Are you suffering from recurring BV? Chronic BV is one of the worst things to have especially because it comes with uncomfortable symptoms down there. Not to worry though! There are ways to clear BV up naturally. Here are some tried and tested ways on how to get rid of BV without antibiotics…
What is BV?
BV, known as bacterial vaginosis, is a vaginal infection where the balance of natural bacteria found in the vagina becomes unstable.
Healthy women have smaller amounts and fewer species of bacteria naturally existing in their vaginas.
However, women with BV have higher amounts of different species of bacteria in their vaginas.
These extra bacteria cause the naturally slightly acidic pH of the vagina to increase and become more alkaline.
Bacteria thrive in this alkaline environment which causes them to multiply in numbers and cause symptoms such as:
- Increased watery or milky white or grey discharge
- Vaginal and vulvar itching
- Irritation
- Vaginal pains
- Burning during urination
- A fishy odor
Most BV infections are mild and barely noticeable so they go away on their own. Many women do not even have any symptoms. However, some women have severe symptoms which affects them negatively in their day to day lives.
You may or may not have all the above symptoms, that is why it is advised to go to the doctor to find out the diagnosis and get proper treatment.
However, if you regularly get BV and it keeps showing up even after antibiotic treatment, then you may actually find the cure in some natural remedies, as I did.
Here are 5 proven ways on how to get rid of BV without antibiotics:
How to Get Rid of BV without Antibiotics
1. Kefir
Kefir is the first on this list because it is what helped me get rid of my BV once and for all!
So what exactly is kefir?
Most of you must have seen kefir on supermarket shelves sold as a probiotic drink. That’s right – kefir is a fermented milk drink that is made using kefir grains.
Kefir grains are a specific type of culture consisting of yeast and lactic acid bacteria.
When placed in milk, they break down the sugars in milk (lactose) over 12-24 hours which transform the milk into a thin yogurt drink.
The fact that kefir is rich in probiotics which means it contains live bacteria including Lactobacillus acidophilus which is the most-researched strain of probiotic for vaginal health.
This is because when you have BV, it means the naturally existing bacteria in your vagina are unbalanced. This is what causes BV to develop.
Drinking kefir replenishes the bacteria in your gut, which travels to your vagina and fixes the imbalance thereby making your vagina healthy and well-functioning again.
When I found out that my BV still hadn’t cleared up after my second round of antibiotics, I had to take matters into my own hands.
I still had irritation, stinging pains and itchiness as my major symptoms that were very frustrating to deal with.
I started taking one cup of kefir every day for about two weeks, gradually I felt my symptoms improving until they went away. I still drink kefir regularly, as a preventative measure.
2. Boric Acid Pessaries
Another remedy for BV that women have seen success with is boric acid capsules, inserted vaginally.
Research also shows that boric acid is a cheap and effective way to help women who have vaginal infections such as BV sufferers, especially those who have chronic BV.
Boric acid, also known as hydrogen borate, is a white powder that has been used to treat vaginal infections for over 100 years.
Purchase good quality boric acid pessaries (one capsule containing 600mg of boric acid). Place one capsule into your vagina before bedtime, every night for seven nights. Make sure to wear a pad or panty liner because it will leak out during the course of the night as it melts.
Note: Being using boric acid capsules vaginally, please consult your doctor if its safe for you and do not do it if you are pregnant.
3. Probiotic Supplements
Probiotics, as we discussed above are very helpful for clearing BV for good and preventing it from recurring.
This is because they contain live bacteria including Lactobacillus acidophilus, which is one of the most effective probiotic strains for keeping the vagina healthy.
Two other important strains good for balancing vaginal health include lactobacillus rhamnosus and lactobacillus reuteri.
Please get yourself this probiotic supplement which contains the good R’s when it comes to probiotics for vaginal health: lactobacillus rhamnosus and lactobacillus reuteri.
Probiotic capsules like FloraFemme can also be used internally for fast and effective relief. It has 6 suppositories in it, you can insert one capsule every night for 6 nights. You can also use 1-2 capsules each month as a preventative measure to keep your vaginal pH balanced.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is also rich in probiotics. I drink it every morning as follows:
In a mug, add one cup of warm water, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and 1 teaspoon of honey.
I also add ½ tsp of chlorella powder. Mix this up and take it first thing in the morning to balance your body’s pH so it can fight off infections better.
When I had BV I took this drink three times a day.
Also, apple cider vinegar diluted with water, can give you relief when used as an external rinse after using the toilet.
Make sure to buy organic apple cider vinegar with the ‘mother.’ The mother refers to the culture containing beneficial bacteria.
5. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is another as a natural remedy for BV. It has been hailed as a cure for women who suffer for BV that just never seems to go away.
It is used externally by douching or rinsing the vaginal area with it.
I never recommend douching when you are in a healthy normal state however, when you have BV and especially if it is severe, douching with hydrogen peroxide and water can be an effective treatment.
Studies such as this one and this one show that hydrogen peroxide is an effective treatment for vaginal infections such as BV. Many women have also found that hydrogen peroxide only thing that cured their BV.
What you have to do is douche with 1/3 food grade hydrogen peroxide and 2/3 distilled water in a disposable douche bottle three times a day for 3 to 7 days, depending on the severity.
Most women find that after a week, BV is completely cured for good.
Tips for Clearing BV
- Avoid sexual intercourse when you have BV or during BV treatment. BV makes you more susceptible to contracting STDs including HIV. Even if both partners are clean, use condoms without fail if you do end up having intercourse do prevent making the BV worse.
- Drink lots of water throughout your day.
- Do not clean inside your vagina using feminine washes or water. The vagina is naturally self-cleansing. Using soap or feminine washes will disrupt its delicate pH. Water also strips the vagina of its natural and healthy bacteria that it needs for it to function properly.
- Do not douche using water as this strips away the good bacteria already existing in your vagina that is helping produce lactic acid and keep the vagina slightly acidic to prevent infections.
- Wear breathable cotton underwear.
Take Care
This post is mainly intended for those who have been suffering from chronic BV and have been getting no relief from antibiotics. If it is your first-time getting BV, then my advice is to go to the doctor, get conventional treatment and complete your round of antibiotics. You do not have to suffer for days with severe symptoms like itching and vaginal odor. It’s very likely that you will be cured with the first round of antibiotics.
Those are my top 5 methods of how to get rid of BV without antibiotics! There are other remedies I used such as garlic and ginger that did not seem to help me…are there any remedies you know of that can clear BV once and for all? Please share in the comments!
Leave a Reply