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Considering taking supplements to treat bacterial vaginosis?Below is a list of common natural remedies used to treat or reduce the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis. Follow the links to read common uses, side effects, dosage details and user reviews for the vitamins and supplements listed below.
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Can You Use Boric Acid For Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)?
Boric acid vaginal suppositories are considered safe and sometimes used to treat recurrent bacterial vaginosis (BV) when combined with antibiotics. Though you could use boric acid for BV, you shouldn't do so without talking to a healthcare provider first. Read on to learn more.
Boric acid is a white powder derived from the element boron. It has antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. You can find boric acid as an ingredient in household cleaners and insecticides—or as a pest killer or laundry stain-remover. Boric acid is also available as an OTC suppository for balancing vaginal pH, bacteria, and yeasts when inserted into the vagina. Some boric acid suppositories also claim to control vaginal odor and contain additional ingredients like aloe and tea tree oil. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve these products. OTC boric acid suppositories are sold as homeopathic products, meaning the FDA has not evaluated their safety and effectiveness. peakSTOCK/Getty Images BV can be frustrating if you have recurrent infections after antibiotic treatment. Studies show that using boric acid suppositories with antibiotics as a complementary or preventive treatment can help treat some recurrent BV infections. Research on how effective boric acid is in treating BV is still limited. Additionally, using boric acid suppositories alone probably won't cure your infection. One review found that combining antibiotic treatment and 300- to 600-milligram (mg) boric acid suppositories twice a week helped treat recurrent BV and yeast infections. Using boric acid suppositories alone was ineffective. The exact way boric acid works to help treat BV also isn't fully understood. One theory is that it can help eliminate bacteria that cause the infection. Antibiotics in cream, gel, or pill form are still the most effective BV treatment since they kill the infection. Common effective antibiotics for BV treatment are clindamycin or metronidazole. These antibiotics can be safely used to treat pregnant individuals with BV. For most people, inserting boric acid suppositories into the vagina is safe. You should not use boric acid suppositories if treating BV while pregnant or trying to get pregnant. Boric acid is harmful if taken orally. Ingesting 30 grams (g) of boric acid is considered toxic—less than the typical 600mg used in boric acid suppositories. There is no evidence that boric acid suppositories can be poisonous when used vaginally. Possible side effects from boric acid vaginal suppositories include mild vaginal irritation or watery discharge. Still, always chat with a healthcare provider to make sure it's safe for you to use a boric acid suppository to help treat your BV. If a healthcare provider says you can use boric acid, you can find OTC boric acid suppositories at your local pharmacy or drugstore. Most boric acid suppositories come in 600-milligram doses that you insert once daily for one to two weeks. A healthcare provider may also suggest a different treatment plan based on your case. To use boric acid if you have BV: Wash and dry your hands before inserting a boric acid vaginal suppository. With clean, dry fingers—or a provided disposable applicator—insert one capsule into your vagina as far up as comfortable. It can be helpful to lie down with your knees bent or slightly squatting Then throw out your applicator if you used one and rewash your hands. Some folks also like to wear a pad or panty liner to help collect any discharge from the suppository. You will also want to avoid having sex while using boric acid suppositories and treating BV. Even though BV is the most common vaginal infection, the exact cause isn't understood beyond bacteria overgrowth. Douching or having new or multiple partners may increase your risk of BV since these activities can disrupt vaginal bacteria. If you're prone to BV, the following may help prevent infections: Avoiding douches and scented vaginal products Using condoms and dental dams Wearing cotton underwear See a healthcare provider if you have BV and start treatment immediately. BV symptoms to look for may include: A strong fishy odor Burning Itching Unusual white or gray discharge You'll also want to see a healthcare provider if your BV symptoms don't improve or you experience pelvic pain or a fever. Not treating BV can increase your risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Having BV while pregnant can cause premature birth and low-birth weight. While BV is not considered an STI, if your partner has a vagina, they may be at risk of BV. They should also visit a healthcare provider to get tested for BV and receive treatment if they have it. Antibiotics are usually the first line of treatment for BV. However, there may be a role for boric acid suppositories, a homeopathic product intended for vaginal use. While the research on boric acid for BV is limited, boric acid suppositories may be part of a treatment plan for repeated infections. While considered generally safe, these capsules can cause mild skin irritation and be fatal if consumed orally. Pregnant people and those trying to get pregnant should not use boric acid suppositories. Talk to a healthcare provider before using boric acid suppositories for BV.Causes Of Heavy Vaginal Discharge
Some vaginal discharge is a sign of a healthy female reproductive system. Heavy vaginal discharge can occur due to arousal, ovulation, or infections.
Normal vaginal discharge contains a mixture of cervical mucus, vaginal fluid, dead cells, and bacteria. Females may experience heavy vaginal discharge from arousal or during ovulation.
This articles discusses why someone may have heavy vaginal discharge and what they can do about it.
Sexual arousal triggers several physical responses in the body. Arousal increases blood flow in the genitals. As a result, the blood vessels enlarge, which pushes fluid to the surface of the vaginal walls.
Arousal fluid is clear and watery with a slippery texture. This fluid helps lubricate the vagina during sex.
Other signs of female arousal include:
Cervical fluid is a gel-like liquid that contains proteins, carbohydrates, and amino acids. The texture and amount of cervical fluid both change throughout a female's menstrual cycle.
For example, after menstruation, cervical fluid has a thick, mucus-like texture. It can be cloudy, white, or yellow.
Estrogen levels increase closer to ovulation. This causes the cervical fluid to become clear and slippery, similar to that of raw egg whites.
Cervical fluid discharge increases during the days leading up to ovulation and decreases after ovulation. Females may have no discharge for a few days after their period.
Hormonal imbalances related to stress, diet, or underlying medical conditions can cause heavier vaginal discharge.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), for example, refers to a set of symptoms that occur as a result of hormonal imbalances. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), PCOS affects up to 5 million females in the United States.
Those with PCOS have higher levels of male hormones called androgens. Increased androgen levels can:
Not everyone with PCOS will have increased vaginal discharge. Paying attention to other PCOS symptoms may help someone identify and seek treatment for the condition faster.
Some other symptoms of PCOS to look out for include:
Hormonal birth control, such as birth control pills and intrauterine devices, can also cause increased vaginal discharge, especially during the first few months of use.
Excess vaginal discharge and other symptoms, such as spotting and cramping, usually resolve once the body adjusts to the hormonal birth control.
Vaginitis refers to inflammation of the vagina, which can occur from an infection or irritation due to factors such as douches, lubricants, and ill-fitting clothing.
Vaginitis can cause thick vaginal discharge that may be white, gray, yellow, or green.
Other symptoms of vaginitis include:
Bacterial vaginosis is a condition that results from an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina. This vaginal infection is the most common among females aged 15–44 years.
The exact cause of bacterial vaginosis remains unclear. Females can develop bacterial vaginosis after sexual intercourse. However, this condition is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
According to the Office on Women's Health, those who have bacterial vaginosis may notice a milky or gray-colored vaginal discharge. Some also report a strong, fishy vaginal odor, especially after sexual intercourse.
Bacterial vaginosis can also cause:
Vaginal yeast infections result from an overgrowth of the Candida fungus. Females of all ages can develop a vaginal yeast infection, and nearly 70% will have a yeast infection at some point in their lives.
The most common symptom of a vaginal yeast infection is an intense itching in the vagina and vulva.
Vaginal yeast infections can also cause an odorless vaginal discharge that looks similar to cottage cheese.
Vaginal yeast infections are treatable at home using over-the-counter antifungal ointments. Symptoms should improve within a few days. However, severe infections can last longer and may require medical treatment.
Trichomoniasis is an STI caused by a parasite. Females can develop trichomoniasis after having sex with someone who has the parasite.
Although most people who have trichomoniasis do not experience symptoms, some may have an itching or burning sensation in the genital area.
Trichomoniasis infections can also cause excess vaginal discharge that has a foul or fishy odor and a white, yellow, or green color. It may also be thinner than usual.
Healthy vaginal discharge varies from person to person. It also changes throughout their menstrual cycle.
In general, healthy vaginal discharge can appear thin and watery or thick and cloudy. Clear, white, or off-white vaginal discharge is also perfectly normal.
Some females may have brown, red, or black vaginal discharge at the end of their menstrual periods if their vaginal discharge still contains blood from the uterus.
Natural hormonal changes during ovulation can cause an increase in vaginal discharge, which should return to normal after ovulation.
It is not always necessary to see a doctor about excessive vaginal discharge. However, a female may want to consider seeing their doctor if their vaginal discharge has an abnormal appearance.
Yellow, green, gray, or foul-smelling vaginal discharge could indicate an infection. Other reasons to see a doctor include:
Treating excess vaginal discharge depends on the underlying cause.
People can reduce symptoms of vaginitis by avoiding the source of irritation. Doctors can treat bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections using antibiotics or antifungals.
Doctors can also treat trichomoniasis using antibiotics. The CDC recommend that females wait 7–10 days after receiving treatment before having sex.
Treatment for PCOS varies depending on the individual. A doctor may recommend a combination of lifestyle changes and medications to help people manage their symptoms and regulate their hormone levels.
Maintaining a healthy body weight and eating a varied diet low in added sugars may also help improve some symptoms of PCOS. Birth control pills that contain estrogen or progestin can help balance out excess levels of androgens.
Even healthy vaginal discharge can cause discomfort at times. Here are some tips for managing heavy vaginal discharge:
Excess vaginal discharge can occur as a result of arousal, ovulation, or infections. Normal vaginal discharge ranges in color from clear or milky to white.
The consistency of vaginal discharge also varies from thin and watery to thick and sticky. Generally, healthy vaginal discharge should be relatively odorless.
A female can speak with a healthcare professional if they notice any symptoms of an infection. Some symptoms to look out for include:
Doctors can easily treat most vaginal infections using antimicrobial medications. Depending on the severity of the infection, people may see their symptoms improving within a few days to weeks.
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