How to Treat Recurrent BV (Bacterial Vaginosis) Naturally
Vaginal discomfort, discharge, and irritation can be a common experience, and it can be easy to assume what you are experiencing is thrush, but it is important to understand what you are experiencing to identify what it is.
Many individuals may assume if they experience any kind of vaginal symptom that is it automatically thrush, or they may assume they do not have Bacterial vaginosis (BV) simply because they do not have odour. However, your symptoms will indicate the microbial imbalance at play so it is important to understand your symptoms.
So what is Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)?
BV occurs when the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted. “Good” bacteria (like Lactobacilli) normally keep the vaginal ecosystem stable, but when opportunistic bacteria - such as Gardnerella vaginalis or Prevotella spp. overgrow in the vagina leading to a replacement of lactobacilli and an increase of the vaginal pH to a more alkaline state, where microbes can thrive.
Myth bust: You do not have to be experiencing odour to have BV, sometimes it can be thin discharge or burning. It is possible to have a swag come back negative, but still have presence of BV associated microbes.
BV symptoms may include:
Up to 50% of individuals may be asymptomatic - meaning no symptoms at all
Thin, grey or white discharge
Gushing discharge
Fishy odour, especially after sex
Mild irritation or burning around vaginal / vulval tissue
It is important to understand that various factors that may influence the dominance of BV-associated microbes. Some of these factors may overlap with over infections such as Candida, but they will all be explored with Jessie’s naturopathic care. Factors may include:
Microbiome imbalance: When protective “good” bacteria are disrupted or yeast overgrows, opportunistic microbes can take over.
Antibiotic use: Antibiotics kill unwanted bacteria but often beneficial bacteria is harmed by antibiotics too, creating an environment where yeast or other microbes thrive.
Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in hormones, during menstruation, contraception use, pregnancy, or menopause, can shift the balance of vaginal microflora.
Lifestyle and hygiene factors: Stress, diet, sleep, and environmental factors can influence microbial balance and vaginal health.
Sexual activity: New or multiple partners can impact microbial balance, though neither BV nor thrush is classified as a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
Recent research confirmed partners (with penises) who received antibiotic treatment for BV had close to 40% reduction in recurrency in their partners, highlighting that microbial support for both partners and considering both parties is highly important in recovery. You can check out the study here and the new sexual health guidelines for treatment.
Private vaginal microbiome testing with Jessie is available to help identify what microbes are present in your ecosystem that may be driving symptoms, and help allow Jessie to create a targeted treatment plan based on the exact microbes present.
The Naturopathic Approach to Recurrent BV
At Botanical Abundance, the naturopathic approach to recurrent BV and thrush focuses on restoring the vaginal microbiome to bring in a beneficial amount of healthy microflora species, and reduce or eliminate unwanted, symptom-causing species.
This approach includes nutritional support, herbal medicine, and speaking about the importance of lifestyle factors that may potentially disrupt microbiome health - such as stress, lubricants, clothing fibres etc.
Naturopathic support and treatment can work alongside medical treatments such as antifungals or antibiotics. Jessie happily works collaboratively with medical practitioners to create a well rounded approach to health.
Appointments are available via telehealth or in person at the Good Vibes Clinic in Surry Hills.