Women whose vaginal microbiome is dominated by the Type 4 vaginal community (CST 4) are more susceptible to infection due to the low levels of protective lactobacilli and high levels of disruptive bacteria [1]. Lactobacilli bacteria help to create an acidic environment in your vagina that wards off infection and keeps disruptive species in check.
Bacteria associated with CST 4 play an important role in the development of bacterial vaginosis (BV) or aerobic vaginitis (AV). But in many cases, you may be asymptomatic. This means that you will not experience any typical BV symptoms such as vaginal itching and an unpleasant smell. However, these disruptive bacteria may still impact your health status and your pregnancy [2], [3], [4].
Since your results show that your vaginal microbiome contains some disruptive bacteria, we recommend discussing those results with your healthcare provider, even without symptoms.
Symptomatic and asymptomatic bacterial vaginosis (BV) can have severe consequences during pregnancy. Which is why we recommend curbing the growth of disruptive bacteria.
There are a few things you can do to support your vaginal microbiome during infection. This includes smart antibiotic use, probiotics, essential oil suppositories, and two remedies you might already have in your kitchen.
How to make antibiotics work for bacterial vaginosis (BV)
Antibiotics are the most commonly prescribed intervention if you are experiencing symptoms of BV [5] [6].
However, antibiotics are not the “golden standard” for BV since up to 80% of women report recurrence within three months [5] [6].
We recommend combining an antibiotic treatment with probiotics, diet, and lifestyle interventions to achieve the best possible results:
- Select a probiotic with Lactobacillus.
Clinical studies have shown that combining antibiotic treatment with probiotics, have better outcomes and lower recurrence rates [7].
To help navigate what’s on market shelves, our team of scientists have put together a guide about how to select a probiotic for vaginal health. We also have a quick list of recommended vaginal probiotics.
- Make changes in diet that support vaginal health.
Food choices, micronutrients, and even common kitchen spices can help manage vaginal infections, including BV and yeast infections. To find out more, grab our tips on dietary interventions for vaginal health.
- Practice vaginal hygiene that supports your microbiome.
From unscented toilet paper and cotton undies to microbiome-safe sex, here are 10 tips to help you care for your vaginal microbiome.
Fortunately, antibiotics for BV are usually applied directly to your vagina. This limits their negative influence on other microbiome communities, such as your gut microbiome.
Probiotics can be as effective as antibiotics
Don’t underestimate the power of probiotics. Because the vaginal microbiome is Lactobacillus-dominated, using probiotics to address or protect against infection makes a lot of sense.
Probiotics produce lactic acid, which helps to maintain low vaginal pH of around 4.5. This low pH hampers the growth of disruptive bacteria and yeast. They also make bioactive molecules (such as bacteriocins and biosurfactants) that have the ability to directly curb an infection [8].
Finally, because probiotics have the ability to stick to vaginal epithelial cells, they stop disruptive bacteria and yeast from binding to these cells [8].
We’ve got the full scoop on vaginal probiotics - and how to shop for one - here. Along with which brands are Tiny Health approved.
Essential oil suppositories can relieve signs of vaginal infection
Essential oils have been laboratory tested and shown to have antimicrobial properties against disruptive bacteria that might cause BV or yeast infection, as known as vulvaginal candidoses. These essential oils include:
Because essential oils have not been tested in a clinical setting and proven effective, use them with caution and always consult with your healthcare provider.
If you’re wondering which products or methods might be best for you:
Dr. Aviva Romm also shares her go-to homemade suppository essential oil blend for addressing BV and vaginal yeast infection.
Try yogurt and honey for vaginal yeast infection
Never underestimate the power of your kitchen. In a randomized control study, yeast infection treated topically with a mixture of honey and yogurt was not only similar in effectiveness to antifungal (clotrimazole) vaginal cream but was also more effective in relieving some symptoms of vaginal candidiasis [9].
Likewise, for pregnant women, a study found that a mixture of bee-honey and yogurt had a high clinical cure rate and a reasonable fungal cure rate compared to the antifungal treatment. The study suggested that a yogurt and bee-honey mixture could serve as a potential complement or alternative to antifungal agents, especially in patients with candidiasis during pregnancy [9].
If possible, consider using medical-grade honey with the yogurt to ensure safety and the best results. Always discuss this with your healthcare provider first.
Warning: Avoid boric acid suppositories for any BV and yeast symptoms during pregnancy
Boric acid is a natural chemical and can be toxic if it’s swallowed. It’s often considered an alternative treatment for BV and yeast infection because it breaks down bacterial biofilms, directly killing disruptive bacteria or changing the vaginal pH. So, can you use boric acid suppositories while pregnant?
The answer is no. Boric acid should not be used during pregnancy!
This is because boric acid may be toxic and lead to premature delivery and miscarriage.
It’s worth noting that in Germany, boric acid treatment for vaginal yeast infection is not even allowed. Do not use boric acid if you have a Type 4 vaginal community during pregnancy. And always consult your healthcare provider before taking boric acid while pregnant to confirm that it can help you address your symptoms, even if you are not pregnant.
