When people know how to diagnose vaginitis and become familiar with the various symptoms, the most important thing is follow-up care. The standard treatment for bacterial vaginosis is metronidazole (Flagyl) (500 mg twice daily for 7 consecutive days) [ 53]. There are other treatments, such as Metronidazole gel (Metrogel) (one complete, 5 g applicator daily for 5 days), or Clindamycin 2% cream (one complete 5 g applicator at bedtime for 7 days). If people are allergic or intolerant to metronidazole, vaginal clindamycin cream is the first choice. Cochrane’s review of 24 randomized controlled trials (RCT) indicated that clindamycin and metronidazole (Flagyl) have the same efficacy, with between 91% and 92% of treated patients being clinically cured after 2–3 weeks of treatment [ 58]. Furthermore, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a single-dose oral therapy for bacterial vaginosis, Secnidazole (Solosec), in 2018, and subsequently marketed it [ 59]. A randomized controlled trial showed that this drug demonstrated comparable efficacy to metronidazole [ 60]. Previously, the treatment of bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy was recommended to prevent premature birth. A further review article found that antibiotic treatment cannot prevent preterm birth in women with symptomatic or asymptomatic bacterial vaginosis [ 61]. Therefore, the treatment of bacterial vaginosis can relieve symptoms without other obvious adverse events. It should be noted that recurrence of bacterial vaginitis is common. For patients who have experienced multiple rapid relapses, extended treatment is reasonable.

Probiotics may reduce digestive symptoms such as inflammatory bowel diseases and may be helpful in the treatment and prevention of vaginal infections and urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Before purchasing a probiotic, it is important to know that probiotic supplements are not necessary for everyone. An individual should not use probiotics as an alternative to seeking advice from a healthcare professional. Taking probiotic supplements may offer a range of potential health benefits for women: Probiotics for vaginal health

Cheng J, et al. (2021). Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis HN019 effects on gut health: A review. It can get even higher prior to menstruation and may rise a bit following menopause too. Unprotected sex can also affect the vaginal pH levels, as can cleaning the internal genitals and taking antibiotics which can affect Lactobacillus production. Final Thoughts No, pH balance pills are definitely not a necessity for people with vaginas. However, you may want to try them out to see if they help if you frequently experience: Change in discharge color and texture. Your vaginal discharge may be white, gray, or yellow with a cottage cheese-like texture. Healthy discharge will typically be clear to white. Most probiotic manufacturers measure bacteria count according to colony-forming units, or CFU. A higher CFU number means the product contains more bacteria.According to a 2014 study conducted on 120 women, garlic tablets may be as effective as oral antibiotics at treating the symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection or BV, with fewer side effects. The National Institutes of Health states there is no official recommendation for probiotic use. People should speak with a healthcare professional to choose the correct probiotic and dosage, and how long to use the product. What food is highest in probiotics? Dore MP, et al. (2019). Side effects associated with probiotic use in adults with inflammatory bowel disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Again, the combination of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus rhamnosus can combine with cranberry proanthocyanidins. However, the vagina should only be mildly acidic and a healthy one has a pH level measured between 3.8 and 4.5. Learn more about lifestyle tips to prevent vaginal yeast infections in this blog. Test Your pH Balance With Vaginox pH Strips

Who Are pH Balance Pills For?

The vagina’s pH level is about 3.8 to 4.5, which means it’s on the acidic side. Its acidity slightly decreases as you get older, with its pH level rising closer to 5. The usual dosage of vaginal boric acid for an acute vaginal yeast infection is 1 suppository inserted into the vagina once per day, for 3 days in a row. PH is a measurement of how acidic or alkaline (”aka basic“) something is. The scale runs from 0 to 14. The pH balance of your vagina can help determine whether or not it’s healthy. A healthy vaginal pH level is between 3.8 and 4.5. However, a healthy pH level will vary based on your age. During your reproductive years, from ages 15 to 49, your vaginal pH will typically be at or below 4.5. Before menstruation and after menopause, a healthy pH will be higher than 4.5.