Everything My Doctor Got Wrong About My Recurring BV
Hey Sexplorers,
Today, I want to dive into something super personal and a bit frustrating – my journey with recurring bacterial vaginosis (BV). It's not the sexiest topic, but it's one that many of us deal with silently. As you all know, silence is not my strong suit. So let' me tell you all about what my doctor got wrong about my recurring BV, and how I finally found the answers I needed. Buckle up, this one's a bit of a ride!
My BV saga started after I got my tubal ligation in August of 2022. When they removed my fallopian tubes, I also had them remove my hormonal IUD. (*SPOILER ALERT* The working theory of how this nightmare started is that when they yanked my IUD, it introduced pathogenic bacteria to my vagina, UGH.)
Two weeks later, I started feeling suuuper itchy on my inner labia. Being proactive, I booked an appointment with my doctor. She prescribed me a topical antifungal for an external yeast infection (I didn’t even know those existed…) and sent me on my way. After a month of continuous itching, I went back in, and she swabbed me, then prescribed me metronidazole to start immediately. We received the results a week later, and they were negative, but she told me to continue taking the full course of antibiotics. I then developed a yeast infection from the antibiotics and had to go BACK in to confirm that so I could get prescribed fluconazole (an oral antifungal).
Between October 2022 and February 2023, I was prescribed the following:
Terconazole (topical) x1
Fluconazole (oral) x6
Metronidazole (oral) x2
Clindamycin (oral) x1
Doxycycline (oral) x1
Every time my symptoms would clear up, they would come right back a week or two later. Every time I went to my doctor, they asked me the SAME questions (Are you drinking enough water? Do you wear yoga pants? Are you douching? Yes, No, and No.) and offered the SAME treatment.
Each time, I felt more frustrated and helpless. My mental and physical health tanked. I wasn’t sleeping, both because of anxiety, and because I was changing ice packs every 2-3 hours in order to sleep. My relationships suffered because I, obviously, was not in the mood for any kind of physical connection (read this blog post for more on how I kept BV from ruining my sex life). I finally started treating myself in Summer of 2023, and I am so effing glad because we have finally made some progress. And without further ado, here are the things my doctor got wrong while navigating my BV:
Not Testing for Abnormal Strains & Repeating the Same Treatment
When the first tests came back negative, and I was still experiencing symptoms, my doctor should have tested me for abnormal strains instead of just prescribing me the same exact antibiotic. When they finally tested me in February, I tested positive for Ureaplasma Parvum, which requires an entirely different type of antibiotic than the usual suspects.
Similarly, instead of prescribing me the same antibiotic that didn’t work, we should have tried a topical antibiotic, either alone or in conjunction with the second course of antibiotics.
Boric Acid for Bio-films
Biofilms are slimy layers of bacteria that adhere to surfaces. They can form on medical devices, teeth, and even in homes' plumbing, making them a common issue. Boric acid helps by disrupting the biofilm structure, making it easier to eliminate the bacteria within. This substance penetrates the biofilm, breaking down the protective layer and allowing antimicrobial agents to reach and destroy the bacteria more effectively. This makes boric acid a powerful ally in maintaining cleanliness and preventing infections in various settings.
When my doctor finally got boric acid suppositories involved, they had me do a three-week course of it AFTER I finished my course of antibiotics. Not before. I should have done 10-14 days of boric acid, followed by antibiotics and more boric acid.
Ignoring the Root Cause
One major thing my doctor got wrong was ignoring the root cause of my recurring BV. They treated the symptoms but never dug deeper to understand why it kept coming back. BV can be influenced by various factors like diet, stress, hygiene habits, and hormonal changes. Instead of addressing these potential causes, I was stuck in an endless loop of antibiotics.
I decided to do some research on my own. I learned that antibiotics, while effective at killing bad bacteria, also wipe out the good bacteria that keep your vaginal flora balanced. Without these good bacteria, BV can easily recur. It was a vicious cycle that my doctor never explained to me.
The Gut-Vagina Connection
Through my research, I also stumbled upon the gut-vagina connection. Yep, you heard that right! Our gut health plays a massive role in maintaining vaginal health. A disrupted gut microbiome can lead to imbalances elsewhere, including the vagina. My doctor never mentioned this crucial link.
I started incorporating probiotics into my diet, focusing on both oral supplements and probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kombucha, and kimchi. Over time, I noticed a significant improvement in my overall health and fewer BV flare-ups. It's amazing how connected our bodies are!
Lifestyle Changes Matter
Lifestyle changes played a crucial role in my journey to conquer BV. My doctor never asked about my lifestyle habits, besides confirming that I wasn’t wearing any tight clothing or using soap on my vulva. As it turns out, stress and lack of sleep are significant contributing factors to recurring infections of all kinds.
I started practicing stress-relief techniques like positive affirmations and meditation, improved my diet by cutting out excessive sugar and processed foods, and made sure to get enough sleep by getting higher-quality ice packs and eliminating caffeine. These changes not only helped with BV but also improved my overall well-being.
Embracing Natural Remedies
In addition to the medical treatments, I explored natural remedies that worked wonders. After I noticed that my BV flare-ups usually coincided with my period, I did some research and learned that blood is alkaline, which de-acidifies the vagina, AND that the protective bacteria of my microbiome (lactobaccilli) looove to hang on to red blood cells. This meant that after every period, my vaginal microbiome was depleted of protective bacteria and very vulnerable to infection.
So, I started using boric acid capsules during the last few days of my period and after any activity that might throw off my pH (swimming, sex, a long hike, a camping trip, etc.). They helped balance my vaginal pH and prevented recurrent infections.
I finally learned about probiotic vaginal suppositories in October of 2023, and incorporated them into my regimen, and I swear that they are owed the lion’s share of the credit for bringing this cycle to its conclusion. I use them in the first two weeks of my cycle when a flare-up is likely.
You can find all of my product recommendations here.
*A note about natural remedies: A LOT of natural suppositories and topicals contain tea tree oil because it is a natural antimicrobial and a bit of a powerhouse. I had a SUPER gnarly reaction to it when I used it because I have sensitive skin, so PLEASE patch-test it before you slather your vulva in it.*
The Power of Community
Throughout my journey, I found solace in online communities and forums where other women shared their experiences with BV. It was comforting to know I wasn't alone and to learn from others who had gone through similar struggles. (Shoutout to r/HealthyHooHa!)
I discovered tips, tricks, and natural remedies that worked for others, and I shared my own experiences. The sense of community was empowering and helped me stay positive during my battle with BV.
Taking Charge of My Health
The most important lesson I learned from this experience is the importance of being proactive about my health. I stopped relying solely on my doctor's advice and started advocating for myself. If something didn't feel right, I spoke up and sought alternative opinions.
I kept a health journal to track my symptoms, diet, and lifestyle changes. This helped me identify patterns and triggers for my BV flare-ups. Armed with this information, I could make informed decisions about my health.
I celebrate the small wins, like months without symptoms and feeling confident in my body again. Acknowledging progress and being kind to ourselves during the healing process is essential.
My journey with recurring BV taught me so much about my body, health, and the importance of holistic care. While my first doctor missed the mark, I eventually found the right approach through research, lifestyle changes, and a supportive healthcare provider (I finally fired my doctor this winter, and I don’t regret it one bit. Find a blog post about it here.).
I'm sharing my story to help other women who might be struggling with recurring BV. Remember, you're not alone, and there are solutions out there.
If you're dealing with recurring BV, don't give up. Keep exploring different options and take charge of your health. You deserve to feel confident, healthy, and empowered. And remember, we're all in this together!
If you need more support, email me at cadysmoore@gmail.com or message me “BV” on Instagram @ageofsexploration, and we can set up a free coaching call. I promise there’s a light at the end of this tunnel.
Find my Vulvovaginal Wellness Product Guide here.
Find my favorite BV tips here.
