Your body naturally contains multiple types of bacteria, especially your vulva and vagina. Although the body can usually maintain the delicate bacteria, anything that changes the natural chemistry of your vagina can affect the bacteria in your vagina and increase the chances of an infection. 

 

 

 

The dominance of a certain type of bacteria may lead to an imbalance. Typically, bacterial vaginosis happens when “bad” bacteria (anaerobes) outgrow the “good” bacteria (lactobacilli). This can cause certain discomforts like unusual vaginal discharge, itching and odour.

 

 

 

Greek yogurt has amazing benefits and it is postulated be a cure for conditions like bacterial vaginosis. There’s a lot of confusion and misinformation in that regard. 

 

 

 

But what is the truth? Can the consumption of Greek yogurt be a cure for bacterial vaginosis, or is it just a myth? It is important to know the causes and symptoms and whether there is any truth to the claim that consumption.

 

 

 

This blog post will yield information on all you need to know, so do well to strap your belt.

         

 

What is bacterial vaginosis?

 

Bacterial vaginosis, otherwise known as BV, is a common infection caused by an imbalance in your vagina's flora. It is a bacterial overgrowth in the vagina and usually affects women of childbearing age. 

 

 

Bacterial vaginosis does not spread from person to person, but sexual activity can increase your risk of getting the infection. It manifest as a thin, off-white or gray vaginal discharge with a strong fishy smell.

 

 

While bacterial vaginosis is not a severe health condition, it is still important to get treatment when discovered because it can lead to serious complications if left untreated.

 

  

 Causes of bacterial vaginosis

 

Although bacterial vaginosis develops as a result of an imbalance or an overgrowth of certain bacteria in the vagina, the exact cause is still unclear. The following are some likely causative factors;

 

• Changes in the PH balance of bacteria in the vagina; This is commonly triggered by several things, including using heavily scented soaps or douching the vaginal, usage of vaginal products like lubricants, unprescribed use of antibiotics, or unprotected sex.

 

 

• Hormonal changes are another likely cause of bacterial vaginosis, and this typically occurs during pregnancy or menopause.

 

 

• A weakened immune system results from an underlying infection or treatment.

 

 

• Diabetes

 

 

• Prolonged stress

 

 

      Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis

 

While it is possible for you to have bacterial vaginosis without symptoms, you may also experience mild symptoms that include:

 

Burning or itching in or around the vaginal area. 

 

Pain during or after penetrative sex.

 

Painful urination.

 

An irritation or burning sensation during or after you pee or douche.

 

A change in the amount of vaginal discharge that is gray, white, yellow, or green.

 

 

A strong repulsive vaginal odour.

 

                   

 Risk factors 

 

A few things can upset the normal balance of vaginal bacteria, thereby increasing your risk of getting bacterial vaginosis. These risk factors include:

 

• Because bacterial vaginosis is mainly associated with those who are sexually active, having new or multiple sex partners will increase your chances of being infected.

 

• Using an intrauterine device (IUD) for birth control.

 

• Pregnancy due to the hormonal imbalance. 

 

• Non-usage of condoms or dental dams during sexual activity.

 

• Use of douches.

 

• Prolonged intake of antibiotics.

 

• A history of sexually transmitted infections.

 

• Smoking

 

 

If you have any of these risk factors, taking cognizance of the symptoms and seeing a doctor appropriately is important.

 

 

Prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in African women 

 

Anyone with a vagina can get bacterial vaginosis, especially from the ages of 15 to 44, although it is a rare occurrence in non-sexually active women. 

 

 

Bacterial Vaginosis affects millions of women worldwide, but you have a higher rate of getting bacterial vaginosis if you are black.

 

 

This is so because after a study amongst African women, the percentage of women found to be with bacterial vaginosis was at 37.3% in comparison to about 20-30% in non-African women. The percentage margin in both may be due to differences in sexual practices, hygiene practices, or genetic factors. 

 

 

 

More research is needed to fully understand why bacterial vaginosis is more prevalent in African women than in other ethnicities.

 

 

Can Greek yogurt treat bacterial vaginosis?

 

The idea that Greek yogurt can treat bacterial vaginosis is based on the fact that Greek yogurt contains probiotics that help maintain a normal vaginal pH and prevent infections.

 

 

 

The good bacteria in plain Greek yogurt can help your vagina by balancing acid levels in your vaginal fluids. However, there is no actual study to support the idea that eating yogurt can treat bacterial vaginosis. 

 

 

 

It is pertinent to know that BV is a complex condition with multiple potential causes, such as a change in hormones or a weakened immune system. Therefore, simply eating yogurt may not address all possible causes.

 

 

 

While yogurt is a healthy food with many benefits, it is just a suggested natural remedy for yeast infections and should not be used as a substitute for antifungal medications.

 

 

             

BV is a complex condition whose symptoms are similar to other infections. Therefore, it is important to visit a healthcare provider for diagnosis to determine if what you have is bacterial vaginosis or another vaginal infection. Do not subscribe to traditional treatment without consulting and sharing your concerns with your doctor. 

 

 

 

         Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

Why does my vaginal have a fishy smell?

An unpleasant vaginal odour may be a sign of a serious condition, especially if you’re experiencing itching, pain and other uncomfortable symptoms alongside. It could be pointing to an underlying condition like bacterial vaginosis. 

 

 

Is a yellow vaginal discharge normal?

A yellow vaginal discharge may not be a cause of concern and, at the same time, could point to an underlying infection, especially when accompanied by an offensive odor, itching, or burning. It is best to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. They can help determine the cause and recommend the best course of action.

 

Can I spray perfume on my pants to remove the odour?

This is a harmful practice and could potentially disrupt the normal PH of your vagina.