Bacterial vaginosis is the most common bacterial infection found in a woman's reproductive system. This condition is one in which the normal flora (Lactobacillus) in the vagina is out-populated by abnormally growing bacteria. Bacterial vaginosis is also more common in women during their childbearing years. Although bacterial vaginosis does not pose life-threatening symptoms, it can raise the possibility of the transmission of other sexually transmitted diseases, according to Mayo Clinic.
Symptoms
Educating yourself on the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis can give you a better idea of what you may need to start the proper treatments. Avoiding the treatment of bacterial vaginosis can bring on other severe symptoms. All women should look for symptoms such as abnormal vaginal discharge and abnormal vaginal odor. These symptoms can increase during sexual intercourse making it an uncomfortable and embarrassing situation for many women, which is why it is important to start an effective treatment, which can include cranberry.
What to Do
Bacterial vaginosis is treatable and can be avoided if women are more aware of what they can do to take care of their symptoms immediately. First, it is a good idea to visit your primary gynecologist and discuss the options available in treating bacterial vaginosis. Antibiotics are prescribed to treat most cases of bacterial vaginosis, but there are alternatives that may help alleviate the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis, including cranberry treatments.
Cranberry
Cranberries help prevent bacteria from staying in the body, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. By consuming at least 3 oz. of pure cranberry juice or as many as six cranberry pills daily, you can help remove the bacteria in your reproductive system, according to the Univesity of Maryland Medical Center. The powerful antioxidants cranberries provide help neutralize particles in the body that damage cells. When cells are damaged, they are not able to fight off bacteria, and bacteria attaches to the urine walls, which can cause bacterial vaginosis.
Prevention
To prevent future bacterial vaginosis infections, ensure you regularly include cranberry in your diet. Drinking cranberry juice or taking a cranberry supplement can help prevent bacteria from building up in your system. If you receive another infection and symptoms persist for seven days or longer, you should seek medical attention. If bacterial vaginosis infections are not cured, it could lead to increased risk of sexually transmitted diseases or complications with childbearing, according to Mayo Clinic.
