When on long term ABX is there anything we can do to help prevent BV? Never had this before being on abx would like to never have it again!
any tips appreciated.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Antibiotics (abx) are not likely to actually cause BV, directly, but can make it worse if already present.
Abx, hover, can cause candida &/or other fungal infections to thrive (due to the abx killing GOOD bacteria in the body).
If one has BV before the antibiotics you might check with your gyn to see if the abx you are taking for lyme may also treat the exact bacteria that you've had identified as the cause for BV in your case.
Also ask if the abx you are taking might encourage the BV to become resistant. In that way, yes, abx could then worsen BV.
To face Candida (and other fungal matters)
1. Probiotics
2. Diet (no simple sugars/carbohydrates). Good nutrients are vital from whole foods, avoid processed foods.
3. Antifungal herbs (or antifungal supplement such as Caprylic Acid but I found that too rough)
4. Antifungal Rx may be required. If so, liver support is essential with that.
Did your LLMD tell you to start PROBIOTICS even BEFORE starting antibiotics - and then keep it up daily? Separate by a couple hours in both directions of the clock.
Also, you likely need a clear anti-fungal Rx (Difulcan) or OLE. OLE was fabulous for me.
BERBERINE can help, too, but I don't have a links set gathered where I can find it.
[ 10-29-2012, 07:31 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Search: Tori Hudson, ND
She has a book or more just on the naturopathic approach to women's health. -
Posted by girl (Member # 18022) on :
Anything that disrupts the pH can cause BV. Flagyl is the treatment, so be careful. There is also a gel if you don't want to do the pill. Some people have to have a longer course of treatment to truly get rid of it. Personally, I think my BV was induced by taking a lot of antifungals.
Reducing your sugar intake should help because sugar will feed the BV, too. You can also get pH strips and if your pH is alkaline, you'll know you still have a problem. BV likes an alkaline environment.
Posted by girl (Member # 18022) on :
As far as prevention, when (and if) you have your period do not wear a tampon. Letting the blood flow through will cleanse and help to normalize the pH of your vagina. Also, if you have sex, wear condoms, at least until this clears up.
Posted by peonyprincess (Member # 38611) on :
Thanks for the ideas & tips.
I do take lots of probiotics maybe too much?
Never had BV before now. Am on the lyme diet and no yeast diet...I am post menopausal.
My llmd only prescribes diflucan per yeast event to prevent liver damage.
GYN gave me the gel, didn't work first time around so now will try it again. Nothing else has changed so has to be abx..married 31 years same man but do use condoms with this.
Will look into the book...wish I could be done with abx! Another problem caused by this crazy illness.
Posted by beths (Member # 18864) on :
BV is caused by too high a pH. Vaginal pH should be @ 4-4.5. If it is too high, it's BV.
Yeast can thrive in a lower pH.
Boric acid suppositories can help. Lots of probiotics as well, as lactobacillus helps make the pH lower.
Antifungals don't help at all. You need to up the probiotics. Also, low estrogen in post menopausal women can cause a high pH.