Ladies – like your digestive tract, your bladder and vagina need to maintain a balance of bacteria and yeasts for everyday wellness. This would be something you might not be aware of until something tips the balance and you start to get uncomfortable down there.

Your beneficial bacteria, most commonly the specific Lactobacillus strains, help to manage less desirable populations that can cause bladder and vaginal discomfort. They do this by producing substances like lactic acid that maintain a low pH in the vagina, an environment unconducive to less beneficial bacteria and yeast.

Changes in this acidic environment can therefore lead to disruption. Some of the common causes include:

• Hormonal changes such as those experienced:
  • During pregnancy
  • When taking oral contraceptives
  • During menopause where oestrogen changes can lead to less mucous production, which is needed for thriving bacteria.
• Medications such as antibiotics manage bacterial populations; however, they can also affect your beneficial bacteria
• Using perfumed soap or other perfumed products in that area.

How do you know when things are out of balance? 

Generally, most women might notice if there is a change in quantity or quality of vaginal secretions. There may also be changes in odour and women might experience irritation or discomfort.

What can you do to maintain vaginal health?

• Diet
  • Yeasts like sugar can help irritation to flourish. This means you should limit refined sugar products like sweets, cakes white bread and fizzy drinks.  Also, alcohol can affect flora balance so consume this in moderation.
• Hygiene
  • Choose breathable cotton underwear and avoid hanging around in damp workout gear or togs. When going to the bathroom, make sure you wipe from front to back to avoid the spreading of bacteria. When washing, just use plain water. Soaps can affect this delicate area and can affect pH and cause local tissue irritation.
• Gut health
  • Since the entrance to the bladder and vagina are so close in proximity to the bowels, bacteria from the gut can affect vaginal populations. Gas and bloating can be a sign that the gut bacteria populations need support, so probiotics could help to support balance.   
• Clinicians Flora Restore
  • Containing two extensively researched strains of probiotics, Flora Restore has been shown to support a healthy balance of bacteria and yeasts in the bladder and vagina. Research shows that the specific strains – when taken orally – migrate to the urogenital area, where they support the balance of flora and bladder and vaginal health.
• Clinicians Yeast Balance
  • This is a probiotic tablet that comes with an applicator for direct vaginal application. This specific strain of probiotic supports the healthy balance of yeasts and can be taken alongside other vaginal medications. It provides immediate support and is ideal for use by women with persistent yeast imbalances.
• Women’s Intimacy Support
  • This product supports women and specifically menopausal women with normal vaginal moisture levels, that can decline as hormone changes occur. This plant extract formula contains researched herbs to support vaginal tissue health and libido.

Always read the label and take as directed. If symptoms persist, consult your healthcare professional. Vitamins and minerals are supplementary to a balanced diet.

Douglas Pharmaceuticals Limited, Auckland.