Poor gut health can lead to inflammation and an overgrowth of harmful bacteria, which can then travel to the vaginal area and disrupt the delicate balance of the vaginal microbiome. This can lead to various issues including yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis (BV), and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Studies have shown that when taken, probiotics will improve symptoms for those who already have a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis. Probiotics are also able to prevent a potential infection. These bacteria work to balance out the pH level of the vagina, which makes for a healthy and hospitable environment.
The overabundance of normal vaginal flora is the root cause of bacterial vaginosis. Most frequently, this manifests clinically as increased, fishy-smelling vaginal discharge. The discharge itself is often of little thickness, gray, or milky in color [5].
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal dysbiosis among women of reproductive age. Micronutrient deficiencies, including vitamin D deficiency, can increase the risk of BV. The findings of previous studies regarding the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and BV were conflicting.
One of the most exciting new benefits of Vitamin C is for BV (Bacterial Vaginosis), a common infection that plagues many women of all ages. Flora Power combines the power of vitamin C and Lactobacillus probiotics to prevent and treat BV and other imbalances of the vagina.
Recently, poor nutrition has been added to the list of risk factors for bacterial vaginosis. Women appear more likely to get bacterial vaginosis if they have lower circulating levels of phytonutrients like vitamin C and beta carotene in your bloodstream—indicating a lower intake of fruits and vegetables.
Nearly 30% of women in the U.S. will experience bacterial vaginosis at some point in their lifetime. Bacterial vaginosis happens when naturally-occurring so-called “bad” bacteria outnumber the “good” bacteria (lactobacilli) in the vagina.
Probiotics are of proven benefit in BV and can work with or without antibiotics. They can help not just with a current bout of BV but also to prevent recurrences.
How long does it take for probiotics to clear up BV? Probiotics should clear up vaginal infections within two weeks. However, it may take longer depending on the severity of the condition. Some women experience symptoms such as burning, itching, pain during intercourse, and white discharge.
Lactobacilli-based probiotics such as Lacticasebacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus fermentum, and Lactobacillus reuteri are best for treating BV.
Drink plenty of water to flush out toxins and re-establish proper vaginal pH. The mucous membranes in the vagina require fluids to be supported and healthy. Dehydration can make BV worse by allowing bacteria to become concentrated in the vagina.
Disruptive microbes have formed a biofilm
The ability of BV-causing bacteria to potentially form a biofilm may explain in part why BV has such a high recurrence rate.
Most often, BV does not cause other health problems. However, if left untreated, BV may increase your risk for: Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV. Pelvic inflammatory disease where BV bacteria infect the uterus or fallopian tubes.
Experts don't know exactly why this happens but they do know that there are ways to lower the chance of BV recurring which includes: not having sex or making sure you use a condom EVERY TIME you have sex, limiting the number of sexual partners you have, and not douching.
It may be that BV-associated bacteria from some men's microbiomes can directly impact the onset of BV in women when they're transmitted to the vagina during intercourse or that the penile bacteria may disrupt the natural balance of vaginal bacteria in ways that could induce BV over time.
Research into the gut microbiome and diet seems to suggest that they may also influence the risk of bacterial vaginosis.
Eating too much sugar is directly related to bacterial vaginosis (BV). You can, without a doubt, put the blame on glucose. According to a study published in The Journal Of Nutrition, too much glucose can aid the growth of bacteria in the vaginal area which increases the chances of recurring bacterial vaginosis.
Eat plain, probiotic yogurt daily. One study showed that after consuming 150mL yogurt containing L. acidophilus daily for two months, there was a 60% reduction in BV episodes.
Women who are not pregnant
After treatment, you do not need any further tests to ensure that BV has cleared (a test of cure) provided that your symptoms have gone.
According to Malcolm Thaler, MD, a seven-day course of antibiotics plus 21 days of vaginal boric acid is the combo that's really been shown to reduce the number of recurrences. You can also restore balance after BV by replacing the good bacteria that's been wiped out.