Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Pay attention to your symptoms
• Method 2 of 3: Treating Bacterial Vaginosis
• Method 3 of 3: How to Prevent Bacterial Vaginosis
• Tips
• Warnings

Bacterial vaginosis is an infection that is common in women of childbearing age and is caused by dysbiosis in the vagina. Not much is known about other causes of bacterial vaginosis besides the overgrowth of bad bacteria in the vagina. Follow the guidelines below to prevent bacterial vaginosis or to treat an infection if you already have one.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Pay attention to your symptoms

1. 1 Look for any abnormal vaginal discharge with an unusual or unpleasant odor. Women with bacterial vaginosis may have light, white or gray, fishy-smelling discharge.
   • The discharge usually intensifies immediately after intercourse and has a stronger odor.
2. 2 Pay attention to the burning sensation that occurs when you urinate. A burning sensation can be a sign that you have bacterial vaginosis.
3. 3 Pay attention to the presence of itching near the vagina. Itching usually occurs on the skin around the opening of the vagina.
4. 4 See your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms and suspect you have bacterial vaginosis. Although vaginosis usually does not cause serious problems, there are several complications associated with the condition. They include:
   • Increased susceptibility to HIV infection in case of contact with a virus carrier.
   • Increased likelihood that a woman infected with HIV will pass the infection on to her sexual partner (s).
   • Increased likelihood of developing an infection after surgery, such as after removal of the uterus or abortion.
   • Increased risk of complications during pregnancy for pregnant women with bacterial vaginosis.
   • Hypersensitivity to other sexually transmitted diseases such as herpes simplex virus, chlamydia, and gonorrhea.

Method 2 of 3: Treating Bacterial Vaginosis

1. 1 Take antibiotics prescribed by your doctor. Metronidazole and clindamycin are two antibiotics recommended for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis. Metronidazole is available in tablet and gel form.Your doctor will determine which antibiotic is best for you.
   • Oral metronidazole is considered to be the most effective drug.
   • Both probiotics can be used to treat both pregnant and non-pregnant women, but the recommended dosages differ. Talk to your doctor about the appropriate dosage.
   • Women who are HIV-positive with bacterial vaginosis should receive the same treatment as women who are HIV-negative.
2. 2 Try home remedies. It is believed that probiotics L. Acidophilus or Lactobacillus can help get rid of bacterial vaginosis. Probiotics come in pill form and contain lactic acid-producing bacteria that help restore the balance of bacteria in the vagina.
   • Although these tablets are usually available for oral consumption, they can also be used as vaginal suppositories to balance the bacteria levels in the vagina. However, check with your doctor before trying this method.
   • Insert one probiotic tablet into your vagina in the evening just before going to bed. Do not use more than one tablet at a time to avoid irritation. The bad smell should go away after several uses. Apply for 6-12 nights until the infection clears up. If the infection persists or gets worse a few days after starting treatment, see your doctor.
3. 3 Bacterial vaginosis can sometimes go away on its own without treatment. To avoid complications, all women with bacterial vaginosis should seek medical attention.
4. 4 Always remember that bacterial vaginosis can recur even after treatment. More than half of women get the infection again within 12 months.

Method 3 of 3: How to Prevent Bacterial Vaginosis

1. 1 Refrain from promiscuous sex and limit the number of new partners. By having sex with a new partner, you open up new bacteria. Abstinence can reduce the risk of bacterial vaginosis, but even sexually inactive women are not immune to this infection.
2. 2 Avoid douching. Studies have shown that women who douche regularly are more prone to health problems than those who do not douch. Although doctors are not sure if there is a direct link between douching and bacterial vaginosis, douching is recommended to be avoided.
3. 3 Take probiotic tablets regularly. Check with your doctor to make sure probiotics are right for you. Certain species of the probiotic Lactobacillus are believed to inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause vaginosis.
4. 4 Remember that bacterial vaginosis is a potential hazard to pregnant women. Women who have given birth to a baby weighing less than 2.5 kg or women who have given birth prematurely should be screened for bacterial vaginosis, even if they are asymptomatic.

Tips

• If your doctor has prescribed antibiotics for you, do not forget that you need to drink the full course. If you stop taking antibiotics sooner, bacterial vaginosis may recur.
• Always see your doctor if you experience the symptoms described above.
• HIV-infected women with bacterial vaginosis should receive the same treatment as HIV-negative women.
• You can not get bacterial vaginosis from touching the toilet, bedding, after visiting the pool or skin contact with other objects.

Warnings

• Bacterial vaginosis can be transmitted between female sex partners.
• Bacterial vaginosis may recur even after treatment.
• Pregnant women with bacterial vaginosis can give birth prematurely or have low birth weight babies.