Bacterial Vaginosis

There are several ways to prevent bacterial vaginosis and any other vaginal infection. Because this infection is caused by an imbalance in the acidic environment in the vagina that the good bacteria live in, it is important to keep the balance in check. If unhealthy organisms have a chance to gain a foothold and reproduce outnumbering the good bacteria, an infection will develop. One way to maintain the acidic base necessary for the good bacteria, known as lactobacillus, to survive and combat infection is to consume yogurt or milk products that contain active acidophilus cultures. These cultures keep the pH balance in the vagina in an acidic state to resist infection. For those who have an infection, consumption of yogurt or milk with acidophilus will help the body rejuvenate itself and bring the pH level back into the correct balance. A well balanced diet with fruits and vegetables high in vitamins C, A, B, D, and E is recommended to boost the immune system and keep it strong to ward off disease and give the body the ability to defend itself against illness.

Many of the preventative methods recommended are common sense practices that should be followed on a daily basis, and especially so if you are prone to vaginal infections or suffer from frequent recurrences. Keeping toilets and bathtubs disinfected will kill germs that could lead to a vaginal infection. Personal hygiene is an important factor in preventing infections. Always wipe from front to back after a bowel movement to avoid the risk of E.coil from the rectum from entering the vagina. Keep the vaginal and anal regions as dry and clean as possible to prevent moisture from creating an atmosphere where bacteria can grow. Wear cotton underwear as opposed to nylon as cotton absorbs moisture and allows air to circulate more readily. Another way to prevent bacterial vaginosis is by avoiding the use of scented bath oils, toilet paper, and douches as they contain chemicals that can irritate the genital tissues and disrupt the natural pH balance of the vagina. Unless advised by your physician, douching on a regular basis should not be practiced as this could cause an imbalance in the fragile vaginal flora and destroy the natural organisms that fight infection. Douching can also cause other complications by spreading infection into the reproductive tract where damage can occur.

Sexually active women can protect themselves by taking precautions to lower the risk of developing a vaginal infection. Use of condoms can prevent the spread of unhealthy bacteria from one partner to the other. Be sure that diaphragms, medication applicators, and other birth control devices are thoroughly cleaned after each use. It is always important to remember that if you experience unusual discharge or other symptoms of an infection to seek medical attention as soon as possible to avoid the danger of damage to reproductive organs and other complications if it is left untreated. Your doctor can give you professional advice about the ways to prevent bacterial vaginosis and other vaginal infections.

A prescription for a course of antibiotic medication is usually the first step in bacterial vaginosis treatment plans. Your doctor will determine through testing what has caused your vaginal infection. Because a yeast infection can exhibit many of the same symptoms as bacterial vaginosis, it is important to verify what the actual source is to implement the correct remedial treatment. Antibiotics are effective in attacking the unhealthy bacteria causing the infection within a short period of time and allow the body to recuperate more quickly.

Physicians may also recommend supplements to boost your immune system. A strong immune system is important to fend off unhealthy organisms that can cause illness and disease. Multivitamins and minerals that may be missing from your daily intake can be replaced to assist in making your body more resistant to infections and maintain overall good health. Bacterial vaginosis treatment plans may also encourage patients to consume milk products and yogurt rich in active acidophilus cultures. Acidophilus cultures have been proven to help the vagina sustain its acidic environment where lactobacillus organisms, good bacteria, defend against unhealthy bacteria that can cause an infection. If you are fighting an infection, the cultures can assist in the rejuvenation of the pH level and allow the lactobacillus to regain its dominance over the offending bacteria to help cure the infection.

Some herbal medicines have been proclaimed to have the properties to promote healing and greatly improve the odds against developing vaginal infections and should be included in bacterial vaginosis treatment plans. Garlic contains strong antibacterial properties to fight against illness and is considered to be nature's wonder drug as it can bolster the immune system as well. Other suggested herbal remedies such as Echinacea and tea tree oil have been recommended to treat, cure, and prevent vaginal infections. For those who are pregnant or on prescription medications, it is very important to consult with a doctor or pharmacist before taking any herbal supplements. Serious complications during pregnancy that can affect both mother and baby can arise. Dangerous side effects can occur if drug interactions take place in patients who are taking prescribed medications for other conditions.

Drug stores and pharmacies offer over the counter topical creams and ointments that may provide some relief from the tenderness and itchiness of associated with a vaginal infection. Some home remedies can also be quite effective in bacterial vaginosis treatment to lessen the severity of symptoms. Cool compresses placed on swollen tissues can constrict the blood vessels in that area and reduce the swelling. A plain warm bath, without any soaps or bath oils that may dry out the skin, might also help to soothe irritated genital regions and alleviate discomfort. Always consult a medical professional if you detect any unusual symptoms, or suspect you have an infection, to obtain treatment as soon as possible and lower the risk of serious complications.