Bacterial Vaginosis: What Causes It (And How To Deal With It)

If you are anything like many women who suffer from chronic reoccurring cases of bacterial vaginosis (BV), then this information is for you! First off, know that you are not alone. According to the National Institute of Health, for every 100 women, 40-45 of them are suffering from bacterial vaginosis (BV).

BV comes from an unbalance of good/bad bacteria and the pH levels being thrown off in the vagina. Many of the uncomfortable symptoms include painful sex, foul odor, and discharge. There are medications that help relieve you of this horror, but you need a prescription for them and they do not prevent the issue from coming back. What if I told you there is a simple way you can help combat the odor naturally?

The answer is liquid chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is not only what gives leafy greens their color, it is a powerful internal deodorizer. Taking 1-3 highly concentrated doses of this daily will resolve your odor issue. The best part about it is it’s natural and highly alkalizing (detoxifying).

Now, this is not a solution for getting rid of the BV; it only helps eliminate the odor. For some natural solutions for BV management, try any of the following tips:

Use Fenugreek.

Fenugreek is highly beneficial for treating bacterial vaginosis. It will help improve the pH level in the vagina and boost the immune system to speed up the healing process.

• Soak two tablespoons of fenugreek seeds in a glass of water overnight. In the morning, drink this water on an empty stomach. Do this daily for at least a month until you notice an improvement in your condition.
• Mix one teaspoon of fenugreek powder in a cup of yogurt. Eat it twice daily for several days until your symptoms subside.
• Steep one teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in a cup of hot water for about five minutes. Strain it, add little honey, and drink this tea two or three times daily for as long as needed.

Use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.

Add 1/2 cup to a salt bath with lukewarm water and soak for a few minutes.

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Eat plain, unsweetened yogurt.

Plain Greek yogurt should also do the trick. Eat as much as 2 cups a day.

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Rinse the vaginal area with diluted tea tree oil.

Tea tree oil is an antiseptic, and a few drops can be added to your bath. Tea tree oil also contains natural antibacterial as well as antifungal compounds that help kill the germs that cause bacterial vaginosis. It will also combat the awful smell that is common with bacterial vaginosis.

• Add a few drops of tea tree oil to a small bowl of warm water and stir it well. Use the solution to rinse your vagina. Do this once daily for three to four weeks.
• Another option is to add three drops of tea tree oil and three cups of white vinegar to your lukewarm bathwater and then soak in it for half an hour. Follow this remedy every other day for one to two months as needed.

Eat plenty of fruit.

Oranges, lemons, pineapples and other citrus fruits contain vitamin C, which helps to boost your

immune system, and reduce infections.

Keep a clean and dry vagina

The vagina is self-cleansing, but keeping your vagina clean and dry is an effective way to eliminate vaginal odor since bacteria cannot thrive in a clean, dry place. Wash your vagina with lukewarm water (without harsh soaps).

Wear cotton underwear

Synthetic fibers (Lycra and spandex) retain moisture, allowing odor-causing bacteria to thrive. Cotton underwear absorbs sweat, making it less conducive for bacteria to grow.

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No douching

Refrain from douching. This may actually push the bacteria further into the vagina, giving rise to further complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

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Pubic hair maintenance

Pubic hair traps bacteria, sweat, and discharge leading to an unpleasant smell. The smell is more pronounced when you are wearing tight jeans all day long. Trim pubic hair regularly. If you have thick growth, consider removing some of the hair.

Wear clean clothing

Change to a new pair of jeans after wearing the same pair for two days at the most.

Try tampons

If the vaginal odor is prominent during your period, consider switching from pads to tampons. This will trap all the menstrual smells. If you are already using tampons, change them every three to four hours to avoid smelly vaginal odor.

Visit the BlackDoctor.org Women’s Health center for more articles.