Bacterial vaginosis is an infection in the vaginal region, where there is excess growth of bad bacteria. In most cases, this infection can efficiently be treated using home remedies. The leading cause of the infection is due to the growth of harmful bacteria caused by an imbalance of pH in the vaginal region.
The bacteria can cause itchiness and redness in the vagina and even lead to a smelly discharge from your vagina. The antibacterial properties in coconut oil fight against harmful bacteria. As a result, it helps reduce itchiness and provide relief.
How Effective Is Coconut Oil?
Coconut oil has not only antibacterial properties but also antifungal characteristics. Numerous studies conducted on coconut oil have substantiated this fact. However, its effectiveness to eliminate BV has not been established by means of research yet.
[Read: Vitamin C for BV]
Some believe coconut oil doesn’t dissolve in the vagina due to the presence of medium-chain fatty acids. Also, it tends to trap moisture as it is an emollient. A combination of these two aspects adds up that coconut oil may not be effective in treating BV.
However, the results tend to be inconclusive. Most women mistake BV for yeast infection. The overgrowth of harmful bacteria causes the former. But the latter is a fungal infection(1). It is usually caused due to the unusual growth of yeast.
Coconut oil has proven to be effective in killing E Coli and other types of bacteria. However, it has not been found to emulate it in the case of the bacteria which is responsible for causing BV. Gardnerella vaginalis is the bacteria responsible for causing BV.
Bacterial vaginosis and yeast infection are two different cases. Coconut oil has been a proven home remedy for the latter. But it is still under purview for B. At least, the research records available thus far do not attest to this fact.
Several anecdotes claim the effectiveness of coconut oil for BV. But women can try other home remedies also to get relief from BV. To prevent BV in the future, it is best to see your doctor.
[Also Read: Coconut Oil Uses and Benefits]
Other Alternative Home Remedies for Treating BV
Other alternative home-based treatments have emerged in recent years. The treatments have proven to be beneficial in curbing the detrimental effects of the condition. The following are the other remedies:
- Boric acid
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Probiotics
- Yogurt
- Tea tree oil
- Garlic
The effect of these home remedies may vary from person to person. It could take one or all remedies to work for BV. It entirely depends on the severity of the condition. You can either try all or one by one to see how they work for you.
[Also Read: How to Get Rid of a Bacterial Infection Naturally]
What to Do If the Home Remedies Do Not Work?
Untreated or improperly treated, BV(2) could turn into a sexually transmitted disease. This is one of the reasons for treating the condition at the early stages. Treating it early can save you from further complications.
What to do if the above remedies do not work? In such cases, it is highly recommended to talk to your doctor. They can recommend the right treatment after a visual examination. Also, they can recommend a lab examination, depending on the nature of the infection.
You need to see your doctor effective immediately if you’re pregnant. Because the infection in the vagina could increase the risk of preterm birth and other complications during pregnancy. At times, only after a visual or proper diagnosis, doctors can treat BV.
Even though the antifungal and antibacterial properties of coconut oil can treat BV, there is no research-based evidence to support the fact. Other home remedies may prove to help prevent the aggravation of the matter. However, it is recommended to consult a doctor to avoid the risk of complications in the later stages.
[Also Read: Yogurt for BV Treatment]
FAQs
1. How to Use Coconut Oil for BV?
Coconut oil contains antibacterial and antifungal properties. However, there is no proof of its effectiveness in killing the bacteria that causes BV.
2. What Is the Side Effect of Applying Coconut Oil in the Affected BV Part?
Unless you are allergic to coconut, there are no side effects of coconut oil. To make sure, you can apply on your hand. See how your skin reacts in the next 24 hours. If you are not allergic, then you use wherever required.
