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I know this is NOT a fun topic to discuss, but I’ll try to keep it light.
About a year ago, I went to the gynecologist because I smelled something funky from under. (gross! I know, but I don’t have a better way to describe it).
She took a test and told me that it was bacterial vaginosis.
It’s a relatively harmless condition with an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina. It seems no one is sure where it comes from, but it is most common in sexually active women during their fertile years.
Check out this article for information on risks and more detailed information on BV and pregnancy.
After the test came back positive for BV, my gynecologist recommended a vaginal suppository antibiotic as treatment. I thanked her, filled out the prescription (just in case), and never took it.
I didn’t want to keep walking around with this funk, but I didn’t feel comfortable with antibiotics, so I continued researching until I found something safe and effective.
* Disclaimer: I am not a doctor; this is not medical advice: I am sharing what works best for me based on my experience. If you have medical concerns, please contact your doctor or healthcare provider.
Why I didn’t use antibiotics for BV
Antibiotics are medications used to treat bacterial infections that work by killing bacteria or inhibiting their growth.
And that’s great.
Antibiotics can kill the bad stuff, but they also kill good bacteria in the process.
So now you have another issue on your hands because good bacteria helps keep us healthy.
Natural Remedies that didn’t work or were too odd to try
I took probiotics, which helped a bit, but the bacterial infection returned once I stopped. And since I wanted to fix the problem, not just mask it- I kept looking.
A friend of mine said to poke holes in garlic and put it into my vagina overnight– no thanks. I just can’t handle that.
I was afraid I would smell like garlic, or it would spoil in there- could you imagine going to the ER and explaining that you voluntarily put garlic in your va-gin-uh?
I’ll pass.
So what worked?
I used it once! Once! That’s all, and the smell was gone the next day.
I couldn’t believe my nose!
I’m not saying it’ll work that fast for everyone, but it did for me, and I was grateful. (I’m sure my poor husband was too.)
Other tips I learned from a Women’s Health Coach about how to prevent BV
- Stick with cotton underwear- let everything breathe down there.
- Don’t use perfume soaps; I use this essential oil plant-based soap.
- Don’t overclean that area- the vagina is self-cleaning (sounds crazy, like a fish tank- ewe, sorry, no pun intended), but it is, don’t over soap or get in there too much.
- Don’t douche. It’s not necessary and can reintroduce more bacteria.
Advice if You’re New to Natural Living
You can use antibiotics if that’s what’s best for you and your mental health.
You can try something natural, and if it doesn’t work, then use the antibiotic.
Do whatever is best for you in this season of your life. There isn’t one best way of doing things.
I’m sharing what helped me, but it took me a while to muster up the courage to try something natural.
Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions or concerns!
