BV Treatment Over The Counter

Bacterial vaginosis is a condition in women wherein the number of normal bacteria in the vagina is altered, disrupted and replaced with an overgrowth of another type of bacteria, as described in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Bacterial vaginosis is considered the most common vaginal disease in America. Women can get infected through douching, unprotected sex and multiple sexual partners. If this infection is left untreated, it causes a lot of complications. Bacterial vaginosis can be managed using several OTC treatments.

Vaginal Douching-

According to KidsHealth.org, a website supported by the National Institutes of Health, vaginal douches keep the vagina smelling fresh, clean and possibly free from bacterial vaginosis. Douches that are acidic in nature such as boric acid douche or vinegar douche composed of 1 tbsp. of vinegar in 1 qt. of water are good alternatives to acidify the pH of the vagina. Maintaining an acidic environment destroys the microorganisms that are already present, as well as preventing them from multiplying. In some cases, vaginal douching causes allergic reactions and vaginal irritations.

Feminine Wash-

A feminine wash is one of the over-the-counter treatments for bacterial vaginosis available. Povidone iodine is a chemical element that contains effective antiseptic properties. When used as a feminine wash, it kills germs, inhibits fungal growth, as well as prevents soreness and swelling. This wash is also commonly used by menstruating, post-partum and menopausal women since it controls external genital itching and promotes wound healing after perineal repair. Some women may develop allergic reactions others may exhibit local discomfort and vaginal irritation; these are some of the possible adverse reactions of this product.

Lactobacillus Acidophilus-

Lactobacillus acidophilus can potentially treat bacterial vaginosis, as mentioned in MedlinePlus. Lactobacillus acidophilus is a good bacteria or probiotic that can be used to treat a number of medical conditions including diarrhea, asthma and vaginal infection. This probiotic is considered beneficial because of the vitamin K, lactase and other anti-microbial substances it produces. Acidolin, acidolphilin, lactocidin and bacteriocin are among the substances that has antimicrobial properties. Lactobacillus acidophilus is used with caution in patients with weak and compromised immune systems. For bacterial vaginosis treatment, this drug comes as a tablet, capsule and vaginal suppository.