How Can I Tell If I Have Bacterial Vaginosis
The honest answer to this question is that you may not be able to. About half of people who have BV dont show any symptoms. For those who do have symptoms, they might include:
- Thin white or gray vaginal discharge
Though these signs can all point to a case of Bacterial Vaginosis, they can also be indicative of an STI. Because of this, its so important to have regular Pap smears and STI tests. These things arent always comfortable to have done, I know, but your reproductive health is your responsibility. Having a trusted friend or family member go with you can help ease the stress.
Is It Safe To Delay Your Period At All
So there’s some good news here: You absolutely can delay your periodand do it in a safe way. But that can only be done with one specific hormonal birth control method: the combination pill .
“A birth control pill has 21 days of hormones, usually ethinyl estradiol and progestin, and seven days of a placebo pill that prompts you to have an artificial period,” Alyse Kelly-Jones, MD, an OB-GYN in Charlotte, N.C., told Health. “To delay your period, you would skip the placebo and immediately start a new pack of pills.”
Doing this for just one cycle can delay your period by as much as another three weeks, Dr. Kelly-Jones said. The only caveat is that you need to plan accordingly and with plenty of notice if you’re not already on hormonal birth control to begin with.
“If you come to me two weeks out from your wedding or vacation and aren’t already on birth control, I probably won’t be able to help you,” Dr. Kelly-Jones said. “At best, you might be able to delay it in time, but at worst, you might cause all kinds of irregular bleeding, which would be even less appealing.”
That’s because, with your birth control pills already in place, your body is like a well-oiled machine, while starting birth control from scratch can sometimes be a lengthy process to find one that works with your body to your liking.
How To Prevent Vaginal Yeast Infections
You can help prevent yeast infections by practicing good vaginal hygiene. Candida grows best in warm, moist environments with lots of bacteria. Here are some ways to prevent these conditions:
- Avoid very tight-fitting clothing, such as pantyhose or skinny jeans, which can increase the amount of body heat and moisture around your genitals.
- Change your pads and tampons often.
- Keep your vaginal area clean by washing with a mild, unscented soap and water.
- Take off your swimsuit immediately after getting wet so your vaginal area can air out.
- Wear clean, cotton underwear.
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Can Boric Acid Throw Off Your Periods
There is no definitive answer to this question due to the lack of research conducted on boric acid and its potential effect on periods. Nevertheless, the likelihood that boric acid can throw off your menstrual cycles is slim. While this chemical may have benefits in some cases, including acting as an antacid, there is insufficient evidence to suggest that it has any negative impact on periods. Consequently, unless you have a specific reason to avoid it, boric acid would be considered relatively safe for use during menstruation.
Is Taking Ibuprofen To Stop Your Period Recommended
Taking pain relievers or anti-inflammatories of any kind should be done with care. Russell suggests taking alternative steps in delaying a period if you need to. I have not seen this proposed in any medical journals, and I would not recommend anyone try this on their own, she says.
Russell instead recommends asking your doctor to prescribe the hormones progesterone or estrogen which can help delay a period for a couple of days or even weeks, depending on your needs.
Other options include birth control medications that can suppress periods for a couple of months, she says.
A non-hormonal medicine is also an option. However, it only decreases blood flow by about 50%.
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Benefits Of Boric Acid Suppositories
Boric acid may help improve vaginal health and has been shown to have anti-microbial and anti-fungal activity.
Research suggests that when used appropriately, boric acid suppositories can help reduce the risk of recurrent infections. At times, boric acid suppositories work more effectively than traditional medications, like some antifungals, which are used for treating yeast infections.
Boric acid may be recommended in some cases for:
- Yeast infections
- Bacterial vaginosis
Reasons For A Missed Period
It usually comes around every 21-28 days, but has the time gone by already? Are you starting to miss your monthly visitor and wondering where your period is? A missing period can be alarming, especially if you have ruled out the possibility of pregnancy. In this case, there could be a few different factors that could be affecting your menstrual cycle. Its worth investigating each different option, as a missed period can be a sign of a hormonal imbalance and other health issues. Below are a few other reasons for a missed period.
- Birth Control– Whether youve started a new hormonal birth control, or recently went off of it, your body will be working to adjust to the new hormones which can result in a skipped period. This is one of the most common reasons to miss a period.
- Stress – This is another of the most common reasons for a late period. We all have stress in our lives, but if you are experiencing extreme and consistent stress, your body will start to produce more cortisol which will throw off your estrogen and progesterone levels, halting menstruation and ovulation. Stress affects your menstrual health and well-being in many ways and can cause a late period.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome – Caused by an imbalance of reproductive hormones, PCOS affects 1 in 10 women of childbearing age, and can cause missed or irregular periods. Other symptoms include acne, weight gain and difficulty losing weight, skin tags on the neck or armpits and excessive facial hair growth.
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Treatment Options For Bacterial Vaginosis
Ok, so. You didnt self-diagnose, right? I know its tempting but if you think you have BV, you really need to see a doctor. Remember what I said earlier about it often being confused with an STI? Thats not something you want to take a chance on. If you have seen a doctor, they will usually prescribe an antibiotic. Even if your BV goes away while youre taking your antibiotics, make sure to finish them all. This can help prevent the infection from returning.
When To See Your Doctor
If your periods seem irregular, or youve missed a period but know youre not pregnant, its a good idea to talk with your doctor ASAP, as there are many reasons and conditions that could be causing the issue.
Your doctor can properly diagnose the reason for your late or missed period and discuss your treatment options. If you can, keep a record of changes in your cycle as well as other health changes. This will help them make a diagnosis.
If you have the following symptoms, contact a doctor immediately, or call 911:
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Side Effects And Risks
Using boric acid suppositories can come with risks. Always tell your healthcare provider about other medications and supplements you are taking, as these could interact with the suppository. Never take boric acid suppositories orally and don’t use if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant.
Side effects and risks associated with boric acid suppositories may include:
- Vaginal irritation and burning
Boric Acid Suppositories For Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is an STI caused by the parasite trichomonas vaginalis. Typical symptoms include genital itching, a green or yellow foul-smelling vaginal discharge, and pain when urinating and during sex.
A trichomonas infection is usually treated with antibiotics, but drug resistance is an increasing problem. In some cases, boric acid suppositories might be prescribed as an alternative treatment, although their effectiveness and safety have not been fully studied.
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Boric Acid Products And The Food And Drug Administration
Its likely youll notice that boric acid suppositories are marketed as a homeopathic product. Its important to know that homeopathic products, including boric acid suppositories, arent currently approved by the FDA.
This means that the FDA hasnt reviewed these products for their safety and effectiveness in treating specific health conditions before they entered the market.
Because of this, its important to talk with your doctor before using any homeopathic product, including boric acid suppositories.
Because studies into the reproductive effects of boric acid are ongoing, avoid boric acid suppositories if youre:
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Use Boric Acid Correctly
Always dilute boric acid before applying it. You can dilute boric acid powder with warm water for this purpose following your doctors prescription. Apply diluted boric acid directly onto affected areas only. Do not apply pure boric directly on wounds. Instead, soak cotton balls into your acid solution and place them over the wound. Leave it overnight. Rinse off the remaining solution with lukewarm water. Repeat this process every day till the infection is gone.
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Boric Acid For Bacterial Vaginosis
There is little evidence for the use of boric acid to treat bacterial vaginosis , a condition that occurs when there is an imbalance in the vaginal flora. However, small studies suggest that it can be an effective treatment when used alone or as an adjunct therapy.
In a study, about 77% of participants reported feeling satisfied with how their symptoms resolved, however, the average treatment time was a little over a year.
BV is not generally thought of as a sexually transmitted infection. However, it and other forms of non-infectious vaginitis may still be associated with sexual activity.
Vaginal Boric Acid Side Effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:hives difficult breathing swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:
-
new or worsening symptoms
-
vaginal burning sensation
-
symptoms that go away and come back.
Common side effects may include:
-
watery vaginal discharge
-
redness, mild burning or
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Acute infection: 1 capsule insert vaginally using an applicator once a day for 3 daysChronic infection: 1 capsule insert vaginally using an applicator once a day for 6 daysUses:-Rebalance vaginal pH and restore normal health-Help relieve internal and external vaginal burning, itching, and irritation-Help reduce foul odor due to vaginal infection
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Is It Safe To Use In Gynecology
Boric acid is relatively safe when people use it as recommended by health experts. Studies show that it does not cause many side effects. However, some women may experience issues like burning sensation, watery discharge, and vaginal redness during the treatment. If such problems occur, it is quite likely that a person is using boric acid at a higher strength .
However, it is worth understanding that one should not abuse boric acid. Thus, one should not use it regularly or daily. Daily use of boric acid may cause systemic side effects.
If someone takes boric acid in high amounts, it may accumulate in the kidneys, liver, and even the brain. As a result, it causes gastrointestinal issues, nausea, vomiting, and other side effects. In addition, boric acid can be toxic at a very high dosage. Thus, it is not for regular or daily use .
When To See A Healthcare Provider
If youre unsure of the symptoms or have never had a yeast infection before, you should definitely see your healthcare provider. This is because many symptoms of a yeast infection overlap with those of other conditions. You should also go to your healthcare provider if you are pregnant and suspect a yeast infection.
Typically, mild yeast infections will clear up within a few days, but some severe cases may take up to two weeks to resolve. If you have mild symptoms of a yeast infection and it is not clearing up after a few weeks of treatment or your symptoms are getting worse, its time to see your healthcare provider.
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Is It Safe To Use Boric Acid Suppositories Once A Week
Some physicians use boric acid as a preventive measure for women and recommend inserting a boric acid suppository once or twice a week for 3-4 months. Women can also use a suppository immediately after intercourse to restore a normal vaginal pH and prevent the overgrowth of yeast and bacterial vaginosis.
Does Boric Acid Work For Vaginal Health
Amazingly enough, though boric acid is not a US FDA-approved remedy, it seems to work quite well and has an excellent safety profile. Moreover, it is a common remedy for preventing and treating recurrent vaginal infections, and there is enough research to confirm its efficacy.
Thus, one of the systemic reviews that looked at 14 clinical studies found that boric acid is a safe and effective remedy that may help prevent vaginal candidiasis.
Thus, it may considerably reduce the risk of white vaginal discharge. Moreover, it appears to work even when commonly used anti-fungal drugs like fluconazole or miconazole fail to help .
Boric acid suppositories are not just for treating vaginal infections. It appears to be good for preventing. Many women use it regularly once or twice weekly to prevent vaginal infections. Studies show that it could be good for preventing both bacterial and fungal infections .
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Hear From Our Cora Community
They worked after only one use! They lowered my PH a LOT, so Im pretty impressed.
Rachel
Its easy to use, dissolves quickly and works FAST! I noticed a significant difference just after one use!
Gods D.
I like using these suppositories after Ive had my period. Its a nice reboot down there after the tides have washed away.
Angela F.
How To Use Boric Acid For Bv
If your healthcare provider gives you the OK, you can find OTC boric acid suppositories at your local pharmacy or drugstore. Most boric acid suppositories come in 600-milligram doses that you insert once a day for 1-2 weeks. For BV prevention, your doctor may suggest continuing treatment 2-3 times a week. Your healthcare provider may also suggest an entirely different treatment plan based on your individual BV situation.
Some folks also like to wear a pad or panty liner to help collect any discharge from the suppository. You will also want to avoid having sex while using boric acid suppositories and treating BV.
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What Does Boric Acid Do To Sperm
Sperm motility and duration were determined in sperm samples. In addition, fertility and hatching rate were examined. Our data indicated that addition of boric acid to activation media was increased the percentage and duration of motile sperm, fertility and hatching rate in endangered Anatolian trout (S.
You’ve Been Getting Less Sleep Than Usual
Our bodies need sleep for a number of reasons, including regulating our temperature and ensuring our organs are functioning normally. Since the uterus itself is an organ, it should come as no surprise that a lack of sleep can negatively impact its ability to do its job.
In 2008, The American Academy of Sleep Medicine reported that individuals with sleep disorders, like delayed sleep syndrome, were highly likely to have irregular menstrual periods.
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Are There Any Natural Methods That Work To Delay Your Period
You may have heard somewhere on the internet that there are a few natural or homemade methods that can help you delay your periodbut our experts agree that this is not the way to go.
“If you search online, you’ll likely read about natural ways to delay your period, like consuming gram lentils, gelatin, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, or even green bean water a few days to a week before your period,” Dr. Horton said.
“However, none of these methods are scientifically proven to work because drinking or eating special foods does not alter the hormones involved in regulating your period. They can, however, affect your teeth, gums, mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal tract if taken in excessive amounts,” Dr. Horton added
Other suspected remedies like ibuprofen or naproxen sodium can help to relieve cramps and reduce your flow if you’ve already started your period, but they won’t prevent it altogether.
Ultimately, if you’re looking to temporarily pause your period, you are able to do so in a safe and effective way. But, as always, if you have any concerns or are unsure about which method to go for, talk to your healthcare provider to determine the best path for your individual situation.
Practicing Good Hygiene On Your Period
To summarize, it is possible for BV to affect your period, but not in the most obvious ways. For example, BV will not affect the hormonal fluctuations or timing around when you get your period, so its not going to change your cycle. That being said, BV can be asymptomatic or show up in unexpected ways , which may make you think that BV is affecting your period. If youre concerned, its always a good idea to check in with your doctor.
Periods are uncomfortable enough without adding BV into the mix. Just know that if you start noticing any strange symptoms, like itching, burning or a strong, fishy odor that gets stronger on or around your period, dont hesitate to contact your healthcare provider.
What if you begin treatment for BV while on your period? Most doctors recommend wearing pads instead of tampons during treatment to ensure that the tampon doesnt soak up the medicine. And if you develop recurrent BV, it might be a good idea to rethink your period hygiene. Preliminary research shows that using pads or menstrual cups can prevent BV as they dont affect the overall bacterial balance the way tampons do. There is also some research suggesting that IUDs, a common form of birth control, may alter the vaginal microbiome, making you more susceptible to BV.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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