Beat BV: Find Your Perfect Treatment with Aunt Vadge

Hi Aunt Vadge,

I’ve recently been fighting recurring bacterial vaginosis (BV) infections almost every month for about 5 consecutive months (apart from 1).

I’ve been on metronidazole about 3 times and I don’t think it’s working. So I’ve been researching on my own.

What I’ve noticed about my BV it comes around the end of my period and the first time it happened I was VERY unwell with a flu. Since then I’ve probably caught a cold 3 months of the 5 since battling with BV so it clearly seems to be related massively to my immune system.

I was looking to purchase Aunt Vadge’s 3 Ls treatment, think that’s what it’s called. But I was wondering how safe it is to take oral probiotics vaginally.

I live in the UK so it might cost me a bit more to get the full package so I just want to make sure that it’s right for me. I’ve been taking oral probiotics already for the last 2 weeks too.

Sincerely,
Nanx
Age 22
UK

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Hi Nanx,

It sounds like you’ve been having a rough time with BV. Battling recurring infections is draining.

Now, about the probiotics! You’re right that the state of your immune system can definitely play a part in how your body handles your vaginal microbiome.

First, I recommend you enrol in Killing BV, as you’ll learn so much about how your vaginal microbiome works. If you have been through the learning and treatment choosing already, the Three Ls is a fantastic place for you to start. Good choice.

Taking oral probiotics specifically designed to support the vaginal microbiome can be helpful. But, these probiotic bacteria may not make it through your digestive system to the vagina, or if they do, they may not be strong enough to recolonise the vagina. It’s more art than science.

We like being direct here at My Vagina and we use probiotics in the vagina, and via mouth, to capitalise on both methods. Some probiotics contain a lot of fillers and sometimes enteric coating, which can upset your vagina – choose carefully and switch capsules if needed. We have our favourite probiotics – V-Spot Vaginal Probiotics and Life-Space Women’s Microflora Probiotics.

Here at My Vagina, we’ve seen it all when it comes to probiotics vaginally, and we’ve learnt a few things along the way. We are extremely careful when it comes to using vaginal treatments.

My Vagina’s life lessons when using probiotics vaginally

Don’t ever put a capsule into your vagina that has enteric coating on it. This coating is not vagina friendly, being designed to get past the acidic stomach. Your vagina is also acidic, so it can not only be irritating, but won’t break down as easily as you want.

If you have the right probiotics for the vagina, but the are enteric coated, switch the capsules for My Vagina’s vagina-safe pure vegie caps, and you’re good to go.

My Vagina’s pure vagina-safe gelatin capsules also work well, but they melt at body temperature and we’ve found that when filled with powder, they don’t always dissolve as well as our specially chosen vegie caps. (We’ve had a lot of trial and error over the years!)

Here are the instructions on how to switch capsules.
We’ve found pure vegetable capsules work really well, as they dissolve in moisture and release their bounty into your vagina. There are some caveats though, and not all vegetable capsules are created equal.

The oral probiotics we recommend for vaginal use are in pure vegie caps without enteric coating, and we’ve had loads of success with these probiotics. V-Spot are also in vagina-safe capsules, designed for vaginal use specifically – one of the only vaginal probiotics of its kind.

What to do after the Three Ls

If your immune system is a little low, you may benefit from some extra foods or supplements containing echinacea, reishi mushroom, vitamin C and zinc.

If you get stuck, we’re always here to help – you can book in with one of our vulvovaginal specialist practitioners for personalised support and advice.

If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed or confused by the options when launching into your new treatment regimen, having personalised support and treatments can really help. Our expert practitioners can guide you on the safety and effectiveness of treatments, along with providing personalised advice based on your medical history.

Our practitioners can also provide a whole host of other treatment options that are strictly practitioner only, like high quality herbal medicine.

In the meantime, don’t forget about other lifestyle factors that can support your immune system, like getting plenty of sleep, eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and veggies, staying hydrated, managing stress (I know, easier said than done), and avoiding things that can disrupt your vaginal flora, like scented soaps or douching.

Since you’re located in the UK and mentioned concerns about getting the full package from My Vagina, shipping is free! If you opt for express shipping for just a little extra, it’ll arrive in days.

Stay positive! You’re already taking proactive steps, and with a little more investigation and care, you’ll hopefully find the right balance that keeps BV at bay.

Lots of love,
Aunt Vadge