Bacterial vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis is one of the most common vaginal infection for women of childbearing age. While it is normal to have small amounts of the bacteria responsible for this infection living in the vagina, when there is an overgrowth of them, it becomes a problem. The bacteria that are responsible include Gardnerella vaginalis, Mobiluncus and Mycoplasma hominis. Bacterial vaginosis can be spread through sexual contact, although it is not considered a sexually transmitted disease, because it can also develop on its own without sexual contact.
Symptoms
Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include soreness, inflammation, burning, swelling, pain during intercourse, difficulty urinating and a discharge that is both unpleasant and has a distinctive foul odor. Some women have no symptoms even though they have an infection raging.
Causes
Bacterial overgrowth is caused by a pH imbalance in the vagina. Some things that cause an imbalance include douching, taking antibiotics, hormonal changes and the insertion of foreign bodies (like tampons, diaphragms, IUDs and semen, for example). If the infection occurs during pregnancy or recurs frequently, see your physician. Wearing unbleached cotton underwear without pantyhose and tight clothing can help prevent the condition.
Cautions
Developing bacterial vaginosis while pregnant may lead to premature birth or premature rupture of the membranes. This infection may permanently affect fertility. It may also cause endometriosis after the birth. If a woman has the condition during an abortion or other surgical procedures on the reproductive organs, there is a higher rate of pelvic inflammatory disease. There may also be a higher risk of contracting HIV due to vaginal irritation, urinary tract infections and cervicitis.
Herbal Treatments
Internal Applications
- Garlic – take 1 to 2 capsules per day until the symptoms go away. Garlic is antibacterial and anti-fungal. It can be very effective against vaginal infections.
- Goldenseal – this herb boosts the immunity and can fight bacteria and yeast. Take 2 capsules of 500 mg once or twice per day until symptoms are gone.
- Echinacea – a well-known immunity booster, Echinacea fights off bacteria easily. Follow the instructions on the label for the best results.
- Olive leaf – take the extract as directed on the label to treat bacterial vaginosis. Olive leaf is a strong antibacterial herb and is an effective remedy.
- Oregon grape – a decoction of the root can be made and taken three times a day. Add the root to cold water and boil it for 15 minutes. Strain out the root and drink as directed.
External Applications
- Calendula – this herb will reduce the inflammation. Add 12 teaspoons of calendula to boiling water, let it steep and cool before using as a douche to soothe the area. Calendula petals can also be added to salads and eaten.
- Tea tree oil – a cream that contains tea tree oil can be applied topically to treat bacterial infections of the vagina.
- Chamomile – make an infusion from 1 teabag of chamomile tea in 1 cup of boiling water, let them steep at least ten minutes. Use the resulting infusion as an antibacterial douche 1 or 2 times a day.
- Neem – a douche can be made from neem tea. Neem is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial herb.
- Lavender - a douche can be made by infusing dried lavender flowers in boiling water.