Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) can be difficult to cure using either conventional or alternative treatments. Many women suffer from chronic reoccurring bacterial vaginosis that returns no matter what treatment is used. Every women is different, and different combinations and methods must be investigated if traditional treatments fail to be effective.
The conventional treatment that doctors will usually recommend upon a first diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis is antibiotics. They can be taken either orally or vaginally, and the most popular are Clindamycin, Metronidazole, and Ampicillin. If the bacterial vaginosis reoccurs after the first couple of treatments, it is likely that consequent courses of antibiotics will not be effective either.
Naturopathic forms of treatment include direct applications of anti-microbial products, such as healthy bacteria as well as products to help acidify the vaginal environment. Other supplements may be taken to help support the immune system and bolster its ability to keep the bad bacteria that cause bacterial vaginosis in check. Some naturopaths also recommend abstaining from sexual activity while the bacterial vaginosis is active.
In the past, doctors have recommend that patients suffering from bacterial vaginosis douche in an attempt to clean out the vaginal area. This has been found to be detrimental, and it upsets the levels of bacteria present in the vagina, and can actually make the condition worse. Thus, douching is not recommended to anyone, especially not as a treatment for bacterial vaginosis.
If the BV persists, many medical professionals recommend making changes to your diet to see if it will help to alleviate the symptoms. Dietary recommendations include to add flax seed, fresh vegetables and fruits, and plenty of water, while avoiding coffee, processed foods, and any foods that are high in refined flour or sugar.
Bacterial vaginosis is a condition that is particularly hard for some women to treat. While the cause of BV hasn’t been found, all signs point to an imbalance of the pH levels in the vagina being a contributing factor. Women attempting to treat this rather than the uncomfortable symptoms of bacterial vaginosis have been the most successful at getting en effective treatment.
