How To Naturally Treat Bacterial Vaginosis-antibiotic Free Bv Treatment

If, like many women, you seem unable to be free of this terrible condition, you will have already realized that antibiotics and expensive over the counter medications do nothing but apply a "sticking plaster" approach. In other words, they treat the symptoms of BV, sometimes successfully, but they do not eliminate the root cause, making you vulnerable to repeated flare-ups.

You can learn how to naturally treat bacterial vaginosis by following some simple strategies to strengthen and enhance the good bacteria within the vagina whilst effectively killing off the harmful bacteria which are responsible for causing the symptoms. This natural approach works far more effectively than conventional treatment methods.

Antibiotics will eliminate not only the harmful bacteria, but also the beneficial bacteria which is responsible for maintaining the good health of the vagina. This means that once the antibiotics have finished working and bacteria begins to repopulate the vagina, it takes longer for the beneficial bacteria to grow and so the newly formed harmful bacteria will quickly take over and the symptoms will begin again. This is why so many women just cannot shake off bacterial vaginosis.

There are a few simple steps you can take if you would like to know how to naturally treat bacterial vaginosis.

Firstly, try not to overwash. Tempting though it is, washing too much can upset the delicate pH balance within the vagina as can using perfumed products. Try washing no more than twice a day and definitely avoid douching!

Try wearing cotton panties rather than synthetic ones as natural fabrics will allow air to circulate around the vaginal area. Synthetic fabrics can create the ideal conditions for bacterial growth, which are heat and moisture.

Being proactive and using natural products can also help to naturally treat bacterial vaginosis. There are three inexpensive products which can help.

* Probiotic Yogurt - The live bacteria in this type of yogurt is of the same strain as that found in a healthy vagina. Try soaking a tampon in it and inserting it into the vagina for a couple of hours.
* Tea Tree Oil - This powerful antibacterial oil can help to kill off harmful bacteria in and around the vagina. Add 10-12 drops to a shallow bath or "sitz" bath and sit in it for 20 minutes or so.
* Cider Vinegar - This is mildly acidic and can help to restore the vagina's desired pH level. Just 2-3 cups added to a bath can be very helpful, yet gentle at the same time.

Prompt action is always a good idea if you have BV as although not dangerous in the early stages, if left untreated BV can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and even infertility. If you have had bacterial vaginosis for longer than three days, it is advisable to take positive action.