One of the premier medical organizations that you can trust in regard to your health is that of the American Academy of Family Physicians. They have extensively written about a number of diseases, illnesses, and more. In the case of bacterial vaginosis, they have a variety of research and options that they’ve’ researched. They have even printed a variety of medical research that will help individuals that are dealing with vaginosis, and other issues. In recent studies, they have released information about conventional cures versus liquid based solutions. They have also extensively written about what bacterial overgrowths may cause, and how doctors can help patients deal with the issue, and return pH balance to the vagina.
Bacterial Vaginosis In Brief
Vaginosis is a common occurrence for women of childbearing age, and those that may be going through hormonal changes, including menopause. It is treatable, and is not a major cause of alarm. It can spread through sexual contact, however, and should not be taken lightly. Understanding what the root causes are, can help with focusing on the treatments that the American Academy of Family Physicians recommends most.
The symptoms associated with this malady do not appear at first. There may be no symptoms at all. But within a short span of time, there may be some issues that come across together or isolated. These include itching, redness, pain, vaginal discharge, odor, and even bleeding in extreme cases. Whenever these symptoms appear, whether isolated or together, it’s important to seek medical attention.
Treatments Approved by The AAFP
The American Academy of Family Physicians continually researches and approves certain treatments to help with vaginosis. They focus on topical and oral medications that can help with this, some within a few days’ time. The most commonly prescribed treatment for this bacterial overgrowth includes antibiotics. A course of antibiotics can be given to an individual for upwards of 5 days. Another treatment that is prescribed often is that of fluconazole. This can be given to an individual for upwards of 11 to 16 days depending on the severity of the issue and whether or not it’s recurring.
Over The Counter Treatments
The AAFP has also researched options that are found over the counter. This includes lifestyle change such as eating more yogurt or taking a probiotic supplement. While these options can work, they are not immediate cures. A doctor will need to prescribe a solution that can be applied topically, or a tablet that is taken twice a day to introduce balance to the body’s system. Even those treatments can take upwards of 11 to 16 days max. There are some women that may get this, and actually spread the rash and redness further if itched, which will need a doctor’s help.
At the end of the day, bacterial vaginosis is not uncommon. It’s also not something that you should be afraid to consult a doctor about. There are treatments that can be administered to help with this, including some that can start working within a couple of days. The AAFP continues to research this and find new ideas for curing, treating, and helping women with vaginosis moving forward.