacterial vaginosis. However, in 50 percent of the cases, the BV infection will recur within 12 months after an antibiotic treatment. In other words; antibiotics fails to give permanent bacterial vaginosis relief for a significant number of women.

This fact has forced us to look for other bacterial vaginosis treatments.

by Gerd Petersen