Overthecounter Treatment For Bacterial Vaginosis

Over-the-Counter Treatment for Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is caused by an overabundance of bad bacteria, called gardnerella, in the vaginal tract. Bacterial vaginosis is not well understood, however, the condition has been associated with sexual activity and having multiple sexual partners. There is also a link between using an intrauterine device for birth control and douching to development of the conditon. Symptoms include itching, burning, a fishy smell and a clear to grayish discharge. There are some over the counter treatments for bacterial vaginosis that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Herbal Remedies

There is some evidence that a mixture of goldenseal as a vaginal suppository and vitamin A have some positive effect against BV. Because goldenseal is an immune system enhancer it seems to counterbalance the infection.

RepHresh

RepHresh is a product that claims to treat bacterial vaginosis by encouraging a positive pH balance in the vagina. It is approved by the FDA and is sold over the counter in the United States. RepHresh is inserted into the vagina with an applicator and used every three days to maintain vaginal balance. It is not recommended during menstruation, however, as it may congeal and clump.

Fem-Dophilus

The product Fem-Dophilus contains probiotics that help to increase healthy flora in the vagina. This encourages a natural balance that discourages the growth of the bad bacteria, gardnerella. This medication is over the counter and ingested orally for the treatment of BV.

Femigel

This natural lubricant is thought to maintain healthy vaginal moisture balance and bacterial levels by promoting healthy pH balance. It also contains 3 percent tea tree, which kills the bad bacteria in the vagina and helps maintain a healthy balance. The dosages are inserted in the vagina using an applicator and are used every few days to be most effective.

Natural Remedies

According to Bacterial-vaginosis.com, there are numerous natural remedies that might help fight bacterial vaginosis. They claim that beta-dine applied in a mixture with gentian violet will treat BV when applied topically. In addition, they advocate taking anti-oxidants to promote a health pH balance. Eating yogurt might also be helpful in restoring natural flora in the vagina by promoting the growth of good bacteria.

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