Bacterial vaginosis is an uncomfortable condition in which bacteria disrupt the normal environment of a woman's vaginal tract. Treatment often includes prescription antibiotics, though complementary remedies such as tea tree oil and vitamin E may reduce some of the associated symptoms. Before using any other remedies for bacterial vaginosis, be sure to discuss them with your healthcare provider.
Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis falls under the heading of vaginitis, which can be caused by bacteria, yeast or parasites. According to MayoClinic.com, bacterial vaginosis is one of the most common types of vaginitis and is caused by a disruption in the normal flora found in the vagina. In addition to itching and pain during intercourse or when urinating, bacterial vaginosis causes vaginal discharge to change to a gray or white and smell like fish. According to MayoClinic.com, the bacterial form of vaginitis requires antibiotic treatment. However, some women may find additional symptom relief with over-the-counter remedies such as tea tree oil and vitamin E.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil comes from the leaves of the tea tree and is sold over-the-counter for external use. It has been used historically as a natural antiseptic and as a treatment for common infections. Some women swear by tea tree oil as a natural remedy for bacterial vaginosis, however, the scientific evidence is less concrete. According to MayoClinic.com, there is not enough evidence from human use that tea tree can treat bacterial vaginosis. In a lab environment, however, it has the potential to kill bacteria and to decrease related itchiness caused by infections. Medline Plus reports that while a few studies have demonstrated a relationship between tea tree oil and bacterial vaginosis symptom relief, there is not enough evidence to suggest its use as treatment.
Vitamin E
Vitamin deficiencies have been associated with some infections, including bacterial vaginosis. According to a 2007 study in the "Journal of Nutrition," deficiencies in vitamin E, among others vitamins, may predispose women to bacterial vaginosis by reducing their immunity. The study found that increasing vitamin E intake, along with other nutrients such as folate and calcium, decreased a woman's risk for developing a more severe form of bacterial vaginosis. The authors suggested this might be due to the high antioxidant content of vitamin E.
Guidelines for Use
Until further research has been completed, antibiotics are still the first line of defense against bacterial vaginosis infections. While external use of tea tree oil is generally safe, it can cause skin irritation for some women. Be sure to discuss it with your doctor before using it to treat this condition. There is little harm in taking a vitamin E supplement as part of a multivitamin. However, avoid large doses unless advised to do so by your doctor. According to the National Institutes of Health, a woman's daily recommended dose of vitamin E is 15 mg.
References
- "Journal of Nutrition"; Dietary Intake of Selected Nutrients Affects Bacterial Vaginosis in Women; Yasmin H. Neggers et al; September 2007
- MayoClinic.com: Tea Tree Oil; July 2011
- MayoClinic.com: Vaginitis; February 2011
- Medline Plus: Tea Tree Oil; May 2011
- National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin E
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