My Vagina’s Vault
Why you get a vaginal yeast infection after antibiotics
How to deal with an antibiotic-driven yeast infection that has taken you by surprise - it's easier than you think to treat, cheaply at home.
Sep
6 great period tips and tricks for beginners
Tips and tricks for navigating periods: work smarter, not harder.
Jan
Complete, mild, or partial androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS, MAIS, PAIS)
Androgen insensitivity syndromes mean babies born as genetic males have an androgen receptor problem that means they develop, more or less, into females, including gender identity, body shape, and sexual identity.
Understanding vaginal PCR testing
An explanation of PCR testing for the vaginal microbiome with a list of what is tested for, and what is excluded.
Nov
Follicular ovarian cysts
Follicular cysts develop from a follicle during ovulation, in one or both ovaries. Follicular cysts are the most common type of ovarian cyst and are considered to be a normal part of the ovary going about its business.
Your vagina’s immune system
Vaginal cells have inbuilt defence mechanisms that help keep your vagina healthy, with special cells and a special fluid that bathes your vaginal cells.
Study: vitamin C for abnormal vaginal microflora
A study looks into vitamin C for a treatment for changing the pH of the vagina and restoring healthy microflora in women (including pregnant women).
Review: Gynoflor – how and why it works
Gynoflor is a combination of oestrogen and lactobacilli used to repopulate the vagina after treatment for infections.
Fibre-containing foods list (searchable)
To increase prebiotic fibre, use this searchable list to make the most of your meals.
Jan
Why tampons don’t fall out
Why can't a tampon just fall right out? We explain.
How much powder is 600mg boric acid?
We give examples of what 600mg of boric acid looks like if you don't have it in capsules already, so you can transfer the powder from a jar to a capsule or into another mixture.
Nov
The contraceptive patch
The contraceptive patch is a hormonal sticker that goes onto an area of the skin, to provide protection from unwanted pregnancy. The hormones act like other absorbency-based contraceptives.
Killing BV Success Story: my BV is gone!
Another success story from the Killing BV treatment program, where both partners of the relationship are being treated using our one-of-a-kind methods.
Reflexology for vaginal and pelvic problems
Reflexology is a useful tool for relieving symptoms of many different vulvovaginal, urinary tract and pelvic problems, even temporarily. It's free and anyone can learn it. Here we provide an overview and instructions for at-home reflexology.
May
Hysterectomy
A hysterectomy is the removal of at least the uterus, but can include the removal of the cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, ligaments, lymph nodes, and the top section of the vagina. A hysterectomy is a big surgery.
Vulvar cancers
Vulvar cancers are reasonably rare for the most part, but usually get diagnosed late, making vulvar cancer more deadly than it ought to be. Vulva cancer may be innocuous in its symptoms, which makes regular pelvic exams more important than ever, especially as we age.
Review: VH Essentials PMS Nighttime Formula – what is it and what does it do?
We take a closer look at the nighttime formula for PMS by VH Essentials.
Study: Boric acid with antibiotics for BV – does it work?
A study looked at the effectiveness of using boric acid suppositories plus an antibiotic for removal of the bacterial biofilm that causes recurrent bacterial vaginosis.
How to heat coconut oil and essential oils
We go over the ins and outs of heating coconut oil and essential oils to make your vaginal treatments.
Study: the impact of three essential oils on fermented milk products
Ever wondered if you should add essential oils into your fermented milk drinks? Here food science tells us what happens to the bacteria when you add antibacterial essential oils.
Congenital or acquired neuroproliferative vulvodynia
We take a look at neuroproliferative vulvodynia, where there are too many pain-sensing nerve-endings around the vaginal entrance.
Oct
The structure of the vagina
Want to know what the inside of your vagina is made of? We take a deeper look into the structure of the vagina, with its muscles, ligaments and mucous membranes.
Review: Balance Activ vaginal pessaries and gel
An overview of Balance Activ gel and pessaries, used inthe treatment or management of bacterial vaginosis.
Understanding vulval lymphangioma circumscriptum
LS is a lymphatic vessel disturbance that can appear on the vulva, with ballooning of vessels.
Gynaecology in children and babies
We briefly overview the vulva and vagina from a developmental perspective - what to expect.
Douching with BV, AV and yeast infections
The more you douche, the more likely you are to have BV and other microbiome problems.
How to heal vaginal fissures
Learn how to heal your vaginal fissures.
Understanding adrenal PCOS
Sometime the excess androgens involved in PCOS are produced by the adrenal glands, not the ovaries, which makes PCOS caused by the adrenals a bit different to regular PCOS. Find out how to deal with adrenal-androgen excess.
May
How to use the Four-pronged Approach Fixer Box- vagina
We take a new approach to biofilms with systemic biofilm busters plus a new, easy one-a-day vaginal treatment.
Feb
Obstructed uterine horn
An obstructed uterine horn is an anatomical abnormality whereby the uterus is not connected properly with the fallopian tubes.
Jul
USA: painful sex and have Medicare? Your treatment is NO LONGER excluded from Medicare Part D
If you are menopausal, are experiencing pain during sex, and have Medicare in the USA, your drug treatments are covered.
How to fill your own 600mg boric acid capsules at home
You can inexpensively fill your own vegetable caps with boric acid at home.
Understanding and treating vaginal cancer
Vaginal cancer usually occurs in older women, in the top third of the vagina, with HPV the biggest risk factor.
Labiaplasty – labia minora or labia majora surgery
We provide a clear explanation of labiaplasty of the labia minora and majora, including the techniques used for surgery and what you can expect after surgery.
Marsupialisation of a Bartholin (vestibular) gland cyst
This surgery involves cutting open a Bartholin's duct cyst, and suturing the walls to allow draining.
Pelvic radiation therapy
Having radiation therapy on your pelvis can cause some unwelcome problems that can linger, like a dry, thickened vaginal wall, lack of moisture, and lack of flexibility.
Female sexuality
Female sexuality is a complex and worthwhile topic to explore, which has had far too little airtime in the past few hundred years.
Shigella vaginal infections
Shigella is a cause of vaginal infections and vulvovaginitis, particularly in children.
Killing BV Success Story: I cured my BV!
A woman has cured her BV using a combination of the treatments we recommended to her, using our treatment program in Killing BV.
Jewellery, tattoos, vajazzling and muff stylin’
Making your junk sparkle is easier and better than ever, whether that's a tattoo, vajazzling or a piercing.
Aug
Understanding Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) testing for the urogenital tract
We explain what next-generation sequencing DNA tests are, and how they are used for the vaginal microbiome.
Study: BV and the vaginal immune response as it relates to HIV infection
A study looks into vaginal inflammation, BV and the relationship with HIV transmission to see what we could possibly be doing better to protect women.
How to test your urinary pH
We teach you how to take a urinary pH test at home, for cheap, and how to read and interpret the results.
Understanding period sex
We discuss period sex and what's good and what's gross, from orgasming to how to get bloodstains out of sheets.
May
Testimonials for Killing BV treatments
Wondering if My Vagina’s Killing BV treatments work? Read real testimonials from real people who have had great success. LOGIN This is EXCLUSIVE MEMBERSHIP-only content Login or obtain your membership below, and we'll see you back here soon! Killing BV - Vagina Treatment Guide Killing BV - Penis Treatment Guide
Jan
Review: FemDophilus – how and why it works
Fem-Dophilus is used to introduce two patented strains of useful probiotic bacteria into the vagina.
Understanding clinical trials
Overview of clinical trials.
Tetracyclines for non-antibiotic uses
Find out what actions tetracyclines have outside of their antibiotic properties.
Review: Betadine Vaginal (Povidone-Iodine)
Betadine - povidone-iodine - is an effective antimicrobial treatment for vaginal infections, but only certain types. A microbe must be susceptible, and not be hiding in a biofilm.
How reflexology works (maybe)
We can use reflexology at home, for free, to solve or help manage some tricky problems with your vagina, vulva and pelvis (and the rest of you).
Apr
Study: Babies’ microbiome may not be from vagina after all
There is new evidence pointing to colonisation of a new baby by environmental pathogens, possibly setting us up for infections later on and disrupting the gut microbiome.
Jan
Vaginal pinworms (Enterobius vermicularis)
Vaginal pinworms are the same as digestive tract pinworms, but they have wriggled into the vagina and are making themselves at home. These worms can cause discharge and itching, especially at night.
Aug
Signs and symptoms of perimenopause
Perimenopause is the stage where you may get symptoms like hot flashes as hormone levels fluctuate.
Sep
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a common reproductive disorder in women that causes significant pain, infertility, and sometimes huge disruptions to a woman's life. The period-producing cells in our uterus start to grow outside of the uterus (and attach to our internal organs), and bleed - like a period does - every month.
Vaginal atresia
Vaginal atresia is where the vagina is closed off or doesn't exist, with four common reasons why this might happen. Atresia means narrowing of a body cavity or passage.
Urethral cancer
Urethral cancer is an uncommon form of cancer, with its own set of challenges in diagnosing and treating because of its rarity. Urethral cancer has been reported in women from age about 19 onwards, but is most common in elderly women.
How to get a comprehensive vaginal, urinary and semen microbiome test
Get accurate testing based on your needs via thorough vaginal and urinary microbiome testing.
Jan
Bartholin glands
Your Bartholin's glands are responsible for making you wet when you are turned on, producing moisture/fluid that lubricates the outside of your vulva.
Study: BV is associated with Mycoplasma genitalium
A study has found a strong association between BV and M. genitalium.
Staphylococcus bacterial biofilms
Staph biofilms have been found on regular-use tampons and pads (after use).
Using tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oil for vulvovaginal infections and dysbiosis
Tea tree is an effective antimicrobial agent, and can treat common vulvovaginal infections when the best oils are used effectively.
Study: men carry BV-associated bacteria on and in their penises
Researchers tested the skin of the penis, urethra, head of the penis and urine and semen samples of the male partners of women with BV – men have it too! LOGIN This is EXCLUSIVE MEMBERSHIP-only content Login or obtain your membership below, and we'll see you back here soon! Killing BV -
Mar
Hormone therapy (HT)
Hormone therapy is used to counteract the negative impacts of fluctuating hormone levels and a decline in hormone levels in women as they approach menopause. Here we run you through the typical treatments and alternative options.
Detrusor sphincter dyssynergia (DSD)
DSD occurs when there is damage to the spinal cord or brain interrupting the signals between the brain and the bladder, so the two don't work together anymore.
Understanding the vaginal fistula
A vaginal fistula is an abnormal opening between the vagina and another organ, often caused by childbirth, surgery, or diseases like Crohn's. Symptoms vary based on the affected tissue but may include incontinence, foul-smelling discharge, and painful sex. Diagnosis involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and possibly imaging tests.
Streptococcus pneumoniae infection in the vagina and pelvic organs
S. pneumoniae is not a bacterium normally found in the vagina, and infection can be serious.
My Story: Period undies gave me bad vag
One of our naturopaths has a bad experience with period undies - they gave her BV after just one day of wearing. Sigh.
Quick List: How histamine works with oestrogen, progesterone and cortisol
A quick look at the interrelationships between histamine, oestrogen, progesterone and cortisol.
How to make sauerkraut
Sauerkraut is a method of filling your gut up with good germs, then make their way to your vag, keeping it healthy.
Review: Physioflor L. crispatus probiotic for vaginal odour, irritation and itch
Physioflor is a vaginal probiotic containing the strain Lactobacillus crispatus, which can be difficult to find in regular women's probiotics.
Dec
How to use the Yeast/Thrush Vaginal Pessary
Instructions on how to use Aunt Vadge's Yeast/Thrush herbal blend vaginally.
Jan
Why BV leaves you wide open for STIs
Fact of life: those with BV get more STIs.
How to underwear if you have vulvovaginal issues
Ever wondered just how important your underwear is to your vaginal condition? We explain.
Aug
Histamine-containing foods list (searchable)
A searchable list of common foods and their histamine impacts: high, low or releasing. Patient-only content Please log in to view this content. If you cannot log in, please contact your practitioner.
Types of pelvic surgery
There are a vast array of surgeries that can be performed on the vagina, vulva and pelvic organs that will affect the look and function. We look into all types of pelvic surgery in more detail.
Review: Wipegel by Zero Taboos (for haemorrhoids)
Wipegel is an alternative to wet wipes or dry toilet paper for use with haemorrhoids to help reduce the opportunity for vaginal or urinary tract infections. Natural ingredients, including 30 per cent witch hazel.
5-alpha-reductase deficiency (5 ARD)
5 ARD is a genetic blip that blocks the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in a growing foetus. DHT is required for the penis and testicles to develop in a male foetus, resulting in ambiguous genitalia. People with 5 ARD may be brought up as girls or boys.
Dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) (spotting, mid-cycle bleeding)
Dysfunctional uterine bleeding is irregular or unusual bleeding that needs to be investigated. Uterine bleeding should, technically, only happen during your period, so if it's not your period, it must be something else.
Sep
Gestational diabetes – what you should know
We run you through type II diabetes during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes can cause some serious problems for mother and baby, requiring monitoring.
How blood sugar affects histamine release
We explain how blood sugar dysregulation impacts histamine levels, and why that matters for your vagina.
Feb
Sexual arousal disorders
We run through briefly what sexual arousal disorder is and how it manifests.
Strong ammonia smell in vagina – which bacteria you have in BV
We delve into what bacteria cause ammonia smells to come from your vagina, especially with a diagnosis of BV. There are only a few bacteria that cause ammonia-like vaginal odours, so you can narrow it down and get effective treatment.
How to get hormone and blood testing
Learn how to get hormone testing on the right day for the most useful results, and what to do with the results.
Apr
Review: Klaire Labs InterFase and InterFase Plus
InterFase and InterFase Plus is a biofilm enzyme treatment taken orally to reduce pathogenic biofilms throughout the digestive tract.
Jul
How to treat vaginal dryness
Vaginal dryness can be an issue for women of all ages. Find out what causes it and how to fix it.
About My Vagina’s practitioner section
Why does My Vagina do this and how do we do it? A quick overview of My Vagina and what we're about, why we're doing this, and what you get out of it.
Fordyce bumps or spots – tiny white bumps on genitals
Fordyce bumps are the tiny white spots that appear when the skin of the labia, scrotum, penis and nipples is stretched.
Understanding tryptophan (with searchable foods list)
Tryptophan plays a crucial role as the precursor to serotonin and melatonin, influencing our mood, sleep, and circadian rhythm.
Apr
Oxalates and vulvodynia
Oxalates are normal and natural, but if too many of them are making their way to the kidney and bowel, oxalates can affect the vagina.
Learning how to be touched by someone else
Learning how to figure out what you like can be hard, so you just have to practice!
Understanding Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS)
SJS is a serious and severe drug reaction that affects skin and mucous membranes, including the vagina and urinary tract.
What does a healthy vaginal microbiome look like?
A great explanation of the vaginal microbiome and who's who!
Feb
Genital lupus
Vulvar itching and lesions are an uncommon element of lupus in some women, however these symptoms are not often discussed in doctor's appointments. Vaginal or vulvar symptoms of lupus can cause great discomfort and shame for women.
Study: Essential oils that attack biofilms in vitro
A study examines several essential oils for their potency against biofilms.
Evidence for using apple cider vinegar (ACV) as an antimicrobial
We examine the evidence regarding apple cider vinegar as an antimicrobial, specifically as it relates to vaginal use for BV and other microflora imbalances.
Understanding E. coli biofilms in recurrent UTIs
We look into E. coli's biofilms in a bit more detail, explaining exactly why biofilms contribute to recurrent urinary tract infections and other vaginal infections.
Life after a pelvic exenteration (complete pelvic organ removal)
This procedure is the complete removal of all of your pelvic organs, usually due to extensive disease as a last resort.
Cervicovaginitis
Cervicovaginitis refers to the inflammation of the cervix and vaginal mucosal cells, usually caused by infection, but from any cause. Ulcerations can result.
When you can and can’t get pregnant
Tell if you are pregnant right now, based on what you just did!
Sep
How to track your menstrual cycle and identify ovulation
Not sure when or if you ovulate? We run you through charting your cycles and how to check if and when you are ovulating using some very simple tips and tricks. No temperatures!
Understanding hyperprolactinaemia
A brief overview of higher-than-usual prolactin levels in women, causing the condition known as hyperprolactinaemia. Causes vary, but are usually not to do with breastfeeding.
Apr
Study: the impact of freezing techniques on lactobacilli survival rates
Can you freeze probiotic bacteria? We find out using a study from food science.
Telling your girlfriend she has bad vag
There is not a single sadist on earth who thinks bad vag is delicious, least of all your girlfriend. Here's how to talk about it.
Understanding and using coconut oil vulvovaginally
We take a closer look at coconut oil when used on the vulva and in the vagina - is it safe and does it really have antimicrobial properties?
Treating endometriosis
Treating endometriosis can be tricky, with a handful of medical and naturopath treatment strategies, often used in combination.
Fox-Fordyce disease
Fox-Fordyce disease is a benign (but very uncomfortable) sweat gland condition that can affect the groin and genitals of women in their late teens, 20s and 30s. Laser hair removal has been cited as a cause of this inflammation, which causes itching.
Aug
Tampons
We explain everything you could possibly want to know about tampons - how to use them, how not to use them, what size you need, where to throw them after you use them, and what sorts to avoid.
Why E. coli and E. faecalis are often found together in infections
E. coli gets a boost from E. faecalis, which may help explain why these two pathogenic pests are often found together in infections.
Killing BV – free for a while #coronavirus
We're giving away Killing BV vagina and penis treatment guides for the foreseeable future, because quarantine AND bad vag is too much to bear.
Mar
Your vagina and vulva during pregnancy
Pregnancy can have some dramatic effects on your vagina and vulvar, from varicose veins to being more orgasmic.
Apr
Study: do circumcised penises mean less vaginal infections? (spoiler alert – yes)
Circumcised penises result in less infection issues in female sexual partners.
Gentian violet health warning – use at your own risk!
The Canadian Government has banned all products containing gentian violet for humans and animals due to ingestion/absorption health concerns.
Jul
Cervical agenesis
Cervical agenesis means the cervix - connecting the uterus and vagina - is absent, usually due to either surgical removal or an anatomical abnormality that occurred during development in the womb.
Apr
How to do a vaginal douche
Here we explain how to douche vaginally safely and comfortably in your own home.
Feb
Vaginal adenosis
Vaginal adenosis is where cervical and endometrial cells are found in the vaginal walls, and is most related to women exposed to DES in the womb.
Pityriasis rosea on the vulva or vagina
Pityriasis rosea is a virus, but the skin issues it creates can affect the vulva or vagina in some cases. Pityriasis rosea of the vulva can be quite uncomfortable, however resolves itself over time.
Secnidazole (Solosec) for BV
Secnidazole is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial and parasitic infections, including BV. It has about the same rate of cure as metronidazole.
Treating a UTI at home
Treating a UTI at home doesn't have to be a waste of time. Get the skinny on treatment types.
Understanding vaginal tastes (the good and the bad)
A comprehensive overview of how different elements like diet, hygiene, and natural body secretions impact the taste of a vagina.
Apr
Persistent genital arousal disorder
Persistent genital arousal is a condition whereby the genitals are in a state of hyperarousal at inopportune moments.
Allen-Masters syndrome
Allen-Masters syndrome is characterised by pelvic pain caused by trauma.
Aug
Stress urinary incontinence
Stress urinary incontinence is a condition whereby urine leaks when you laugh, cough or sneeze, and if caught early enough, may be completely reversible.
Sep
Skenitis (infection of the Skene’s glands)
Skenitis is the inflammation of the Skene's glands, which are the glands thought to be responsible for female ejaculation, part of the female prostate.
How to treat a male sexual partner for BV
Men having sex with women with BV usually have G. vaginalis infection. Here's what to do.
Understanding methylation, MTHFR and homocysteine
Methylation can be impaired if you've tested positive for the MTHFR gene, resulting in high homocysteine levels.
Cockscomb cervix anatomical abnormality
A cockscomb cervix is an anatomical abnormality whereby the cervix appears with large ridges or folds of fibrous tissue that resembles a rooster's comb.
How to use the Manuka Honey Vaginal Treatment
We explain how to use manuka honey as part of Killing BV treatments.
Jul
Oral sex and BV transmission
We discuss the idea of BV-bacteria being transmissible by mouth, how that occurs, and review the research into BV-related bacteria colonising the mouth.
How to get enough protein (with searchable foods list)
Explore how adequate protein plays a crucial role in preventing conditions like bacterial vaginosis and supporting overall health.
Apr
Vaginal agenesis – absent vagina
Vaginal agenesis is the complete absence of a vaginal canal, caused by an interruption to normal development as a foetus. Reconstruction is a viable option in most cases.
Study: tea tree and coconut vinegar for inhibiting biofilm growth and killing G. vaginalis
A small lab study looked at the ability of tea tree oil and coconut vinegar to inhibit the growth of the biofilms of and kill Gardnerella vaginalis.
The 6-week dairy-free and gluten-free experiment
If you aren't sure where to start when it comes to diet experiments, going gluten and dairy free for is as good as anything.
Jan
Why dipsticks and cultures are useless for identifying urinary tract infections
The typical way a doctor will test for a UTI may be on the way out, as research shows that dipsticks and usual cultures are falling short on diagnosing UTI.
How getting wasted affects your vaginal ecosystem
A quick chat about getting wasted and how this affects your microbial colonies.
Feb
Review: Fem-Dophilus probiotics
A review of Jarrow's range of L. crispatus-containing probiotics for vaginal health.
Best silicone lube brands
Here we run you through the best silicone lube brands on the market, and give you a quick tour of why silicone is great. We also explain how to use silicone lube with silicone or part silicone sex toys.
Jul
At-home symptom relief for vaginal yeast infections (thrush)
Easy, cheap, at-home treatments for minor vaginal yeast infections.
What’s the difference between PMS and PMDD?
Understanding the difference between PMS and PMDD.
Dec
Radiation-induced vaginal stenosis (narrowing of the vagina)
Narrowing of the vagina (vaginal stenosis) can occur as a result of cancer treatments. A narrow vagina can cause a few issues, in particular sexual issues, since proper penetration can't occur without pain or discomfort. Vaginal stenosis also causes issues with vaginal examinations, period flow, and giving birth.
Jul
How to turn your crappy old Nokia into a vibrator
We go through the ways you can turn an old Nokia phone into a vibrator, starting off with the alarm function, moving right through to having a 'friend' call you and let it ring out.
Acupuncture for vaginal, vulvar and pelvic problems in women
Acupuncture is a useful tool for helping the body to boost its resources when dealing with chronic vulvovaginal issues and pelvic pain.
Genital herpes – herpes simplex virus (HSV1 and HSV2)
Genital herpes is for life, but it isn't a life sentence. Find out how to manage genital herpes and get on with your life by supporting your immune system, managing your stress levels, and using supplements and meds to your advantage.
Implanon contraceptive implant
Implanon is a hormonal contraceptive implant about the size of a matchstick, that is implanted into the upper inner arm, and lasts for about three years.
Congenital syphilis
Congenital syphilis is completely treatable, but untreated, can cause serious and permanent health problems.
Vulvar folliculitis
Vulvar folliculitis is an inflamed, infected hair follicle on the vulva, which can turn into a boil if left unchecked. Folliculitis can occur anywhere there are hair follicles.
Using gentian violet vaginally for vulvovaginal infections
Gentian violet can be used as a treatment for some vaginal infections with great effect, particularly those caused by gram-positive bacteria and yeasts. Very messy, but a great old-school gynaecologist antimicrobial.
How to use the BV Vaginal Pessary
Learn how to treat bacterial vaginosis using our specialised vaginal blend.
Nov