Bacterial vaginosis, or BV, can be irritating, frustrating and difficult to treat. However, left untreated, it can contribute to long-term problems. Vitamin C might offer an alternative or supplementary treatment for this uncomfortable condition. If you suspect a case of BV, see your medical doctor for a diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Bacterial vaginosis is an infection caused by an imbalance in the normally healthy bacteria of the vagina. Although BV can be asymptomatic, it is often characterized by a strong, fishy odor, white or gray watery discharge, and itching and burning sensations. It may be triggered by a new sexual partner, poor daily or sexual hygiene, antibiotic use or perfumed douches and soaps. Some cases of vaginosis are not bacterial at all, but are caused by the fungus candida, or yeast. Untreated BV can lead to more serious problems, such as pelvic inflammatory disease and an increased risk of HIV. Vitamin C supplements may help treat both BV and candida-related vaginosis.
The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends 500 to 1,000 mg twice daily for immune support and to strengthen the lining of the vagina, helping it heal from irritation. Vitamin C is essential to collagen production, which the body needs to repair damaged tissues. You can also get vitamin C from foods such as citrus fruits, strawberries, tomatoes, green peppers, leafy greens and berries. In 2011, scientists at the pharmaceutical company Polichem SA conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 277 women presenting symptoms of BV. The women were instructed to insert a silicon-coated 250 mg vitamin C tablet into the vagina for six consecutive days. About 55 percent of study participants found relief from this method, opposed to 25 percent of women taking a placebo. Although promising, these findings are not extensive enough to be conclusive. Consult your gynecologist before beginning this treatment. Proper hygiene is essential to preventing and healing from BV. Wash the area carefully with unscented soaps, dry thoroughly and wear breathable cotton underwear.
Whenever possible, such as at night, go without underwear to allow the area to breathe. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements such as fish oil may be helpful to build immunity and decrease inflammation. Grapefruit seed extract has antibacterial and antifungal properties. It can be taken internally or mixed with water for a soothing rinse. Probiotic supplements that have been developed to promote healthy vaginal bacteria may also be helpful. Drink lots of water and avoid added sugars, which promote bacterial growth. Reasons for Getting Your Period Early Vaginal Odor & Vitamin C Tablets Vitamins That Help BV Infections Foods to Eat for Chronic BV 4 Ways to Cure Bacterial Vaginosis Naturally B Complex and Vitamin C for Bacterial Vaginosis Can Exercise Cause Breakthrough Bleeding? Vitamin C & Yeast Infection Herbs for Vaginal Odor Diet for Bacterial Vaginosis Bacterial Vaginosis Home Remedies Bacterial Vaginosis Complications If Untreated
Over the Counter Treatments for Bacterial Vaginosis Acidophilus & Folic Acid for Bacterial Vaginosis What Are the Symptoms of Trichomoniasis & Bacterial Vaginosis? What Are the Treatments for Bacterial Vaginosis During Pregnancy? Cranberry Juice for Bacterial Vaginosis How to Get Rid of Vaginal Odor Without Going to the Doctor Foods That Help You Recover From CellulitisPetersen EE1, Genet M, Caserini M, Palmieri R.Author information1Scientific Department, Polichem SA, Lugano, Switzerland.AbstractA randomised, double blind, parallel groups, placebo controlled clinical trial was conducted to assess the efficacy and safety profile of 250 mg ascorbic acid (Vit. C, Vagi C) in women with bacterial vaginosis (BV). Overall, 277 out-patients with at least three of the following signs (white discharge that smoothly coats the vaginal walls, pH of vaginal fluid > 4.5, a fishy odour of vaginal discharge before or after addition of 10% KOH and presence of clue cells on microscopic examination) were randomised to apply a tablet deeply into the vagina once daily for 6 days.
The primary efficacy endpoint was the cure rate, defined as the recovery of all inclusion criteria. In the intent-to-treat (ITT) population, cure was achieved by 55.3% of patients with Vit. C (n=141) and by 25.7% of patients with placebo (n=136). The between-group difference was 29.6% (p < 0.001). In the per-protocol (PP) population, cure rate was 66.4% with Vit. C (n=116) and 27.1% with placebo (n = 118), respectively. Between-group difference was 39.3% (p < 0.001). In a subset of patients with centralised evaluation of the vaginal swab, cure in ITT was achieved by 86.3% of patients with Vit. C (n=51) and by 7.6% of patients with placebo (n=53), the between-group difference was 78.7% (p < 0.0001). Cure rate in PP was 86.0% with Vit. C (n=50) and 6.1% with placebo (n=49), between-group difference was 79.9% (p < 0.0001). C and placebo were well tolerated and no differences in safety profile were evident between groups. The results support an effective and safe use of silicon-coated Vit.
C vaginal tablets in the management of BV.PMID: 21650086 DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1296197 [Indexed for MEDLINE] Publication typesRandomized Controlled TrialResearch Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tMeSH termsAdministration, IntravaginalAdolescentAdultAgedAntioxidants/administration & dosageAntioxidants/adverse effectsAntioxidants/therapeutic use*Ascorbic Acid/administration & dosageAscorbic Acid/adverse effectsAscorbic Acid/therapeutic use*Double-Blind MethodFemaleHumansMiddle AgedSiliconesSocioeconomic FactorsTabletsTreatment OutcomeVaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies/therapeutic useVaginosis, Bacterial/drug therapy*Vaginosis, Bacterial/microbiologyYoung AdultSubstancesAntioxidantsSiliconesTabletsVaginal Creams, Foams, and JelliesAscorbic AcidFull Text SourcesGeorg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart, New YorkMedicalAntioxidants - MedlinePlus Health InformationVitamin C - MedlinePlus Health InformationMiscellaneousSodium ascorbate - Hazardous Substances Data BankL-Ascorbic Acid - Hazardous Substances Data Bank See comment in PubMed Commons belowJ Clin Med Res. 2013 Aug;5(4):309-15.
Epub 2013 Jun 21.Efficacy of vitamin C vaginal tablets as prophylaxis for recurrent bacterial vaginosis: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.Krasnopolsky VN1, Prilepskaya VN, Polatti F, Zarochentseva NV, Bayramova GR, Caserini M, Palmieri R.Author information1Research Centre of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Moscow Region, Moscow, Russia.AbstractBACKGROUND: The aetiology of bacterial vaginosis (BV) is still unclear but it is currently considered to be a synergistic polymicrobial syndrome. BV can often arise as a chronic or recurrent disease. The reason for such recurrences is not well elucidated. Previous studies have suggested that vaginal vitamin C may be a useful treatment in reducing recurrence rate, by increasing vaginal acidification and thereby making up for the decrease in hydrogen peroxide that results from a reduction in the number of lactobacilli present. Based on the above-mentioned consideration, a study was performed that aimed to evaluate the effect of vitamin C in the prophylaxis of BV relapses.
METHODS: This was a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group clinical trial. One hundred and forty-two women, after having been cured from a recent episode of BV by either metronidazole or clindamycin, were randomised to receive vitamin C (74 patients) or placebo (68 patients) as prophylaxis for six monthly cycles, starting within 24 hours of the determination of 'BV cure'. The patients applied one vaginal tablet once a day for 6 consecutive days per month after menses.RESULTS: The rate of BV recurrence during the first 3 months was considerably lower in the vitamin C group (6.8%) than in the placebo (14.7%) group. Considering a 6-month treatment period, the recurrence rate in the vitamin C group (16.2%) was significantly lower (P = 0.024) than in the placebo group (32.4%). Moreover, at the same time point, the survival analysis of Kaplan Meyer was significant in favour of the vitamin C group compared with the placebo group (P = 0.029).CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that regular use of 250 mg ascorbic acid vaginal tablets on 6 days per month for 6 months after successful treatment of bacterial vaginosis halves the risk of recurrence from 32.4% to 16.2% (P = 0.024).