A variety of microorganisms live in your body. Some help with physiological processes, including digestion and immune-system activity. Although these microorganisms typically do not harm your body, a disruption in their natural population may cause ill health. Bacterial vaginosis occurs when there is an overgrowth of vaginal bacteria. Some alternative medicine practitioners treat bacterial vaginosis with home remedies using L. acidophilus bacteria. If you are considering this alternative treatment, talk with your doctor.
Bacterial Vaginosis
When the populations of certain vaginal bacteria begin to grow uncontrollably, they cause an inflammatory condition known as bacterial vaginosis. Common symptoms include vaginal irritation, vaginal itching, odor, painful intercourse, burning during urination, thin vaginal discharge and light vaginal bleeding. Killing excess unhealthy bacteria restores your health.
L. acidophilus
Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria naturally occur in your intestines and vagina. This species of bacteria is considered probiotic, meaning that it is beneficial and prevents disease. L. acidophilus releases several chemicals that are toxic to disease-causing bacteria. By killing bad bacteria, L. acidophilus restores balance to the flora of your vagina.
Home Remedies
Some scientific evidence suggests that L. acidophilus can kill the harmful bacteria causing bacterial vaginosis and improve your symptoms. There are two main ways to get L. acidophilus. One home remedy is to insert 10 million to 1 billion colony-forming units of L. acidophilus into the vagina one or two times per day. L. acidophilus tablets can be used for this purpose. Another remedy is to eat 1 cup of yogurt containing active cultures of L. acidophilus. The yogurt should contain at least 100 million colony-forming units per mL.
Safety
Although taking L. acidophilus orally or vaginally may improve symptoms of bacterial vaginosis, these remedies may not be safe for everyone. People with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance may be unable to tolerate yogurt or certain L. acidophilus supplements. Additionally, L. acidophilus can cause abdominal irritation or discomfort in some women. Before using an L. acidophilus home remedy to treat bacterial vaginosis, talk to your doctor to ensure that it is appropriate for you.
