Bacterial vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis: flora imbalance, signs, and how to support the vaginal microbiome.
Understanding bacterial vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is not an infection you ‘catch’ but a flora imbalance: the protective lactobacilli retreat, and anaerobic bacteria (including Gardnerella) take over. Typical signs: thin grey discharge and a fishy odour, often stronger after sex.
It is the most common cause of discharge and odour, and it recurs a lot:
- Implicated in 40 to 50% of vaginitis.
- Vaginal pH above 4.5 (versus 3.8-4.5 normally).
- Recurs in more than half of women within 12 months.
Why the balance breaks
In a healthy state, lactobacilli produce lactic acid and keep an acidic pH that blocks unwanted bacteria. In BV, these lactobacilli collapse: the pH rises, anaerobes overgrow and release amines (the fishy odour).
What favours this tipping point:
- Douching and scented soaps, which strip the flora.
- New or multiple partners, some IUDs.
- Smoking, and anything that weakens lactobacilli.
“BV is treated with antibiotics, but its Achilles heel is recurrence: more than one woman in two recurs within the year. The real battle is won on the flora. Anything that helps lactobacilli regain the upper hand, and anything that avoids stripping the flora, changes the long-term picture.”
What to do day to day
Treat the episode, then do everything to help the lactobacilli.
1. Treat the vaginosis
Symptomatic BV is treated with antibiotics (metronidazole or clindamycin), on medical advice. That is the starting point.
2. Stop douching
Douching strips lactobacilli and sustains recurrence. Stop it for good.
3. Gentle hygiene
Water or a physiological-pH product, no scented soap. The vagina does not need ‘cleaning’ on the inside.
4. Support the flora
A targeted botanical care helps maintain an acidic pH and a terrain favourable to lactobacilli between episodes.
5. Reduce the factors
Condoms with a new partner, quitting smoking: levers that help the flora hold.
What to expect
An indicative guide: the flora rebuilds gradually.
Days 1-7
Treatment works
On antibiotics, discharge and odour decrease quickly.
Days 1-7
Treatment works
On antibiotics, discharge and odour decrease quickly.
Weeks 2-3
A fragile window
The flora rebuilds but stays vulnerable: this is the key time to support it.
Weeks 2-3
A fragile window
The flora rebuilds but stays vulnerable: this is the key time to support it.
1-3 months
Consolidated flora
By supporting lactobacilli and avoiding douching, the pH stabilises.
1-3 months
Consolidated flora
By supporting lactobacilli and avoiding douching, the pH stabilises.
Prevention
Limit recurrence
A gentle, lasting routine reduces the risk of frequent relapse.
Prevention
Limit recurrence
A gentle, lasting routine reduces the risk of frequent relapse.
Why act, and when to see a doctor
BV is treatable; the real challenge is preventing recurrence.
Stop discharge and odour
Treatment quickly clears the odour and uncomfortable discharge.
Break the recurrence
Supporting lactobacilli between episodes is key against repeated relapse.
Protect the flora
A strong flora also protects against other infections and discomfort.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor to confirm the diagnosis, during pregnancy, or if recurrence keeps happening despite treatment.
Your questions about bacterial vaginosis
No. It is not a sexually transmitted infection but a flora imbalance. Sexual activity can, however, influence the flora and favour BV.
The anaerobic bacteria of vaginosis produce volatile amines responsible for the odour, often stronger after sex or periods.
Quite the opposite, it worsens things: it removes the protective lactobacilli and increases the risk of recurrence. Avoid it entirely.
Because treatment eliminates the bacteria but does not rebuild the flora. Supporting lactobacilli after treatment is what best reduces recurrence.
See a doctor to confirm the diagnosis, during pregnancy, or for frequent recurrence (CDC 2021 recommendations).
Satisfied or refunded - 30 days
You have 30 days to try it in real-life conditions. If you are not convinced, full refund, no questions asked.
We deeply believe in the effectiveness of our Botanical Extracts. Contact us at bonjour@intiviae.com and we will process the refund immediately.