Bacterial vaginosis is a common type of vaginal infection caused by bacterial overgrowth. The vagina normally contains some symbiotic bacteria that maintain healthy pH levels and control the growth of other microorganisms. However, long-term use of antibiotics, diets high in refined sugars, use of vaginal douches or poor hygiene disrupts the balance of bacteria and increases your risk of developing vaginosis. Some vitamins stimulate your immune system and help your body fight bacterial infections naturally. Consult with your doctor if your suspect a vaginal infection.
Causes
A healthy vagina normally contains beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus species which produce hydrogen peroxide and control the overgrowth of harmful bacteria, fungi and parasites. Lactobacillus bacteria are sensitive to changes in pH, or acidity levels, and can be reduced in number if you consume sugary foods and drinks. Over-use of antibiotics also reduces Lactobacillus and poor hygiene can compromise your immunity and hamper its ability to fight infections. Use of intrauterine devices for birth control may also lead to higher rates of infection. Bacterial vaginosis is not considered to be a sexually transmitted infection, but it is more common in women who are sexually active between the ages of 15 and 45, according to "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine." Bacterial vaginosis is different from yeast infections, caused by Candida fungi, and Trichomonas vaginalis, which is caused by a parasite.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of bacterial vaginosis are an off-white vaginal discharge, a fishy odor, mild itching and mild inflammation. The symptoms of vaginosis are not as painful or as diverse as yeast infections or trichomoniasis. To be sure of a diagnosis, your doctor can swab your vagina and culture it. Vaginosis can be successfully treated with antibiotic vaginal suppositories, although they may also contribute to future flare-ups, as noted by David Jones, author of the "Textbook for Functional Medicine." Vitamins may be helpful in controlling infections and allowing the bacterial colonies to become balanced again.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C, as ascorbic acid, displays antibiotic properties and is a strong stimulator of your immune system. A Swiss study published in a 2011 edition of "Arzneimittelforschung" found that vitamin C tablets inserted into the vaginas of women suffering from bacterial vaginosis lead to a 55 percent resolution of all symptoms, compared to 25 percent for those given placebo. Taking vitamin C orally can stimulate your immune system and create more white blood cells to fight the unwanted bacteria in your vagina.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is also very important for a strong immune system and lack of it may allow bacterial infections to proliferate more readily in your vagina. A study published in a 2009 edition of "The Journal of Nutrition" discovered a link between low levels of vitamin D and bacterial vaginosis. The researchers noted that the more deficient in vitamin D a woman was, the more likely she was plagued with bacterial infections of the vagina. Nearly twice as many African American women were affected compared to Caucasians.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is also helpful for infections due to its immune boosting properties. Vitamin A helps to synthesize and maintain your mucous membranes, which is what the bacteria grow on within the vagina. Vitamin A can be taken orally of used within a medicinal douche.
References
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine"; A. Fauci et al.; 2008
- "Textbook for Functional Medicine"; David S. Jones; 2005
- "Arzneimittelforschung"; Efficacy of vitamin C vaginal tablets in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis: a randomised, double blind, placebo controlled clinical trial; E.E. Petersen et al; April 2011
- "The Journal of Nutrition"; Maternal Vitamin D Deficiency Is Associated with Bacterial Vaginosis in the First Trimester of Pregnancy; L.M. Bodnar et al; June 2009
