Bacterial vaginosis is condition in which the regular bacteria that populate the vagina are displaced and other types of bacteria occupy their place causing a disturbance to the natural balance. This is a problem that finds echoes in other parts of the body as well. For example, the mouth and the intestines are prime examples of a delicate ecosystem that consists of one species of bacteria keeping the other in check. Curing this condition is really quite simple and it can even go away if you do not treat it at all. However, having said that, there are antibiotics that can be of use if the problem is too severe and is disrupting your menstrual cycle. Home remedies are actually the best method of dealing with the disease because of the nature of it.
In our bodies, we cultivate a form of bacteria called lactobacillus acidophilus. When these are active, they create a slightly acidic environment because of the creation of peroxide. This is toxic to most other bacteria and fungi and this action along with the fact that lactobacillus outperforms many other bacteria for resources means that this strain is actually a guardian. However, the perfect situation cannot last forever and sometimes the balance is tipped. In the case of vaginosis, excessive sexual activity, the use of antibiotics, direct application of antiseptics soaps in the vagina, and douching are the leading causes of the problem. The condition will cause a grey discharge to emanate along with a characteristic fishy odor to develop. Unattended to, the problem can even culminate in a yeast infection since the acid producing bacteria don’t exist there anymore. Excessive sexual contact with male semen is problematic because it contains zinc that is cytotoxic to bacteria. Treating the condition is best done by reintroducing the correct bacteria into the vagina.
The best source of lactobacillus acidophilus is milk – more concentrated in yoghurt. The first thing to do is to completely sterilize your vagina and this can be done by soaking a tampon in hydrogen peroxide and using it for a day. The next day start doing the same thin but instead dipping it in fresh cow’s milk – mostly any milk will do as long as it has not been too processed. Refrain from sexual activity completely and wipe backwards after defecating. Wash the vagina only with warm water and refrain from using antiseptic soaps for cleaning the vagina. Antiseptic soaps can be used elsewhere on the body.