Bacterial Vaginosis Treatment
Bacterial vaginosis, or BV for short, is a common condition that affects many women. It's caused by an overgrowth of bacteria that are naturally found in the vagina, which disrupts the balance of bacteria in the vaginal area. This can lead to symptoms such as discharge, itching, and a strong, fishy odour.
More about bacterial vaginosis
While bacterial vaginosis is most common in women during their reproductive years, it can happen to women of any age. The exact cause of BV is not fully understood, but certain activities such as unprotected sex or frequent douching can increase your risk of developing the condition. It's important to note that bacterial vaginosis is not a sexually transmitted infection, but having unprotected sex can increase the likeliness of it occurring.
What causes bacterial vaginosis?
The vagina is home to many different types of bacteria, and it's important for these bacteria to be in balance to maintain a healthy vaginal environment. When certain "bad" bacteria, known as anaerobic bacteria, grow too much, it can upset the balance of bacteria in the vagina and lead to bacterial vaginosis. Factors such as hormonal changes, certain medications, or certain lifestyle choices such as douching or using certain types of personal hygiene products can cause the bacteria balance to change.
How can I prevent bacterial vaginosis from developing?
Preventing bacterial vaginosis is all about maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria in the vagina. One of the best ways to do this is to minimize vaginal irritation. This means using mild, non-deodorant soaps and unscented tampons or pads. Another important step in preventing bacterial vaginosis is to avoid douching. Your vagina doesn't require any additional cleansing beyond normal bathing, and douching can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the vagina and increase your risk of infection.
How can bacterial vaginosis be treated?
Medino offers a number of products to help treat bacterial vaginosis and these work by helping the body to restore and preserve the natural pH balance of the vagina. Balance Activ offers a range of products to help treat the condition. For daily wash routine Lactacyd Femina Daily Protective Wash 200ml is recommended.