Bacterial vaginosis is the result of an imbalance of good and bad bacteria in the vagina. It is very common in women of reproductive age. Acidophilus is a probiotic or friendly bacteria that reduces the amount of harmful bacteria in the body. It has been shown clinically to be an effective treatment for this condition. However, as with any new treatment, please consult your healthcare professional before starting.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Bacterial Vaginosis
Friendly bacteria are normally present in the vagina. Bacterial vaginosis develops when an increase in unfriendly bacteria in the vagina occurs. How this happens is still not well understood. Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include abnormal vaginal discharge with a strong odor, burning during urination, itching around the vagina, and pain during intercourse. The abnormal discharge that occurs may be white or gray in color. Additionally, it is common for women with bacterial vaginosis to not experience any symptoms at all. In order to be diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis, you must be examined by your healthcare provider so a sample of vaginal fluid can be assessed for harmful bacteria levels.
Complications Associated with Bacterial Vaginosis
Generally, having bacterial vaginosis does not pose a threat to your health. However, it can make you more susceptible to being infected with certain sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and herpes simplex virus. Other complications can arise if bacterial vaginosis goes unchecked. According to the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention, having bacterial vaginosis can make you more susceptible to infection after uterine surgeries. Additionally, pregnant women with bacterial vaginosis are more likely to have premature deliveries and babies with low birth weights.
Acidophilus Treatment
Several clinical studies have reported that acidophilus in vaginal suppository form can effectively treat bacterial vaginosis. Yogurt containing cultures of acidophilus has also been beneficial in a small number of studies. A study published in the August 2010 issue of the "American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology" reported a significant reduction in the recurrence of bacterial vaginosis in women who used a probiotic capsule daily that contained acidophilus and two other probiotics. The treatment reduced the recurrence of bacterial vaginosis up to almost a year after the study began.
Dosage
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, both capsules or tablets of acidophilus can be directly inserted into the vagina as treatment. Experts recommend taking one tablets containing 1 billion to 2 billion live organisms. If choosing to eat yogurt as a treatment, take eight ounces daily.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Bacterial Vaginosis
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Bacterial Vaginosis
- "American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology"; Efficacy of Vaginal Probiotic Capsules for Recurrent Bacterial Vaginosis: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study; W Ya, C Reifer, LE Miller; August 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Lactobacillus Acidophilus
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