Archive for the 'Bacterial Vaginosis' Category

Jul 12 2008

Prevent Bacterial Vaginosis

Published by medicinewoman under 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.

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Jul 01 2008

Remedies For Bacterial Vaginosis

Published by medicinewoman under Bacterial Vaginosis

The term used for a bacterial infection in the vagina is bacterial vaginosis, or BV. This condition occurs when the fragile vaginal flora is disrupted and the pH level in the vagina becomes unbalanced. There are good bacteria in the body, known as lactobacillus, that keep this situation in check. However, if an unhealthy organism is given the chance to reproduce and outnumber the good bacteria, a vaginal infection can develop. There are remedies for bacterial vaginosis available that are very effective in curing and infection and reducing the risk of recurrence in the future.

If you experience any signs or symptoms of a vaginal infection, it is important to see your doctor will run tests to determine what the cause of your condition is and who will recommend a treatment plan based on the results of your tests. As some vaginal infections exhibit similar warning signs, it is necessary to verify the source of the problem.

Remedies for bacterial vaginosis usually begin with a course of antibiotics prescribed by your physician to attack the bacteria causing the infection as quickly as possible to prevent spreading and damage to the tissues involved. Your doctor may also recommend a vitamin and mineral supplement to help boost your immune system to aid in the healing process.

Consumption of yogurt and milk products that contain active acidophilus cultures may be suggested. These cultures are known to help maintain the acidic environment in the vagina where the lactobacillus live and defend against infection. If you have an infection, acidophilus cultures can help the body rejuvenate itself, correct the imbalance in the vaginal flora, and allow the good bacteria to regain its dominance.

Garlic, one of natures wonders, has proven to be quite effective in assisting the body to recover from many ailments. The strong antibacterial properties it contains help to strengthen the immune system and protect against unhealthy organisms. Herbal medicines such as tea tree oil and Echinacea have been touted as beneficial as treatment alternatives.

However, if you are pregnant or on other prescribed medications, it is highly recommended to consult with your doctor before using any organic product as serious complications and side effects can arise. Some herbs can be detrimental during pregnancy and some can cause dangerous conditions if they interact with other drugs. In any case, if you suspect you have or are developing an vaginal infection, see your doctor to discuss what remedies for bacterial vaginosis or other type you are experiencing would be most beneficial to you.

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Jun 22 2008

Remedy Bacterial Vaginosis

Published by medicinewoman under Bacterial Vaginosis

Are you a woman who has experienced a bacterial vaginosis? If so, you know of agonizing itching and burning sensation, and the all by pleasant odor. It can be quite frustrating trying to remedy bacterial vaginosis with the many options available to you. More times than not, a woman may have bacterial vaginosis, but shows no signs or symptoms, and eventually the inflammation clears up on its own. However, there are the unlucky women who suffer from all the symptoms, and usually need some sort of treatment.

It’s possible you’ve tried to remedy bacterial vaginosis with prescription and over-the-counter medications, with or without success. A large number of unsuccessful treatments is due to the fact that women may think they know what’s wrong with them, and without consulting a doctor, misdiagnose themselves.

Before starting any treatment that was not first prescribed by your health care provider, you should first ensure you are about to treat the right issue. A quick visit to the doctor will guarantee whether or not you are suffering from symptoms caused by bacterial vaginosis. If in fact you are diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis, you are not required to take the route of “prescribed medication” to clear the symptoms. You have other options to remedy bacterial vaginosis, including natural home remedies.

A great option for treating bacterial vaginosis with a natural home remedy is the use of garlic. Garlic is known as the “wonder-herb”, and can do just about anything. This method is not for everybody, but it has been know to work as many swear by this method.

One way to use garlic to treat bacterial vaginosis is to first peel a clove, wrap it in gauze and tie it with non-waxed dental floss. Once wrapped and tied, you would then insert the garlic-filled-gauze into your vagina, leaving enough of the dental floss dangling so you are able to pull it out. This method should be repeated every few hours until inflammation is gone.

This method is sworn to work by the women who have tried it, but again, it may not be for everyone. If it’s not for you, there are other ways to cure the symptoms caused by bacterial vaginosis. Other natural ways in which to remedy bacterial vaginosis include bathing in apple cider vinegar, using garlic suppositories to tampons coated in yogurt. Although many of these natural treatments may not seem appealing, the save the cost of costly antibiotics, and are guaranteed to work.

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Jun 11 2008

Symptoms Of Bacterial Vaginosis

Published by medicinewoman under Bacterial Vaginosis

The symptoms of bacterial vaginosis vary from woman to woman. Some women don’t even experience any. However, for the majority, there are several warning signs to watch for. If a yellowish or grayish discharge with a foul or unusual smell is exhibited, it is recommended that you seek medical attention as soon as possible as it is one of the most common indications that an infection has developed.

Itchiness, swelling, or soreness in the genital or anal area may be caused by bacteria that can result in a vaginal infection. Some women also find discomfort or a burning sensation when urinating, or pain during sexual intercourse.

Because the signs and symptoms of bacterial vaginosis can be similar to a yeast infection, it is imperative to see your doctor to determine what is causing your infection. Tests will be required so that the source can be verified and the proper treatment plan implemented to cure your particular condition.

As this infection is caused by an unusual increase in the bacteria in the vagina, it is important to start treatment to fight the infection quickly to prevent it from spreading to other reproductive organs and causing damage or scarring to the tissues involved. If bacterial vaginosis is the diagnosis, physicians will most often prescribe a course of antibiotics to attack the offending bacterial invasion and help the body recuperate from it more rapidly. Vitamin and mineral supplements may be recommended to work in conjunction with the antibiotic to assist in strengthening the immune system to aid in healing and reduce the risk of recurrence.

The importance of early diagnosis of a vaginal infection can not be stressed enough, especially in the case of pregnant women. Complications can arise if the condition is left untreated that may include miscarriage, preterm birth, and the possibility of pelvic inflammatory disease developing after childbirth.

For those who are not pregnant but think they may have an infection, early detection and treatment is still essential to prevent other serious problems from occurring. Most symptoms of bacterial vaginosis are easy to identify and if a vaginal infection is suspected, consult a medical professional to discuss what course of action they would recommend to cure the infection and prevent damage to your overall health. Suggestions to help you boost your immunity and increase the body’s ability to combat infections may also be offered for you to consider.

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Jun 01 2008

Recognize the Symptoms of Vaginosis

Published by medicinewoman under Bacterial Vaginosis

Most women in their lifetime will have an episode of vaginitis while others having reoccurring episodes. There are three major types of vaginitis, these are: Yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis. There are some different types of symptoms and symptoms for vaginosis are usually itching, burning while urinating and the area around the vagina maybe tender. Other symptoms can also include a fish like odor that will also be more powerful after intercourse, as well as a vaginal discharges that maybe milky white, yellow or gray in color.

Bacterial vaginosis is an inflammation of the vagina, caused by an overgrowth of bacteria. In some cases even though women may have this infection, there have been known to be no symptoms for vaginosis. If you are suffering from a case of this infection, then you want to have it treated right away.

The reason being is that bacterial vaginosis can cause other health problems. The bacteria may work its way up to the uterus or the fallopian tubes causing a more serious infection, and in the case of a woman who is pregnant can lead to a premature birth, low birth rate and can also increase the risk of a miscarriage.

Another health risk of bacterial vaginosis is that it increases your risk of getting any other type of STD’s. Women who suffer from this infection as well as HIV also increase the chances of passing HIV to their sexual partner. Although at this time it has been determined to be unable to find one just cause for this infection, there are ways that you can still help to try and prevent bacterial vaginosis, such as: Following safe sex practices, do not douche or use scented feminine hygiene products as well as quitting smoking.

Even if you suffer from this infection or having symptoms of vaginosis, there are ways to be treated. By visiting your doctor he or she will be able to do a pelvic exam to be able to determine if you have this infection. If you do then antibiotics maybe needed to clear it up, there are also creams and gels that can be used. Even if you are pregnant and suffering from this infection, the same antibiotics that are used to treat non-pregnant woman can be used for pregnant women as well, however the dosage may change.

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Apr 29 2008

Treating Bacterial Vaginosis

Published by medicinewoman under Bacterial Vaginosis

Treating bacterial vaginosis is relatively easy once a proper diagnosis is made. Because yeast infections can exhibit similar warning signs and symptoms, it is important to be tested by a physician to determine what is actually causing your condition. Test results will verify if you have a bacterial infection or one caused by another source. Infections that are bacterial in nature are usually treated initially by a course of antibiotics to quickly halt the further growth of unhealthy organisms and prevent the infection from spreading to other tissues.

Taking a multivitamin and mineral supplement will help boost your immune system and increase your body’s ability to combat unhealthy bacteria. Bacterial vaginosis is caused by a disruption in the delicate balance of the vaginal flora that must be maintained to stay healthy and infection free. Unhealthy bacteria can breed and out number the lactobacillus, or good bacteria, in the vagina and this is when an infection can develop.

Yogurt and milk products that contain active acidophilus cultures may be suggested to assist in the rejuvenation of the acidic environment where the good bacteria can reproduce and regain dominance to resist unhealthy organisms. Herbalists will often recommend organic elements such as garlic, Echinacea, and tea tree oil as these have proven to be effective in the treatment and prevention of vaginal infections.

It should be stressed, though, that before using any of these herbs that you consult with your doctor to avoid any dangerous complications that could occur. This is especially important for pregnant women as serious problems could arise during pregnancy that could affect the baby and the mother’s condition after childbirth. It is also critical that those taking prescription medications talk to their physician or pharmacist as some herbal medicines can cause severe drug interactions.

Simple techniques to ease the discomfort of a vaginal infection can be used to make the situation somewhat easier to cope with until the infection is cured. Irritation and swelling can often be relieved by soaking in a cool sitz bath or applying a cool compress to the affected areas to constrict the blood vessels and reduce symptoms.

In the opposite vein, a plain warm bath can soothe inflamed genital tissues and relax you at the same time. It is important though, not use any soaps or bath oils as these can actually dry out your skin and make your condition worse. In treating bacterial vaginosis, over the counter topical creams can sometimes help to relieve itching and irritation so it might be worth the few minutes it takes to talk to a pharmacist to see what they suggest and avoid trying something that could aggravate your problem.

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Apr 13 2008

Vaginosis Treatment

Published by medicinewoman under Bacterial Vaginosis

When a woman is dealing with the annoying infection of bacterial vaginosis, what they should know is that there are several different types of vaginosis treatment available for them. This form of vaginitis is the most common type of vaginitis that affects women all around the world. Now if you are familiar with the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis then you may be able to try some at home remedies to help clear up this form of vaginitis.

However if you’ve never suffered from this type of vaginitis before, then before rushing out and trying some at home remedies, you may want to consider consulting your doctor first. The reason for this is due to the fact that many women get bacterial vaginosis confused with other forms of vaginitis such as a yeast infection. So it’s possible you could be trying to treat something you do not have.

There are different types of bacterial vaginosis treatments that women cry try, to help ease the discomfort of this form of vaginitis.

Some women have recorded that yogurt has been known to help with this form of vaginitis. There are two different ways to try and use yogurt. Women can apply unsweetened yogurt to the vaginal walls, remember that it is recommended to wear a pad when trying this form of remedy, just due to the fact that it can become messy.

Another thing to try with yogurt is to take a tampon and cover it lightly with again unsweetened yogurt. After it’s been covered, then insert it into the vagina. Remember to replace the tampon every few hours. Many women have recorded these techniques to work. Another home remedy that can be used is garlic. Garlic is known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. It’s been said that by taking 1-2 garlic capsules each night before going to sleep, can help to eliminate this form of vaginitis.

If you are currently trying different types of bacterial vaginosis treatment and you are finding that they are not working, at this point it would be best to consult your doctor. It’s been known that in some cases antibiotics maybe needed to help clear up this form of vaginitis. Other types of treatment that maybe recommended by your doctor, are vaginal gels and creams that can be applied to the vagina through an applicator to make sure that you are retrieving the right amount of medication.

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Mar 13 2008

Natural Remedy For Bacterial Vaginosis

Published by medicinewoman under Bacterial Vaginosis


Are you displaying the signs and symptoms of a vaginal infection? These warnings include soreness, itchiness, or swelling in the vaginal, vulval, or anal regions. A yellowish or grayish discharge with a foul or unusual odor can also indicate that an infection is developing.

If you suffer from any of these symptoms, it is highly recommended that you consult a medical professional to determine their cause and begin a treatment plan as soon as possible to avoid complications including tissue damage and scarring. Vaginal infections are not uncommon in women and can be dealt with effectively with medications and various other therapies depending on the source of the problem and its severity.

Many women look for a natural remedy for bacterial vaginosis if they are in the very early stages of infection to avoid using an antibiotic that may cause the development of a yeast infection in addition to the one they already have. Some doctors will begin treatment with an antibiotic anyway to initiate the destruction of harmful bacteria and allow the body a chance to heal itself. Natural remedies can be used in conjunction with conventional treatments.

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Mar 12 2008

Natural Cures For Bacterial Vaginosis

Published by medicinewoman under Bacterial Vaginosis


It is important to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of a vaginal infection in order that medical attention can be received to treat it as soon as possible. If you have a grayish or yellowish discharge, or experience soreness, itchiness, or swelling in the vaginal, vulval, or anal areas, this might indicate that an infection is developing.

Once the cause of the infection has been determined, a treatment plan can be implemented and you can be on the road to recovery. Most physicians will use conventional treatments, such as a course of antibiotics, to attack and kill the bacteria that are the source of the problem. But there are natural cures for bacterial vaginosis that include eating properly and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

The vagina hosts good bacteria, called lactobacillus, that create a defense against unhealthy organisms that can cause infection. If the pH balance of the acidic environment is disrupted, the unhealthy bacteria can gain a foothold and outnumber the good bacteria, thus causing an infected condition.

Eating yogurt and drinking milk products that contain active acidophilus cultures can assist in curing a bacterial infection because they promote the restoration of the natural vaginal flora. Maintaining a healthy diet and consuming fruits and vegetables high in nutrients like vitamin C, B, D, E, and A will help your body boost your immune system to fight against disease and the development of these and other types of infections.

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Mar 11 2008

Bacterial Vaginosis BV

Published by medicinewoman under Bacterial Vaginosis


Bacterial vaginosis, also known as BV, is exactly what it sounds like, a bacterial infection of the vagina. It is the most common cause of vaginitis. The vagina is home to micro-organisms called lactobacillus (good bacteria) that help protect it from infection by producing an acid-based environment where most other bacteria and micro-organisms can not survive. If the pH level in the vagina changes, some of the other unhealthy bacteria can multiply and the result is a vaginal infection.

Although some women do not experience any symptoms, others may find they have a grayish or yellowish discharge that may have a “fishy” smell, itchiness, soreness, or swelling around the vagina, vulva or anus. They may also experience pain during intercourse or a burning sensation upon urination.

It is important that if any of these symptoms are present that you seek medical attention to determine what is causing them. Some of these symptoms can present themselves and not be caused by bacterial vaginosis as yeast infections and trichomonas vaginalis share similar symptoms although they are not caused by bacteria.

Testing can determine what type of infection you have so that treatment options can be explored and implemented as soon as possible to prevent the infection from spreading or causing possible organ damage or scarring. Even though bacterial vaginosis is not considered a sexually transmitted disease, it is advisable that once the cause of the infection is determined, sexual partners be informed so that they can be screened if deemed necessary by the doctor, and be made aware of what symptoms to watch for that might affect their health.

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