Can the BV treatment cause lactobacilli overgrowth syndrome?

TL;DR

Treating Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) aims for a temporary increase in lactobacilli, but concerns arise about leading to cytolytic vaginosis post-treatment. Factors like diabetes or high oestrogen levels can heighten the risk, yet managing lactobacilli overgrowth is feasible with appropriate vaginal pH adjustments.

Could this treatment cause an overgrowth of Lactobacillus?
If you are suffering a pathological overgrowth of other bacteria but you are otherwise healthy and normal, there is no reason why the Killing BV treatment should cause an overgrowth of lactobacilli, called cytolytic vaginosis.

In the short term this is sort of the goal, but after cessation of the treatment, it should all regulate itself and you shouldn’t get an overgrowth of lactobacilli. If you have diabetes or an excess of oestrogen, it is more of a risk, but lactobacilli overgrowth of that sort is reasonably easily treated by making the vagina more alkaline – the opposite of what you’ve been trying to do for your BV.      

So is it safe to assume that I’m severely lacking in Lactobacillus if I have BV?
If you have a diagnosed overgrowth of G. vaginalis, then it is safe to assume you do not have cytolytic vaginosis (lactobacilli overgrowth syndrome).  



Jessica Lloyd - Vulvovaginal Specialist Naturopathic Practitioner, BHSc(N)

Jessica is a degree-qualified naturopath (BHSc) specialising in vulvovaginal health and disease, based in Melbourne, Australia.

Jessica is the owner and lead naturopath of My Vagina, and is a member of the:

  • International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD)
  • International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health (ISSWSH)
  • National Vulvodynia Association (NVA) Australia
  • New Zealand Vulvovaginal Society (ANZVS)
  • Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS)
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