Bacterial vaginal infections can be caused by many types of organisms and are often the most difficult to clear up. Bacterial infections can be caused by an overgrowth of bacteria, which then travel from an infection in the urinary tract, where they usually live, into the vagina. Small amounts of bacteria, as with yeast, cause no problems. If the bacteria multiply to enough numbers, it can cause pain with intercourse, itching, and a runny foul-smelling discharge. Bacteria can be transmitted during intercourse if the man has a urethral infection or can be introduced into the vaginal directly following anal intercourse. Treatment of sexual partners is often necessary to avoid repeat infections. Bacterial infections can appear when the body's resistance is lower for any reason. This is similar to having a flare up in the tonsils causing a throat infection from time to time.

There are good home remedies to clear up bacterial infections:

• Douche with warm water with one tablespoon of vinegar and oil from one clove of garlic. Use one to two time s a day for 3-5 days.
• Take large amounts of B vitamins including 100mg of B1, B2, and B6.
• Betadine douching or using Betadine swabs inside the vaginal. Twice a day, 1-3 times per week.

Click here for more Self-Help Home Remedies for bacterial infections.

There are drugs, which can clear up bacterial infections. Most common of these is Flagyl, and its side effects include, nausea, vomiting, headaches. Also medications prescribed may or may not help with the reoccurrence of Bacterial Vaginosis.

*Material is adapted from Women's Health In Women's Hands, unpublished manuscript of the Federation of Feminist Women's Health Centers, 1978.