Home remedies for bacterial vaginitis

Bacterial vaginitis refers to a vaginal state that produces excess vaginal discharge. It is the result of overgrowth of normal bacteria present in the vagina. Bacterial vaginitis indicates that a number of bacterial species live naturally in the vaginal area. There imbalance results in a vaginal discharge from a woman together with a foul odor.
 

 

The common symptoms of bacterial vaginitis include the following: 

 

1. Changes in the odor and colour of the vaginal discharge.

2. Itching in vaginal area.

3. Pain while urination.

4. Light bleeding from vagina.

5. Abnormal odor and grayish white discharge from vagina (especially after sexual intercourse).

 

Causes 

 

The main cause of bacterial vaginitis is an overgrowth or imbalance of anaerobic bacteria and the organism called Gardnerella. This imbalance of multiples of bacteria in the vagina can be the result of:

 

a. Frequent repetition of sexual intercourse within a short duration.

b. Moisture in the vaginal area caused by restrictive and nonabsorbent synthetic clothing.

c. Chemicals usage that causes irritation.

d. Use of antibiotics that imbalances the bacterial quantity in the vagina. 

Home remedies and natural causes for bacterial vaginitis

• Apply plain yogurt directly to the vagina or eat it. Inserting a tampon soaked in yogurt can also be an effective alternative to cure bacterial vaginitis.

• Garlic is a very effective cure for bacterial vaginitis as it has antibacterial and antifungal properties. You can eat it or apply its paste directly on the vagina.

• Use herbs like tea tree oil, black walnut, Echinacea and goldenseal as they are effective enough to treat bacterial vaginitis.

• Using boric acid douche to acidify vaginal pH is a very good remedy for bacterial vaginitis.

• Douche to reduce inflammation. For this, take boiled water and add 12 teaspoonful of calendula to it. Steep this mixture and cool it and then use it.

• Take some water and soak a tea bag in it. Cool it in refrigerator before applying it on vagina. 

• Using apple cider vinegar is another very effective home remedy for bacterial vaginitis. For this, all you need to do is put one to two cups of apple cider vinegar into your bath water. Soak in it for around 15-20 minutes. Apple cider vinegar helps to fight off the toxins that cause bacterial vaginitis.

• To reduce the intensity of swelling and itching in and around the vaginal area, cold compresses are a very good remedy. Keep a cold washcloth across the affected area. This would help the blood vessels to constrict, thus making the vaginal area less itchy and swollen.

 

 

A healthy diet is good for any illness. Eat a good healthy diet including fresh fruits and vegetables. Add flax seed oil in your diet meals. Drink lots of water. Eat non-vegetarian foods like meat, poultry and fish. Eat whole grains. Avoid intake of alcohol, refined flour, processed foods, sugar, coffee and saturated fats.

 

Along with the above remedies and diet suggestions, the following alterations in your lifestyle would prove extremely beneficial to cure bacterial vaginitis:  

 

• Always wear well-washed under garments.

• Maintain good toilet hygiene.

• Prefer taking a warm bath.

• Avoid scented tampons that may cause irritation in the vaginal area.

• Use condoms while sexual intercourse.

• Keep your vaginal area clean.

• Clean your vagina area properly after having sexual intercourse.

• Prefer wearing cotton panties and avoid tight clothing.

• Always clean diaphragms, cervical caps and spermicide applicators every time after using them.

• Keep your anal area clean so as to avoid spreading of the intestinal bacteria into the vagina.