Bacterial vaginosis is an infection of the vagina caused by Gardnerella vaginalis bacteria. It is the most common bacterial vaginal infection in women and can cause irritation, discharge, and a fishy smell. Luckily, this condition can be managed through diet and lifestyle modifications, though certain foods are more likely to cause bacterial infections than others.
Identifying which foods are responsible can help you prevent BV in the future by avoiding certain foods while being more careful with others. For a list of these problematic foods, see below.
What is Bacterial Vaginosis?
A bacterial infection is often caused by food high in protein, like dairy and meat or a fruit or vegetable that has been contaminated. Foods that are heavily processed can also trigger a pH imbalance in your vagina, causing BV to happen.
Typical Symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis Are:
- An abnormal discharge.
- Itching
- Burning sensation in the vagina area.
- Rash on the vulva.
Most women will experience a bacterial infection once in their life. During pregnancy, vaginal infections are common due to hormonal changes and an increase in estrogen. While bacteria typically cause these infections, some conditions may result from yeast or parasites. Different types of bacterial vaginosis treatment can be prescribed, with varying success rates depending on what is causing it.
Bacterial vaginosis is a common vaginal infection caused by the bacterium Gardnerella vaginalis. It is usually mild but can be more severe in pregnant women or women with other medical conditions.
Treatment typically involves antibiotics and douching. If the infection is mild, it may not require treatment at all. If the infection is more severe, bacterial vaginosis treatment in pregnancy may be necessary.
There is no specific treatment for bacterial vaginosis, but it can be treated with antibiotics if caught early. If left untreated, bacterial vaginosis can lead to serious health problems. Health problems include pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, and even ectopic pregnancy.
If you are pregnant and have bacterial vaginosis, your doctor may recommend bacterial vaginosis treatment during pregnancy to prevent these complications.
Foods That Can Cause or Worsen Bacterial Vaginosis
Many foods can cause bacterial vaginosis. These foods can increase the risk of infection by increasing the number of bacteria in the vagina. Avoid these foods if you have bacterial vaginosis symptoms to reduce your risk of getting the infection.
Some of the most common foods that have been linked to BV include:
- Sweet Stuff
One of the foods that can cause bacterial vaginosis is sweet stuff. It includes anything high in sugar, such as sweets, cakes, cookies, and candies.
- Alcohol
Another food that can cause bacterial vaginosis is alcohol. Drinking too much alcohol can increase your risk of developing this condition. Alcohol can also damage the bacteria in your vagina, leading to bacterial vaginosis.
- Onions
One of the foods that can cause bacterial vaginosis is onions. Onions contain sulfur compounds, which can irritate the vagina and increase the risk of bacterial vaginosis.
- Cruciferous Vegetables
Foods that can cause bacterial vaginosis include cruciferous vegetables (such as broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage), grapefruit, and raw green tomatoes. If you are pregnant or have a history of vaginal cancer, you should avoid these foods altogether.
- Anything Fried
One of the most common causes of bacterial vaginosis is anything that is fried. It includes foods like French fries, chicken nuggets, and onion rings.
Fried foods can also contain high-fat levels, which can upset the delicate balance of bacteria in the vagina. It can lead to bacterial vaginosis.
To stop bacterial vaginosis, it’s important to avoid fried foods. Instead, try eating healthy foods like fruits and vegetables.
- Coffee
Coffee is one of the most common foods that can cause bacterial vaginosis. Coffee contains high levels of caffeine which can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the vagina. It can lead to an increase in vaginal discharge and a decrease in pH levels.
- Refined Carbs
One of the major causes of bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the consumption of refined carbohydrates.
Refined carbs are foods that have been processed in a way that removes all of the nutrients and fiber. It leaves the food high in sugar and carbohydrate, leading to BV.
Limiting your intake of refined carbs and eating more nutritious foods is essential to prevent BV. These include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean protein sources.
- Cheese and Dairy
One of the foods that can cause bacterial vaginosis is cheese. Cheese contains high levels of lactose, which is a sugar found in milk. Lactose can promote the growth of bacteria in the vagina.
Cheese also contains other types of bacteria that can cause infections. These bacteria can also cause other symptoms, such as discharge from the vagina.
If you are pregnant, your doctor may recommend avoiding cheese to lower your risk of developing bacterial vaginosis.
Can I Treat BV Without Antibiotics?
There is no definitive answer, as the best way to treat bacterial vaginosis (BV) is typical with antibiotics. However, some believe that certain over-the-counter (OTC) treatments may help ease the symptoms.
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Some common OTC treatments for BV include:
Fluconazole: A medication used to treat fungal infections, fluconazole is effective in treating BV. It should be taken by mouth and should not be used if you are pregnant.
Clarithromycin: A medication commonly prescribed for treating many types of infections, clarithromycin is also effective in treating BV. It should be taken by mouth and should not be used if you are pregnant.
How I Cured My BV?
Here are the steps that I followed:
1. Take a probiotic supplement
2. Avoid douching
3. Use a vaginal soap alternative
4. Avoid contact with other people who have BV
5. Use quality feminine hygiene products
6. Drink plenty of water
Does BV Need to Be Treated?
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal infection caused by the overgrowth of bacteria. While it can be treated with antibiotics, some women find that they need to take them for long periods or even indefinitely. So is BV necessary to be treated?
The short answer is no, but there are a few reasons why you might choose to treat BV. It might be worth trying treatment if you experience painful intercourse or a discharge that does not improve after taking antibiotics. Also, if you are pregnant, your doctor may recommend treating BV to protect your baby’s health.
Conclusion
Bacteria cause bacterial infections. If not treated properly, this bacterial vaginosis treatment online can lead to other serious health problems such as infertility. The best way to avoid these bacterial infections is to be mindful of your food and ensure you wash your hands frequently.
