Hello Aunt Vadge,
I am currently using Vagifem because I had BV for a long time. I also used vaginal probiotics and lactoferrin.
My recent Juno Bio test showed 98.5% lactobacillus gasseri. I stopped the probiotics, but I was wondering if I should also stop the Vagifem?
Sincerely
D
Age 41
Canada
_____________
Hey there, D,
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) can be awful, but you’re on the right track. First, we’ll discuss Vagifem and then your next steps.
Vagifem (vaginal oestradiol tablets) is typically used to support vaginal tissues and keep them free from symptoms, especially if oestrogen levels are dropping.
Seeing that Juno Bio test waving a 98.5% Lactobacillus gasseri flag is good news, but when one bacteria is so dominant, and you are experiencing symptoms, it can indicate something isn’t quite right. But, it can be a good sign, it’s just unclear in some people.
Since Vagifem is a hormonal treatment, presumably you’ve been prescribed this by a doctor. You should consult with your doctor before stopping. If your doctor thinks the treatment has worked, and gives you the green light, you can stop and see what happens when you don’t use any treatment at all. While this is a little scary, it is a necessary step.
You can also try Fennelope, our all-natural drug and hormone-free vaginal treatment to boost vaginal oestrogen impact. You can always restart your treatment while you seek help.
Effective in low oestrogen states - postmenopause, late perimenopause, breastfeeding, trans men with Vs, with use of oestrogen-blocking drugs, and in ovarian insufficiency.
For extra understanding, if you haven’t already, enrol in Killing BV, My Vagina’s extremely popular expert guide on treating BV.
If you’ve struggled with BV for a long time, it may be because there is a deeper issue going on that needs your attention, particularly if the Vagifem and probiotics worked at least temporarily. If you have genuinely low oestrogen, it’s important for you to know that and get the right support.
If you stop using the Vagifem, and after a while the BV comes back, I suggest booking in with one of our vulvovaginal specialist practitioners so we can take a look at what’s going on in the rest of your body to see if it might be contributing to this situation, including low oestrogen, which we can check. You’re clearly doing a great job in your treatments – well done! – but if it returns, we need to work out why.
Until then, keep doing you, and remember to listen to your body, it’s doing a good job!
Lots of love
Aunt Vadge
The most comprehensive vaginal microbiome test you can take at home, brought to you by world-leading vaginal microbiome scientists at Juno Bio.
Unique, comprehensive BV, AV and 'mystery bad vag' treatment guide, one-of-a-kind system, with effective, innovative treatments.
