Knowledge is the key to learning how to get rid of bacterial vaginosis naturally. The more you know about this condition, the better armed you will be to fight it. Bacterial vaginosis occurs due to an imbalance of the naturally occurring bacteria within the vagina. When the delicate balance is upset, the symptoms will start, which include itching and burning of the sensitive vaginal tissues together with a terrible fishy smelling discharge.

There are many reasons why the delicate balance within the vagina could be altered and this varies from woman to woman. Addressing the root cause is the only sure way to get rid of bacterial vaginosis and it is the identification of this root cause which is absolutely vital.

There are several facets to successful natural treatment for BV.

1. Killing off harmful bacteria
2. Replenishing depleted supplies of good bacteria
3. Addressing the root cause
4. Symptomatic relief
5. Re-establishing the correct pH level of the vagina

Lets look at these facets in more detail:-

1. Killing off harmful bacteria is a job which antibiotics can do, but when you look at the above list, you can see why this on its own is not going to provide an effective cure. It will help to temporarily ease the symptoms but as you have not addressed any of the other areas, particularly the root cause, your BV will come back with a vengeance. A good natural way to kill vaginal bacteria is to have a shallow bath into which you can add 10-12 drops of the natural antibacterial substance, tea tree oil. Alternatively, tea tree oil pessaries can be very effective.

2. To introduce good bacteria, the use of probiotics is encouraged. Probiotics, such as those found in live natural yogurt are rich in beneficial bacteria and soaking a tampon in the yogurt and leaving it in the vagina for a while is a good natural treatment. Alternatively, probiotic capsules can be taken.

3. Finding the root cause of your BV is vital if you want to be completely BV free. The possible causes are many, but include, smoking, a change of sexual partner, douching, over-washing, using perfumed products on the vagina, wearing synthetic panties and eating a poor diet.

4. For symptomatic relief, one of the best tips is to cool the inflamed vaginal tissues down by using cold therapy. Simple wrap a damp flannel round some ice, or an ice pack and place on the area for immediate soothing.

5. The pH level of a healthy vagina is mildly acidic and the presence of BV means that this level has switched to alkaline which promotes the growth of harmful bacteria. Knowing how to get rid of bacterial vaginosis naturally means understanding that your vagina must be acidic to be healthy. Try adding a couple of cupfuls of cider vinegar into your bath. This is harmless, yet can help to restore levels.

Isolated outbreaks of BV are more of a nuisance than a health threat. However, if you are prone to repeated outbreaks you should be aware that this can result in pelvic inflammatory disease or even infertility. Therefore, it does make sense to get rid of bacterial vaginosis quickly and move on with your life.