Written by Danni Bichler, Alivio Health
Vaginal health is a key aspect of overall well-being, yet it's often overlooked or surrounded by unnecessary shame. A healthy vagina maintains a balance of bacteria and yeast, protecting against infections and discomfort. When this balance is disrupted, it can lead to common issues like thrush, bacterial vaginosis (BV), or general irritation. By understanding the interconnectedness of your body systems—such as the gut microbiome, hormonal balance, and lifestyle choices—you can work towards preventing these infections naturally.
As a naturopath specialising in vaginal health, I approach these issues holistically. Rather than viewing thrush or BV as isolated problems, I consider the full picture: the state of your gut, the impact of your hormones, diet, sexual practices, hygiene habits and the types of products you use daily. By addressing these root causes, you can restore balance and have lasting vaginal health. Let's go through some of the common triggers for vaginal infections and simple, practical changes you can make to prevent them.
Dietary Triggers
Diet plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy vaginal microbiome, particularly when it comes to supporting the growth of Lactobacillus species, which are essential for vaginal health. High sugar intake, excessive alcohol consumption and processed foods disrupt both your gut and vaginal microbiomes. Instead focus on a balanced diet rich in whole foods, plenty of vegetables, and minimal refined sugar. Probiotic-rich foods are naturally fermented and contain live beneficial bacteria. Some of the best sources of Lactobacillus include - yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso and tempeh. Incorporating these foods into your diet can help populate your gut and vaginal microbiomes with beneficial Lactobacillus species, aiding in the prevention of infections and supporting overall vaginal health. Blood sugar regulation is key—frequent spikes and drops in blood sugar levels can make you more prone to infections, thrush in particular. An easy way to balance your blood sugars is to make sure you always pair your carbohydrates with a protein and a fat and consume enough fibre.
Gut Health
Gut dysbiosis, or an imbalance in gut bacteria, can often manifest as vaginal infections. For example systemic Candida overgrowth in the gut can migrate to the vagina, causing recurrent thrush. This can be addressed with a combination of probiotics, gut-healing foods, and targeted supplements to restore gut health.
Hormones
Certain microbes can fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle due to hormonal changes. During certain phases of the cycle, or during pregnancy, women may be more prone to infections as oestrogen levels can impact the vaginal pH and microbiome. For example many women report flares of BV post bleed as their oestrogen levels have been lower and blood is a pH disruptor. For those with thrush this can tend to flare at ovulation and in the lead up to their period as thrush can flare with higher oestrogen states. Supporting hormonal balance through herbs, supplements and lifestyle adjustments can be crucial in preventing recurrent infections.
Sexual Practices
Unprotected sex can introduce new bacteria into the vaginal environment, which may disrupt the microbiome—especially if you're already experiencing imbalances. While working on rebalancing your vaginal microbiome, it may be helpful to use condoms that are friendly to the vaginal microbiome.
Product Usage:
Many commercial products, including certain lubricants, tampons, and soaps can disrupt the natural balance of the vaginal microbiome. Switching to vaginal-friendly, pH-balanced products is essential. I recommend bamboo underwear, which is breathable and prevents moisture buildup that can contribute to infections. I also encourage clients to switch to menstrual products like organic tampons and pads, which are less likely to disrupt the vaginal microbiome.
Additional Treatments I Commonly Use in My Clinic
- Vaginal Probiotics: These can be taken orally or inserted as pessaries, and help to directly restore the balance of good bacteria in the vagina and prevent infections.
- Hormonal Support: If hormonal imbalances are contributing to recurrent infections, we may use a combination of herbs, supplements and diet modifications to restore hormonal balance.
- Boric Acid: Boric acid suppositories are an excellent option for those dealing with recurrent thrush and BV. They work by restoring the vaginal pH and have antifungal and antibacterial properties that help prevent or eliminate overgrowths.
- Vaginal Rinses, Pessaries and Creams: Natural, herbal-based rinses and creams can be used to soothe irritation and restore balance. These typically include specific herbs, oils and nutrients which have shown effectiveness against the microbes involved.
If you're experiencing chronic vaginal infections, I encourage you to seek professional advice and consider vaginal microbiome testing to get to the root of the issue. A holistic approach will help not just to treat the current infection but to support long-term vaginal health and prevent future imbalances.
Special Offer for Pinc Wellness Readers
If you're ready to take control of your vaginal health, I’d love to help! Mention that you're from Pinc Wellness when you send an email to hello@aliviohealth.com.au, and you'll receive $50 off your first consultation. Looking forward to helping you feel confident and calm in your body again.