What is Bacterial Vaginosis?
Bacterial Vaginosis is the most common vaginal infection. Unfortunately, I had never been taught about it or even heard of it, until I got it.. fml. Many women, like myself, immediately assume they have a yeast infection, which is what I did. And then, when I figured out my treatment for the yeast wasn’t working, I went to the gyno and found out it was something else.
It’s crazy to me how little information there is out there on BV, considering that it is the most common vaginal infection. My gyno had never mentioned it to me, I never learned about it in Sex Ed, neither in high school nor in college. I’m sure people think I’m crazy for divulging this private information, but this infection healed quickly once I got the right treatment. I think if people were less afraid of their bodies and worked to be in tune with them, we wouldn’t even get these infections or at least would know what to do right away.
Never feel bad or ashamed because you are sick or have any kind of medical hindrance! We all have bodies that are made up of complex systems, and unfortunately they don’t always work how they should. If someone is shaming you for being sick or having an infection, that is their problem not yours. Sometimes BV just happens and don’t let anyone make you feel gross if you have it.
What is it?
BV or Bacterial Vaginosis is an overgrowth of bad bacteria in the vagina that causes irritation.
Causes:
BV is caused by the overgrowth of Gardnerella Vaginalis. This is bacteria that can normally be found in your vagina. When there is an upset in your body, this can cause the bacteria to overgrow causing an infection.
caused by:
- new sexual partners
- antibiotics
- vaginal douching
- IUDs
- stress
- using soap to wash your vagina (upsetting pH levels)
- smoking
- sometimes you just get one
Symptoms:
- itching
- burning
- vaginal irritation (redness, pain, swelling)
- foul smelling odor similar to a fishy smell (unlike yeast infections!)
- thin and grey discharge
- pain with intercourse
Getting a BV Diagnosis:
Similar to what I said about yeast infections, in order to get a diagnosis, your gynecologist will collect a vaginal swab and send it to the lab. This way they can see what kind of bacteria is growing on the vagina.
Treatment:
BV is most commonly treated with antibiotics used to kill the bacteria. If your doctor goes this route, it’s important to take probiotics or you might end up with a yeast infection. I personally try to avoid antibiotics as much as I can because they weaken your immune system. It’s important to avoid sex when you’re getting treated for BV, until the infection is gone.
It is also important to treat a vaginal infection as soon as possible. If BV is left untreated it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease which can cause damage to your reproductive organs and can cause infertility later on. If you are having vaginal problems, please go see a doctor or tell an adult!
Naturopathic Treatment:
It is possible and in my opinion better to treat BV without antibiotics. They destroy all the bacteria, not just the bad bacteria. There is high rate of women developing yeast infections while treating BV with antibiotics. The first step is to not do anything that will aggravate it and make it worse. This means eat well, get rest, don’t drink, don’t smoke, no douching, no soap down there, no sex.
Eat a diet of:
- vegetables
- bone broth
- healthy fats (olive oil/coconut oil)
- organic meats, fish, eggs
Avoid:
- sugar
- alcohol
- fruit
- hydrogenated oils (soy, corn, canola)
- processed foods
Stress Management
Probiotics: I suggest taking Jarrow Formulas Fem-Dophilus. It contains good bacteria that is already occurring in the vagina. It is also great for yeast infections. You can also use a suppository, a special probiotic that you insert into the vagina like a tampon and it repopulates the vaginal tract with healthy bacteria.
Apple Cider Vinegar: BV develops because of an imbalance in the pH levels in the vagina. Apple Cider Vinegar is acidic and can assist in restoring your pH levels. It is also antibacterial. Make sure to dilute with water because it is too strong for your vagina alone. I would suggest adding around 1/2 a cup to a bath and soaking in it.
Coconut oil: naturally anti fungal and antiviral. You can soak a tampon in it and insert in your vagina for an hour or just put some up in your vagina.
Prevention:
To prevent BV from occurring, follow the above steps and practice a healthy diet, don’t use soap down there, take probiotics and try to wear cotton underwear. I know I am not a doctor but this is what has worked for me. I’m also not saying to ignore your doctor’s advice but I do think it’s important not to always jump so fast to antibiotics. They should only be used when absolutely needed. BV is a simple infection that is relatively easy to get over without antibiotics.