11 Best Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is a vaginal infection commonly seen in women between ages 15 to 44 years (1). This condition occurs as a result of an imbalance between the good and bad bacteria in your vagina. Although sometimes bacterial vaginosis may go away on its own, it is recommended that you seek quick medical intervention to prevent health complications like infertility or miscarriage. In this article, we explore the signs and symptoms of bacterial vaginosis and simple home remedies you can try for some relief.

Trivia

As per the national survey conducted between 2001 and 2004, around 21.2 million women in the US experienced bacterial vaginosis (1).

What Is Bacterial Vaginosis?

Bacterial vaginosis is the vaginal infection caused by the bacteria Gardnerella vaginalis.

This infection occurs due to an alteration in vaginal ecology. In this infection, Lactobacillus spp., the predominant organisms of a healthy vagina, are replaced by bad bacteria (2). This causes an imbalance in the vaginal environment.

Bacterial vaginosis is a common condition that many women can develop. Fortunately, there are home remedies to treat the condition and prevent it. Let’s take a look at them in the next section.

A study estimated that bacterial vaginosis occurs in 5 to 70% of women. In the US, 30% of women between the ages of 14 and 49 are afflicted. It is most prevalent in Africa and least common in Asia and Europe. However, rates vary by ethnic group and are highest among non-white women (51% African Americans, 32% Mexican Americans).

Note: While the following home remedies may not be as effective as prescription medications, they do not have side effects and may help restore the healthy lactobacilli composition. Hence, there is no harm in giving them a try.

11 Home Remedies To Treat Bacterial Vaginosis

1. Coconut Oil
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
3. Hydrogen Peroxide
4. Garlic
5. Tea Tree Oil
6. Yogurt
7. Fenugreek
8. Turmeric
9. Cold Compress
10. Vitamin C
11. Cranberry Juice

1. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has antimicrobial properties (3), (4). These antimicrobial properties may combat the bad bacteria. Coconut oil may also help restore the bacterial balance within your vagina.

You Will Need

Virgin coconut oil

What You Have To Do

1. Freeze two to three teaspoons of coconut oil for a few minutes.
2. Place the semi-solid coconut oil inside your vagina.
3. Allow it to melt within.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this once a day.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar possesses antibacterial and antiviral properties

(5). These may help fight the bacteria responsible for bacterial vaginosis. The vinegar may also protect you from other microbial infections (6).

You Will Need

• Apple cider vinegar
• Bathwater

What You Have To Do

1. Add the apple cider vinegar to the bathwater.
2. Soak in the bath for 15 to 20 minutes.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this once a day for effective results. 

3. Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is believed to be a natural disinfectant.

This can destroy the infection-causing bacteria in vagina (7).

You Will Need

• 3% hydrogen peroxide
• Water

What You Have To Do

1. Mix equal amounts of water and hydrogen peroxide and spray the mixture in your vagina.
2. Hold the mixture inside your vagina for about 3 to 4 minutes and then drain it out.
3. Alternatively, you can also soak a tampon in the mixture and place it in your vagina for 30 minutes.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this once a day for 3 weeks. 

4. Garlic

Garlic contains allicin that has a strong odor and possesses antimicrobial properties against multiple strains of bacteria (8). A study found that a garlic tablet could help treat bacterial vaginosis (9).

You Will Need

A garlic clove

What You Have To Do

Ingest a clove of garlic with your food.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this multiple times a day. 

5. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil exhibits antiseptic and antimicrobial properties (10). A small study showed that tea tree oil was effective in treating bacterial vaginosis (11).

You Will Need

• 5-10 drops of tea tree oil
• 1 ounce of coconut oil
• Warm water
• Tampons

What You Have To Do

1. Add a few drops of tea tree oil to coconut oil and add this blend to a bowl of warm water.
2. Mix well and soak a tampon in the mixture.
3. Place the tampon in your vagina
4. Leave it in for 1 to 2 hours.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this once a day for at least a week.

6. Yogurt

Yogurt is a natural source of probiotics. Probiotics may help restore the good bacteria in the vagina. The live bacterial cultures present in yogurt may help in the treatment as well as prevention of bacterial vaginosis (12).

You Will Need

Plain yogurt

What You Have To Do

Consume a bowl of plain yogurt.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this once a day.

7. Fenugreek

Fenugreek seeds exhibit strong antibacterial activity (13). This may help kill the bad bacteria causing bacterial vaginosis.

You Will Need

• Fenugreek seeds
• Water

What You Have To Do

1. Add two teaspoons of fenugreek seeds to a glass of water.
2. Soak them overnight.
3. Strain the water the next morning and drink it on an empty stomach.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this once a day until you notice any visible changes.

8. Turmeric

Turmeric contains curcumin that possesses antimicrobial activity and blocks bacterial growth (14). Hence, turmeric may be an excellent option for treating bacterial vaginosis.

You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
• 1 cup of hot milk

What You Have To Do

1. Add a teaspoon of turmeric powder to a cup of hot milk and stir well.
2. Consume this mixture.

How Often You Should Do This

Consume this mixture once a day. 

9. Cold Compress

Ice packs can help reduce inflammation, pain, itchiness, and other related symptoms (15). Hence, using an ice pack may provide immediate relief from the irritating symptoms of bacterial vaginosis.

You Will Need

• Ice cubes
• A clean washcloth
• A plastic cover

What You Have To Do

1. Place a few ice cubes inside a clean washcloth.
2. Put the wrapped washcloth inside a plastic cover and seal it.
3. Apply the cold compress directly to your vagina.
4. Repeat after every few minutes.
5. Alternatively, you can also cleanse your vagina with cold water.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 2-3 times a day. 

10. Vitamin C

According to a study, vitamin C vaginal tablets are effective in treating bacterial vaginosis (16). They successfully treated 86% of women who participated in the study.

You Will Need

Vitamin C tablets

What You Have To Do

Take one tablet after consulting your doctor.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this once a day. 

11. Cranberry Juice

Cranberry juice is used in the treatment of urinary tract infections due to its antibacterial properties (17). The antibacterial properties of cranberries may help combat bacterial vaginosis naturally.

You Will Need

Unsweetened cranberry juice

What You Have To Do

Consume a cup of unsweetened cranberry juice.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this once a day.

These remedies can help treat bacterial vaginosis. Though you cannot always prevent this infection, you can take the following precautions to steer clear of it.

Prevention Tips

• Avoid multiple sex partners.
• Use a condom during sex.
• Avoid douching. (Over irrigation can lead to pH imbalance in the vagina).
• Consume foods containing healthy bacteria called Lactobacillus acidophilus (like kefir and yogurt). This may help balance the vaginal ecosystem.
• Avoid sugary, processed, and fermented foods.

Vaginal pH is a key indicator of the vaginal health. Since bacterial vaginosis may lead to pH imbalance, trying to restore vaginal pH balance naturally may help manage the condition and maintain vaginal health to a certain extent.

Quick Tip

Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated may help prevent bacterial overgrowth and relieve the symptoms.

What Causes Bacterial Vaginosis?

There are no established causes of bacterial vaginosis. Some factors that can increase the risk of contracting bacterial vaginosis are:

• Having more than one (or a new) sex partner
• Douching
• Smoking

Although bacterial vaginosis is more common in women who are sexually active, it can occur in other women as well.

Signs And Symptoms Of Bacterial Vaginosis

Many women do not exhibit the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis. However, some symptoms of BV may include:

• A thin white or gray vaginal discharge
• Pain, itching, or burning in the vagina
• A strong fish-like odor, especially after sex
• Burning when urinating
• Itching around the outside of the vagina

Vaginal odor, accompanied by yellowish discharge, is one of the most common indicators of bacterial vaginosis. Learning how to get rid of vaginal odor and keeping it clean may help you manage the odor. However, always consult a doctor before trying any remedies.

If you believe you have developed bacterial vaginosis, consult your gynecologist. This is especially important if you have another health issue as it may cause issues. A blogger shared her health journey dealing with PCOS, ulcerative colitis, and subsequent fertility issues. She also discussed how a treatment used to treat recurring bacterial vaginosis (BV) caused more complications for her. She writes, “I also had something wrong “down there”…bacterial vaginosis (BV)? yeast? It was slimy, smelly, and itchy. I was treated for both, and the flagyl they gave me for the BV apparently made my colitis “flare” (bleeding from the colon) (i).” Flagyl is an antibiotic medication prescribed to treat bacterial infections.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis. Learn more in the next section.

Diagnosis Of Bacterial Vaginosis

Your healthcare provider will typically conduct a pelvic exam. They will check for the following types of abnormal vaginal discharge:

• Thin discharge
• Gray discharge
• White discharge with a fishy odor.

Your provider may also perform a wet mount test. They will take a sample of vaginal discharge and examine it under a microscope. The test can help identify clue cells, basically vaginal epithelial cells covered with bacteria, a characteristic sign of BV.

Another common diagnostic test is pH testing. The normal vaginal pH is acidic, but in BV, it becomes more alkaline. Your provider may use a special paper strip to measure the pH of your vaginal discharge.

While BV is often manageable, you should address it promptly to prevent potential complications. The next section covers some possible complications that may arise with BV.

Possible Complications Of Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis may prove to be quite dangerous in the following situations:

• Bacterial vaginosis may increase the chances of miscarriage among pregnant women (18).
• Development of bacterial vaginosis during pelvic procedures (Cesarean section or abortion) may increase the risk of contracting a pelvic infection (19).
• Bacterial vaginosis may increase the chances of contracting sexually transmitted diseases like HIV (20).

Along with home remedies, it is recommended to seek medical treatment. Let’s see what that looks like in the next section.

Medical Treatment For Bacterial Vaginosis

Here are some medicines doctors are likely to prescribe to treat this condition:

• Metronidazole

Usually the first-line treatment for bacterial vaginosis (21). In the gel form, it may be inserted into the vagina.

• Clindamycin

To be applied inside the vagina in cream form or taken as a pill. Even though it is effective, it may lead to irritation, itching, and a burning sensation (22).

• Tinidazole

Administered orally, it has shown significant improvement in this condition (23). It is also a highly effective alternative to other medicines.

• Secnidazole

An effective oral antibiotic against various parasitic and bacterial infections (24). It may also lead to side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and headache.

Infographic: Top 6 Home Remedies For Bacterial Vaginosis

The common condition known as bacterial vaginosis can be excruciating. It is caused by an imbalance of good and bad bacteria in the vagina. Luckily, you can manage the condition with simple home remedies. The infographic below highlights the top 6 remedies that may provide quick relief and help manage the symptoms. Take a look!

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Can bacterial vaginosis cause infertility?

If left untreated, bacterial vaginosis can spread to the uterus and fallopian tubes and cause pelvic inflammatory diseases. This can damage the fallopian tubes and cause infertility (25).

Why does my vagina smell like fish?

If your vagina smells like fish, it means that you have contracted bacterial vaginosis, and thus, you must avail treatment immediately.

What is the difference between bacterial vaginosis and a yeast infection?

If you notice a white vaginal discharge that looks like clumpy cottage cheese and is odorless or smells of yeast, it means you have developed a yeast infection. But if you notice a yellowish or grayish vaginal discharge that smells like fish, it usually indicates that you have got bacterial vaginosis. Different pathogens may trigger different symptoms and some overlap in treatment. However, each pathogen must be addressed uniquely. Specific home remedies for yeast infection or bacterial infection can help and be greatly effective.

How long does bacterial vaginosis last?

Most often, bacterial vaginosis is a minor issue that resolves by itself in a few days. However, it may cause complications in certain cases and the symptoms may last for weeks. Visit a doctor if you feel the condition is aggravating.

Does stress cause BV?

Yes. Increased psychological stress is often linked to a higher prevalence and incidence of bacterial vaginosis. However, more studies are warranted to understand how stress makes people more vulnerable to BV (26).

Is BV contagious in males?

No, men cannot get bacterial vaginosis. However, they may spread the infection.

Can BV turn into chlamydia?

Yes. If left untreated, BV might increase your chances of contracting chlamydia (27).

What is the best medication for BV?

Antibiotics like metronidazole and clindamycin can effectively treat bacterial vaginosis (28).

Can probiotics cure BV?

Oral or vaginal probiotics seem to successfully treat and reduce recurrent bacterial vaginosis. However, the dose, method, and treatment procedures vary widely between trials, though participants from many studies have indicated a significant decrease in bacterial vaginosis recurrence (29).

Illustration: Best Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Bacterial Vaginosis

Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Millie LytleND, MPH

     

Dr. Millie Lytle has 8 years of experience in naturopathic medicine, is a member of the New York Association of Naturopathic Physicians (NYANP), and sits on the Medical Advisory Board for the School of Applied Functional Medicine.

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Sucharita MishraHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Sucharita Mishra has a Master’s degree in Biotechnology and two years of experience in writing on topics related to Health and Wellness. She has worked on determining various heavy metals present in green tea for her Master’s dissertation at CSIR- CFTRI, Mysuru.

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Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief

Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

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Dipti SharmaBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Dipti is a health and wellness writer specializing in holistic health practices. She graduated from Maharishi Dayanand University, Haryana, and has worked closely with Ayurvedic doctors, which has given her a deep understanding of traditional remedies and their applications.

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