Bacterial vaginosis, or BV, is a bacterial overgrowth that leads to uncomfortable vaginal symptoms, including itching and discharge with odor. While the primary treatment for BV is antibiotics, other treatments include use of probiotics to restore a healthier balance of bacteria. Probiotic acidophilus may play an important role in the management of BV.
Bacterial Vaginosis
A variety of bacteria and other microorganisms live in your vagina. When these microorganisms live in balance, you do not have uncomfortable and unpleasant discharge. If the balance is disrupted, annoying bacteria become dominant and trigger a multitude of symptoms. Common symptoms of BV include a strong fishy odor, vaginal itching, burning with urination and discharge. A health care provider can perform a microscope test to diagnose BV.
Traditional Treatment
Because BV is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria, antibiotics help to kill off the overgrowth and treat your symptoms. Your health-care provider may prescribe oral metronidazole or oral or vaginal clindamycin. Both of these antibiotics kill not only the bacteria that are causing your discharge, but healthy vaginal bacteria as well. Antibiotics contribute to an additional imbalance among healthy bacteria, unhealthy bacteria and yeast cells.
Healthy Bacteria
The healthy bacteria that live in your vagina are typically lactobacillus. Lactobacillus bacteria work to keep abnormal bacteria and yeast cells in check, and when lactobacillus bacteria dominate your vaginal flora, you have a healthy vagina. Certain foods and supplements stock your body with lactobacillus, including yogurt and probiotics.
Probiotics
Lactobacillus acidophilus is a probiotic, or a group of bacteria that are used for medical purposes. While you can take lactobacillus acidophilus orally to treat diarrhea and other intestinal disorders, you should place it vaginally to treat bacterial vaginosis. You can use either tablets or suppositories in your vagina to repopulate lactobacillus. Ask your health-care provider if lactobacillus acidophilus may be helpful for you.
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