Baking Soda Paste for Lactobacillus Infections

Lactobacillus, also called Lactobacillus acidophilus, is a type of normal bacteria that lives in the intestine and vagina 14. The bacteria help maintain a normal level of acidity in the vagina. When the amount of Lactobacillus in your vagina increases or decreases, you might develop an infection called bacterial vaginosis 24. Medication is prescribed for a Lactobacillus infection, but home remedies, such as baking soda, might help relieve your symptoms while the medicine fights the infection 4.

Lactobacillus

Lactobacillus is a beneficial bacteria that lives in your vagina 4. This strain of bacteria helps prevent vaginal infections by maintaining a healthy acidity level. Lactobacillus also keeps your vagina healthy by preventing harmful bacteria from growing 4. According to MayoClinic.com, applying topical Lactobacillus to the vagina might help treat bacterial vaginosis, a condition that is related to the amount of Lactobacillus in your vagina 124.

Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is a type of infection that occurs when the balance of bacteria in your vagina is disrupted 2. When harmful bacteria grow and outnumber Lactobacillus, the good bacteria, an infection develops 4. Unprotected sex and frequent douching can increase your risk of developing bacterial vaginosis because these activities can upset your normal bacteria balance 2. Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include thin, grayish-colored vaginal discharge, a fishy vaginal odor, vaginal itching, pain during intercourse, burning when urinating and vaginal bleeding 2.cause:

• Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include thin
  
• grayish-colored vaginal discharge
  
• a fishy vaginal odor
  
• vaginal itching
  
• pain during intercourse
  
• burning when urinating
  
• vaginal bleeding 2

Antibiotics are the prescribed course of treatment. These destroy harmful bacteria so your body is able to restore a normal bacteria balance. Certain home remedies might help ease your symptoms, but they will not cure your infection.

Baking Soda

Because a Lactobacillus infection upsets the normal pH balance of your vagina, baking soda can help relieve your symptoms by restoring a normal pH 4. According to the Merck Manual, you should keep your vulva and vaginal area as clean as possible until your infection clears up 3. In addition to avoiding the use of soap, you should not use topical treatments unless your antibiotics are in cream form. Do not use a baking soda paste to relieve your symptoms. Instead, run a bath with baking soda. Sprinkle baking soda into a warm bath and stir with your hand until it is completely dissolved. Soak in the bath and the baking soda might relieve the itching and pain associated with a Lactobacillus infection 4.

Considerations

If you develop symptoms of bacterial vaginosis, contact your doctor right away 2. Do not try to treat a Lactobacillus infection on your own 4. Because it is a bacterial infection, antibiotics are necessary to completely rid your body of the infection. During treatment, avoid sexual intercourse and douching. Bacterial vaginosis recurrences are common, MayoClinic.com reports 2. Use protection during intercourse, don't douche and use mild soap to help reduce your risk of a future infection.