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Bacterial Vaginosis: A Clinical Update with a Focus on Complementary and Alternative Therapies
Author(s) -
FalconiMcCahill Antoinette
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of midwifery and women's health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.543
H-Index - 62
eISSN - 1542-2011
pISSN - 1526-9523
DOI - 10.1111/jmwh.13013
Subject(s) - bacterial vaginosis , medicine , vaginal discharge , adverse effect , obstetrics , intensive care medicine , vaginal disease , vaginitis , gynecology , vagina , surgery
Bacterial vaginosis is a prevalent vaginal infection that affects women of all ages. Presenting symptoms include a vaginal discharge that is thin and white and has a fishy odor. This infection is associated with the acquisition of other sexually transmitted infections as well as premature labor and preterm birth. Recurrence rates after treatment are high, and medication adverse effects are common, leading many women to seek alternative therapies to manage and prevent recurrence. Many of these treatments are searchable online, and ingredients are easily obtainable. The purpose of this article is to review the state of the science regarding the safety and efficacy of alternative therapies for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis in nonpregnant women.