11 Bacterial Vaginosis Natural Remedies: How To Get Rid Of Bacterial Vaginosis Naturally?

About 35% of females suffer from bacterial vaginosis at some point. The disturbance in the natural colonies of good bacteria in the vagina due to any reason leads to bacterial vaginosis. It can result in severe discomfort for the females, causing a decrease in quality of life.

Therefore, treatment is a must for this vaginal infection. Many females prefer natural remedies over conventional treatment to recover reproductive ailments. Similarly, bacterial vaginosis can also be alleviated with natural remedies. We will discuss all bacterial vaginosis natural remedies in detail here, so keep reading.

What Do You Mean By Bacterial Vaginosis?

The disturbance in the balance of the bacterial colonies in the vagina causing pain, inflammation, itching, discomfort, and related symptoms is termed bacterial vaginosis.

Two types of bacteria can be present in the vagina. Good bacteria are naturally present in the vagina and responsible for accomplishing many vital roles, such as maintaining the pH in the vagina. The second is bad bacteria, also called infectious bacteria, which grow in the vagina because of some ailments and disturb the vaginal functioning.

If, for any reason, the infectious bacteria increases over the good bacteria, they will start producing adverse symptoms, termed bacterial vaginosis. Females can suffer from this infection at any stage of their lives. Mostly during the reproductive years, when there is significant fluctuation in the level of the sex hormones. It changes the vaginal environment mainly pH can be affected, which further promotes the growth of infectious bacteria there. 

Vaginal bacteriosis is not sexually transmitted, but studies have found that sexual activities increase the risk of bacterial vaginosis. Thus, sexually active females are at more risk of this vaginal infection. The doctor can recommend antibiotics to treat bacterial vaginosis.

What Are The Symptoms Of Bacterial Vaginosis?

Many females may not experience any symptoms because of bacterial vaginosis. Females with bacterial vaginosis can experience any of the below-mentioned symptoms.

• Foul vaginal odor
• Abnormal vaginal discharge
• Vaginal irritation
• Vaginal itching
• Painful urination
• Vaginal burning

What Are The Causes Of Bacterial Vaginosis?

Increased growth of bad or anaerobe bacteria in the vagina is the main reason of bacterial vaginosis. The risk of this infection is higher if you are using douches regularly. Also, sexual activities without any preventive measure can also be the reason for bacterial vaginosis. Increased intake of antibiotics also disturbs the natural colonies of bacteria in the vagina. Also, pregnant females are at more risk of bacterial vaginosis.

Bacterial Vaginosis natural remedies

Below are given all possibly effective bacterial vaginosis natural remedies in detail.

Take Probiotics

Probiotics are a living beneficial microbial combination providing health benefits to humans. Many colonies of bacteria and some fungi live in different body organs, mainly the gastrointestinal tract, skin, and female reproductive tract, such as the vagina. This microbiome is responsible for accomplishing many vital functions according to the organ in which they are present. In the vagina, microbes maintain the pH and remove toxins. Any disturbance in the balance of microorganisms in the vagina increases the risk of vaginal ailments, including bacterial infections. 

Suppose the ratio of good bacteria decreases in the vagina. It boosts the growth of bad microbes mainly due to the inability to restrict their growth and alteration in the vaginal pH. Females with disturbed vaginal microbiomes are at more risk of developing bacterial vaginosis. If you recover these bacterial colonies to the normal healthy level, you can successfully alleviate the mild symptoms of bacterial vaginosis.

To accomplish this function, you have to increase your probiotic consumption. There are several natural foods rich in probiotics. For example, yogurt, kefir, and pickle are some of the most common rich probiotics sources. Probiotic supplementations are available if you don’t want to increase probiotic intake through these natural foods. Females with bacterial vaginosis should start taking any of these probiotic sources regularly.

Try Garlic

Garlic has been long used as a natural remedy for treating bacterial vaginosis. It is because of the potent antibacterial properties of garlic. Some specific organosulfur compounds, including allicin, ajoene, and diallyl sulfide in garlic, are responsible for the antibacterial properties of garlic. Due to these compounds, garlic can inhibit the growth of infectious bacteria. Even some resistant strains of bacteria can also be eliminated with garlic.

Females with bacterial vaginosis should increase their garlic intake by adding more garlic to their daily meals. Don’t try to use garlic through the vaginal route. If applied on the sensitive skin of the vagina, it can result in serious side effects such as burning, swelling, redness, and irritation. 

Use Boric Acid Suppositories

Boric acid has long been used for treating vaginal infections caused by bacteria or fungi. Studies have shown it is an effective natural remedy for treating vaginal candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis. It is because of the potent antiseptic abilities of the boric acid. For bacterial vaginosis, it interferes with the growth of infectious bacteria and prevents them from spreading.

Females with bacterial vaginosis can use bacterial suppositories to eliminate the infectious bacteria from the vagina. Remember, boric acid is toxic; it is only for topical use. Don’t try to take it orally. Otherwise, mild to severe side effects can occur. Also, while its usage topically, irritation and itching to the skin can occur. Boric acid suppositories are not recommended during pregnancy.

Try Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil may also be effective against bacterial vaginosis. Some unique compounds in tea tree oil make it effective against bacterial, fungal, and viral attacks. Terpinen-4-ol is one of the main components responsible for the antibacterial activity of tea tree oil. It has also been shown that tea tree oil can also boost the functioning of white blood cells. WBCs then boost the phagocytosis of foreign substances causing infection in the vagina.

Depending on all the remedies mentioned above, we can consider tea tree oil an effective natural remedy for bacterial vaginosis. Females can use tea tree oil topically. Before applying this to the infected area, be sure to dilute it first. You can use various carrier oils, such as almond and coconut, to dilute tea tree oil. Then, apply it near the vagina and massage gently. Be cautious while massaging, don’t let oil enter into the vagina. 

Be sure that you are buying totally organic tea tree oil from a trustworthy source. If you try to apply tea tree oil without dilution, it can result in mild to severe side effects, including burning, inflammation, and redness. Also, this remedy is not recommended for females with sensitive skin. Before applying it on the affected area, put a few drops of the oil mixture on less sensitive skin, such as on the arm skin. Notice if you experience any adverse symptoms, such as a burning sensation. If yes, then avoid using this remedy for bacterial vaginosis.

Try Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is another at-natural remedy for fighting against microbial infection. The acidic nature of apple cider vinegar makes it effective against bacterial and fungal growth. Females with bacterial vaginosis can also use this natural remedy to alleviate their symptoms. It may help eliminate infectious bacteria from the vagina, thus treating acute to mild symptoms.

But how to use apple cider vinegar against bacterial vaginosis? Taking a bath in water mixed with apple cider vinegar is usually recommended. Add two cups of apple cider vinegar to the bathtub in lukewarm water and relax in it for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Repeat this procedure at least once daily and continue for some days until you notice any improvement in your symptoms.

Use Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide contains potent antiseptic properties. It may also help treat bacterial vaginosis. By interfering with the growth of infectious bacteria, this remedy help alleviate the symptoms such as swelling and pain. If you want to try this natural remedy, you’ll need 3% hydrogen peroxide. Then prepare a solution by adding an equal amount of water to it. Dilution is necessary, don’t apply concentrated hydrogen peroxide; otherwise, severe side effects can occur.

Take a cotton swab and use the prepared solution to clean the vagina. Let the hydrogen peroxide perform its function on the skin for at least 10 minutes. Then, wash the vagina. Repeat this process for some days and notice if you experience any improvement in your symptoms.

But remember, this remedy can have mild to severe side effects because hydrogen peroxide will not kill the infectious bacteria in the vagina but also disturb the healthy vaginal microbial culture. It can further result in worsening of the symptoms.

Try Turmeric

Turmeric has been used for a long for treating various acute to mild health ailments, including bacterial infections. Studies have shown that turmeric has potent antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is also effective in alleviating inflammation or swelling. Females with bacterial vaginosis can use this remedy to alleviate their symptoms.

So, how to use turmeric for bacterial vaginosis? Simply increase its intake through diet. You can prepare the mixture by adding turmeric to a glass of milk and drinking it regularly for a few days. You can also use it topically. Prepare the mixture by adding turmeric to the water and use it for a vaginal wash. Be sure you are not turmeric allergic before going with this natural remedy.

Try Echinacea

Echinacea is another natural remedy that can be effective against bacterial vaginosis. It works by boosting the immunity in the body. The boosted immune system works efficiently against foreign particles, such as infectious bacteria, and helps cure bacterial vaginosis symptoms.

Females with bacterial vaginosis who want this natural remedy can go with the echinacea supplements. Taking 500mg of echinacea is usually recommended to treat mild to severe symptoms of bacterial infection. It will be best to consult the homeopathic doctor about the required dose to ensure its effectiveness and reduce the chances of any side effects.

Drink Cranberry Juice

Cranberry juice is a rich vitamin C source, which helps boost immunity. Improved immune functioning can help eliminate infectious foreign particles from the body. The same goes for bacterial vaginosis. A female with an increased immune system can effectively alleviate bacterial vaginosis symptoms. Therefore, females should regularly drink cranberry juice, along with other effective treatments for bacterial vaginosis.

Try Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is another essential oil with potent antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. It may be effective against bacterial vaginosis. Females can apply this oil to the infected skin to boost the elimination of infectious bacteria. It will be a great idea to dilute the coconut oil with some carrier oils like other essential oils. Then, apply it to the vagina and massage gently. Continue repeating this practice and notice if you have any improvements in your symptoms.

Maintain Vaginal Hygiene

It is crucial to maintain vaginal hygiene to reduce the complications associated with bacterial vaginosis. Also, to reduce the risk of reoccurrence of vaginal bacteriosis, females must be cautious of their vaginal health. Here’re mentioned some of the guidelines which can be helpful in the maintenance of vaginal hygiene.

• Change your underwear daily. Wash it with warm water and dry it properly in sunlight.
• Choose loose cotton underwear. Avoid using tight underwear.
• Avoid using synthetic soaps and douches for vaginal cleaning. Keep it free of chemicals.
• Avoid using all chemical-containing personal care products, such as scented pads.
• Avoid staying in wet clothes for a longer period. Provide a dry environment for the vagina.

Conclusion 

Now you must be all aware of bacterial vaginosis natural remedies.

All remedies we discussed above effectively kill infectious bacteria and recover the naturally healthy microbial colonies in the vagina. Be careful before using any natural remedy because of its application on sensitive genital areas. Some remedies are contraindicated under specific conditions, so you must be careful. If you notice your symptoms are not improving with natural remedies, you must seek medical attention.