A type of fatty acid found in olive oil might be the answer to helping relieve bacterial vaginosis (BV).
The infection can cause burning and itching, and is the most common reason for abnormal discharge.
It can also increase the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea due to its effect on womens’ ability to fight off other pathogens.
Although it is treatable with antibiotics, BV, which is caused by an imbalance of naturally occurring microbes, often comes back.
Now, researchers at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard have discovered that oleic acid, a long-chain fatty acid found in abundance in olive oil, could help fight the infection.
The findings, published in the journal Cell, show oleic acid and several other long-chain fatty acids can have antimicrobial properties.
The fatty acids can hinder the growth of harmful vaginal microbes and promote other species that are associated with a healthier genital tract.
Researchers say treatments that promote this balance of microbes could be used to help prevent repeat infections in women.
Unusual discharge with a strong fishy smell and a change to the colour and consistency, such as becoming greyish-white and thin and watery, are common tell-tale signs of BV
Source: Daily Mail UK
