Research: Vaginal Health

Vaginal Health

Vaginal health is important for you and your baby. Yeast and bacteria are common troublemakers during pregnancy – causing discomfort and increasing the risk of complications. Prevention is the best policy, and treatment is important when issues arise. Remember that yeast and bacteria are very, very common and are not the results of poor hygiene and are not STDs. While yeast and bacteria do not mean you have done anything wrong, steps can be taken to restore vaginal balance and health.

Prevention of issues – Promotion of balance (good ideas for everyone, at all stages of reproductive life)

  • Don't douche, use vaginal deodorants, sprays or anti-itch creams. These can dramatically disrupt the healthy ph and flora of your vagina. Douching can also push bacteria into your cervix and uterus.

  • Wipe front to back.

  • Always wear clean, cotton underwear.

  • Let your bottom breathe – whenever possible spend time without underwear, pants or tights, especially at night.

  • Use only gentle unscented soap.

  • If you notice irritation and burning or a strong odor after intercourse without a condom, consider using one. Semen can disrupt the PH in the vagina making you more susceptible to bacterial vaginosis. Withdrawal and outercourse are other options.

  • Some people have issues with latex condoms and/or certain lubricants. Try an online specialty store to find products that work better for you and your partner.

  • DO eat fermented foods with active cultures, ie: yogurt, kefir, kombucha, raw sauerkraut, pickles, etc.

  • DO eat a diet rich in whole foods – Veggies, fruits, whole grains and simple meats.

  • Try to limit the amount of sugar and processed carbohydrates in your diet.

Bacterial Vaginosis

BV is the most common vaginal infection. It is even more common in pregnancy, affecting almost 20% of pregnancies. Many people are misdiagnosed with yeast infections when they really have BV. Normally, the vagina is host to many different kinds of healthy bacteria, that cause no discomfort or disease. When the normal ph and flora of the vagina is disrupted, either through physiological changes or external factors, an overgrowth of “bad” bacteria can occur.

What are the symptoms? Most of the time people are asymptomatic. Itching and burning, especially at night, are the most common symptoms. Sometimes people will report a fishy smell, especially after intercourse. Vaginal discharge can be normal, but it is often thin and white or grey.

What are possible complications in pregnancy? Bacterial Vaginosis is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth, 2nd trimester miscarriage, premature rupture of membranes, pre labor rupture of membranes, infection of the uterus and postpartum infections. Bacterial Vaginosis also makes you more susceptible to sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

How is it diagnosed and who should be screened? A holistic treatment with or without a diagnosis is a good option for people with symptoms. If symptoms persist we can send a test to labcorp for a diagnosis.

What is the standard medical treatment for BV in pregnancy? The standard protocol for Bacterial Vaginosis is systemic antibiotics. Antibiotics offer short term relief of symptoms and is the standard of care for BV in pregnancy in the US. While BV definitely correlates with risk factors in pregnancy, the literature is less clear about whether or not antibiotics improve fetal outcomes or decrease the incidence of preterm labor. With antibiotics, recurrent infections are extremely common since the “good” bacteria have been killed as well.

What are some other treatment options? Hydrogen peroxide washes are an evidence based holistic treatment for BV. Normal, healthy bacteria actually produce hydrogen peroxide as a byproduct of their metabolism. A vaginal wash of hydrogen peroxide will not, theoretically, kill good bacteria. Other holistic treatments include the use of lactobacilli suppositories, boric acid and systemic probiotics.

Yeast Infections

What is a yeast infection? A yeast infection is an overgrowth of yeast in the vagina. Similarly to BV, when the vaginal Ph is out of balance, the conditions become favorable for yeast to flourish.

What are the symptoms? A white, cheesy discharge that may smell like yeasty bread. Copious amounts of discharge. Itching/burning/irritation.

What are possible complications? There are no major complications of yeast infections in pregnancy. During birth, your baby may become colonized by the yeast and develop a thrush infection in the mouth – thrush – which can cause pain and breastfeeding issues. Conditions that are favorable for yeast are also favorable for BV. Many women have one type of infection and then the other. So, treating the symptoms and underlying causes of yeast infections can lower your risk of complications caused by BV.

What are the treatment options? Anti-yeast creams and suppositories are the common treatment. We recommend a full 7-day treatment. Other folks treat yeast infections with live culture yogurt, probiotic suppositories, cranberry, garlic and other holistic remedies.