Can BV Be Cured Once and For All With Traditional Bacterial Vaginosis Treatments?
If you are diagnosed with BV, you have to undergo bacterial vaginosis treatments, not only because it’s nasty symptoms but also because it can cause complications. The major complications are;
- Premature labor if you are pregnant as well as an
- increased risk for sexually transmitted diseases.
The usual symptoms of BV are;
- Abnormal vaginal excretion
- Malodorous fishy smell, vaginal odor and itching
- Swelling and irritation of the nether regions
- Stomach cramps
Most women with BV don’t experience the symptoms. Which treatments do we have for this condition?
Do-It-Yourself Home Remedies for Bacterial Vaginosis
These bacterial vaginosis treatments vary according to the principles used to counteract the infection.
Products containing Lactic Bacteria
These products are based on the principle that lactobacilli, also known as “good bacteria”,
Products based on Tea Tree Oil
These products kill the bacteria, probably by producing antiseptic and antifungal elements.
Products lowering the pH Level of the Vagina
These products are adding an acidic buffer in vagina. This will help to protect against vaginal infections like bacterial vaginosis.
Most of the home remedies mentioned above will only lighten the symptoms without eliminating the bacteria or vaginal odor completely.
Treating BV with Antibiotics
If you are suffering from bacterial vaginosis or you suspect you have it you should always visit your doctor or gynecologist for medical advice. The treatment these professionals most likely will give for your BV is antibiotics. If you are treated with antibiotics, it is mandatory that you follow the prescription the doctor has given very carefully.
Should the symptoms disappear before the treatment period is over, keep taking the medication as long as the doctor has told you. Your physician or gynecologist will also inform you about the side effects antibiotics may have on your condition.
There are mainly two antibiotics that are used for treating BV;
Metronidazole
Metronidazole is sold as oral medication or as a topical vaginal cream or gel. Taken orally the medication can be used as a one-time treatment. For most patients though, the treatment will take a week or so. Clinical studies have documented that the weeklong treatment is more effective that the one-time treatment. Metrodinazole is known as the most efficient antibiotic for treating bacterial vaginosis. The drawback with this medication is side effects like
- 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
Related posts:
- Why It Is Important To Prevent And Cure Bacterial vaginosis
- Bacterial Vaginosis Home Remedy – 8 Effective and Inexpensive BV Cures
- B.V.and Yeast Infection are not the Same Disease
- Is there a Bacterial Vaginitis Cure That Can Heal BV Once And For All?
- Antibiotics Can Cause Yeast Infection