Bacterial vaginosis, or BV, refers to a bacterial imbalance in your vagina. When unhealthy bacteria outnumber healthy bacteria, you can experience odor, itching and discharge. While an initial case of BV is simple to treat with oral or vaginal antibiotics, many women experience multiple episodes of BV. Adequate serum vitamin D levels may play an important role in reducing occurrences of BV.
Causes of Bacterial Vaginosis
A variety of events can trigger the bacterial imbalance that results in BV. Pregnancy and frequent intercourse are the most common causes. Other causes include douching or having multiple sexual partners. While you can reduce your risk of recurrent bacterial vaginitis by using condoms, abstaining from intercourse and not douching, many women suffer with chronic and recurrent episodes of BV.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is important for a wide-range of physiologic functions, including your body's ability to strengthen your bones with calcium. The primary source of vitamin D is exposure to sunshine. Other sources of vitamin D include fish, milk and dairy and grain products that have been fortified with vitamin D. You should have 600 IU, or 15 mcg, of vitamin D each day.
Insufficient Vitamin D
Certain populations are at risk for not having sufficient vitamin D. If you live in cold climates where you do not have sun exposure throughout the year, or if you have dark skin, you might not be able to generate enough vitamin D. Vegans may also lack adequate vitamin D, as they avoid dairy and fish. Your doctor can test your vitamin D levels with a simple blood test.
Vitamin D and BV
Women with adequate blood serum vitamin D levels are less likely to experience BV than women who have low serum levels of vitamin D. While primary treatment for BV relies on oral or vaginal antibiotics, secondary treatment can include dietary and nutritional supplementation. Ask your doctor about checking your serum vitamin D levels and about the possibility of vitamin D supplements to treat BV.
