What Probiotics Are Best For Bacterial Vaginosis?

When it comes to looking for probiotics to help neutralise your ‘unfriendly’ bacteria to help treat a bacterial infection like bacterial vaginosis; the best probiotics to look out for would be Lactobacillus-based! Lactobacillus is a bacteria complex that is typically found in many women's probiotics (especially L.Rhamnosus, L.Acidophilus and L.Reuteri) as they are the most effective for helping treat bacterial vaginosis. Antibiotics are still believed by many experts to be the most effective treatment against more severe bacterial infections like repeated bacterial vaginosis, with probiotics usually being considered a very safe supporting supplement that can typically be taken simultaneously to help support pH levels and rebalance bacteria. 

What Probiotics Are Best For Bacterial Vaginosis?

The best probiotics for bacterial vaginosis, therefore, are probiotics designed for women as they will most likely contain the important microbe culture (Lactobacillus strains) that are the most effective for helping treat bacterial vaginosis. The probiotic supplements you intend to take must contain a combination of live Lactobacillus bacteria; live and potent bacteria are the only kind that will work to rebalance ‘unfriendly' bacterial and pH levels. 

If you are looking for a suitable recommendation to help treat bacterial infections like BV, then here at Wellgard we have our very own range of probiotics that could help. Our number one best-seller is our Vitaflora supplement which is our probiotic blend made especially for women looking to maintain healthy vaginal bacteria and yeast levels. Our one-a-day formula is proven to be able to reach intimate areas quickly to help improve intimate flora. What's more our women's probiotics are made with a powerful combination of the three most important strains of lactobacillus that are scientifically proven to target vaginal concerns in as little as 2 weeks. 

Why do I get BV so often?

It is very common for bacterial vaginosis to reoccur again even after only a few weeks from clearing up a previous bacterial infection. Some women even suffer from chronic bacterial vaginosis when using medication to help clear it up; it returns only a few weeks later! In some cases, if women are prone to getting bacterial vaginosis regularly, it might be related to their vaginal environment and their body's chemistry. Although these can be very uncommon situations. As typically a bacterial infection is the most likely to come back if it was never completely cleared up in the first place. It can be difficult to be sure when a bacterial infection is completely cleared up, so when the majority of symptoms have disappeared, women typically tend to finish their treatment. In some cases, it may take longer than they originally believed therefore the pH balance could still be off allowing ‘unfriendly’ bacteria to grow.

What's more, you may have cleared up your bacterial infection, only to unknowingly worsen your intimate health afterwards. Here's what could be causing bacterial infections, like BV, to come back so often unknowingly... 

What can worsen BV?

If you are noticing that you are getting bacterial vaginosis repeatedly then you may unknowingly be contributing to its continuous return if you are unaware of what can cause BV to worse or ‘come back’ Here is a list of a few common reasons that could be leading to the repeated breakout of  bacterial vaginosis:

• Sexual intercourse (unprotected) can impact the pH level in the vagina (because of semen) which can contribute to an increased rate of bacteria growth. 
• Heavily scented or perfumed soaps and body washes, whilst you may think would help, can be too harsh on your intimate area thus affecting bacteria levels. 
• Sweating can be a breeding ground for ‘unfriendly’ bacteria that could be causing an uneven balance thus increasing your chances of BV.
• Nylon underwear/tight clothes can block air movement in the vaginal area which can lead to an increased risk of bacteria growth.
• A High-fat diet (loaded with saturates) can cause an imbalance in your vaginal pH, increasing the risk of bacterial vaginosis. 

Now you know what might be contributing to bacterial vaginosis recurring or regrowing, simple changes could be implemented quickly to help manage BV over time as well as keep intimate bacteria balanced! 

How can I get rid of BV permanently? 

Bacterial vaginosis can be cured with antibiotics as well as with additional probiotic supplements that can work together to help rebalance the ‘unfriendly’ bacteria in the vagina. Intimate bacteria can be managed (long term) to ensure that ‘bad’ bacteria do not overgrow and cause BV to come back; here are some of the ways to prevent BV from recurring once it has cleared up:

• Change your sanitary items (like tampons, liners and pads) often whilst menstruating
• Avoid scented and heavily perfumed products that include intimate wipes and spray
• Wear breathable underwear that is loose-fitting, lightweight and cotton material
• Maintaining a healthy vaginal pH level that is slightly more acidic may help prevent reinfection
• Take a daily probiotic that has Lactobacilli bacteria to manage pH and prevent BV infections

These small changes can help keep bacteria levels healthy and balanced to prevent BV from repeatedly returning. One of the most effective methods of getting rid of BV permanently is to ensure that you keep the vagina healthy; taking a women's daily probiotic can be the best defence against bacteria from getting out of balance thus promoting an infection from arising.