BV (Bacterial Vaginosis)

Bacterial vaginosis—or BV—occurs when the balance of normal bacteria in the vagina changes and is disrupted and replaced by an overgrowth of certain bacteria.

This embarrassing condition can happen to anyone. In fact, anywhere from 10-64% of women of childbearing age are expected to get bacterial vaginosis.

In the United States, BV is rather common in pregnant women.

Women suffering from BV may have abnormal vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor, sometimes fishy. The discharge can be white or gray, as well as foamy or watery. Discharge is most noticeable after sexual intercourse.

Other symptoms reported include a burning sensation while urinating, itching around the outside of the vagina, and irritation. Sometimes, BV can have no symptoms at all. Any woman with a strange discharge should be evaluated so that more serious infections can be included.

There are a few factors that can increase your risk for contracting bacterial vaginosis, some of those include:

• Having a new sex partner or multiple sex partners
• Having a female sex partner
• Smoking
• Douching
• Using an intrauterine device for birth control
• Not using a condom

You cannot contract BV from toilet seats, bedding, swimming pools or touching objects around you.

Bacterial vaginosis is mostly common in women who are sexually active, but it is not thought to be something that you can “catch” from another person. The cause of BV is unknown and is widely debated on in the scientific community.

There are many risks associated with contracting bacterial vaginosis. If you are pregnant and suffer from BV, there is an increased risk of miscarriage, early delivery, and uterine infection following pregnancy.

If you have a pelvic procedure (c-section, abortion, hysterectomy) while suffering from BV, you are more likely to get a pelvic infection.

Also, if you have or are exposed to an STI or STD while suffering from BV, you are more likely to catch to STI or STD.

Home Remedies for BV (Bacterial Vaginosis):

Probiotic Yogurt:

Eating a few cups a day of yogurt will help to rebalance the natural bacteria in your vagina.

If you aren’t getting the results you want after a few days or so, try putting plain yogurt in your vagina.

Simply take a tampon, dip it in the plain probiotic yogurt, then insert it into the vagina. Repeat every few hours, as necessary.

Folic Acid and B-Vitamin Complex:

Countless women suffering from BV have sung praises about taking a daily dose of folic acid, as well as a B-Vitamin complex.

The recommended daily dosage of folic acid for females 14 years and older is 400mcg, and the safe upper limit is 1000mcg. Women suffering from BV should start at a low dosage, then gradually increase the dosage with a trial-and-error attitude.

If you plan on taking a folic acid supplement, make sure to pick up a B-complex Vitamin supplement as well.

Taking high doses of folic acid can cause a deficiency in the B-vitamins.