Mailbag! Your Female Health Questions Answered
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted May 10, 2022
I’ve been dealing with a case of bacterial vaginosis, but I can’t take any of the conventional remedies for it. I was wondering if you knew of any non-prescription treatments that could help.
–Renée from Point Pleasant, WV
Renee,
You’d be surprised by how many women are affected by bacterial vaginosis.
For those who don’t know, bacterial vaginosis is a condition in which the normal bacterial flora of the vagina get out of balance (also called dysbiosis).
This overgrowth of bad bacteria can sometimes cause a “fishy” odor as well as a gray, white, or yellow discharge.
Bacterial vaginosis can also cause itchiness and a burning sensation when you urinate.
If you’ve read anything about the bacteria in our digestive tracts and how that can become unbalanced, then you understand what’s going on with vaginal flora. (And if you want to learn more about how these bacteria can affect each other, check out my article on frequent UTIs.)
The normal pH (acid/base balance) of the vagina is 3.8–4.2. Healthy bacteria help keep that pH slightly acidic, protecting against yeast infections.
There are many things that can throw off the pH, including semen (which is naturally more alkaline), antibiotics, douching, lubricants, or even strong soap near your genitals.
The good news is, reestablishing the pH and bacterial balance of the vagina fixes bacterial vaginosis.
And the best natural treatments are pretty simple.
- Get your gut in order. Women who take probiotics for their gut health often see their bacterial vaginosis improve alone with their gut health.
- Vaginal probiotics. There are probiotic combinations made especially for the vagina – search online to find a good brand.
- Change your soap. Choose natural soaps without harsh chemicals to use when you clean yourself.
- Underwear. Some women swear by changing their underwear to cotton fabric, which is more breathable.
P.S. Have a health concern that’s worrying you? Click here to submit your questions and get featured in the weekly mailbag!
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
9 Modern Health Threats that ACTUALLY Matter
The world is a scary place sometimes. It can feel like we’re surrounded by health threats and forced to seek out miracle cures to fix them. But here’s the thing. When everything feels so urgent, it’s easy to get caught up in minor concerns while overlooking the real threats to your wellbeing. While debates about...
Ancient Wise Man's Gift Brings Modern Pain Relief
As we exchange gifts to celebrate Christmas today, we remember the biblical story of the Three Wise Men bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. While you might be hoping to find some gold in your stocking this year, it turns out that frankincense could be the REAL treasure—especially if you’re battling knee pain. Yes,...
Mailbag: Restless Legs Ruining Your Sleep? Try THIS
“What can I do to help my restless legs? They bother me in the daytime if I sit down for a while, but some nights, it keeps me up all night.” – Looking for a Leg Up on Sleep Hi Leg Up, Few things are more frustrating than being nestled all snug in your bed,...
The Simple Metabolic Health Hack You’re NOT Using
If you’re like most Americans, you don’t give much thought to your metabolism. But here’s a shocking statistic that might change your mind… One in three U.S. adults is walking around with hidden metabolic syndrome. This ticking time bomb is a cluster of conditions that can send your risk of heart disease, stroke, and type...
The Sunshine Vitamin's Surprising Heart Benefits Revealed
Most folks know that vitamin D is vital for bone health. And if you’re a regular Living Well Daily reader, you also know how critical it is for overall health. But now, incredibly, a new study has revealed something that could change how we think about the “sunshine vitamin” forever. Researchers uncovered evidence that this...
Discover How Gut Bugs Shape Your Brain Health
We’ve all experienced an intuitive “gut feeling” before. But what if I told you your gut is doing FAR more than just sending you hunches? A new study has uncovered a fascinating link between the bacteria in your digestive system and your brain health. It might just change everything we thought we knew about preventing...
Build a Stronger Immune System at Any Age
As we age our immune systems need a little extra TLC to keep us healthy and strong. But don’t worry, boosting your immunity doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. In fact, some of the best immune-boosting strategies are simple habits you can incorporate into your daily routine. So, let’s dive into some tried-and-true tips...
Natural Solutions to Snoring
Regardless of whether you’re the snorer or the unfortunate bedmate, snoring is a source of stress for countless couples. The endless, rhythmic, sawing sounds can disrupt the rest of even the deepest sleepers. But before you resort to earplugs or separate bedrooms, let’s explore some natural ways to tackle snoring. Snoring isn’t just annoying. It...
Shedding New Light on Depression with this “Sunlight” Hack
You’ve likely heard of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This form of the blues hits as the leaves fall and the days grow shorter. Well, new research reveals that the same therapy that helps many folks battling SAD feel better could be a ray of hope for those fighting other types of depression, too. Here’s what...
Mailbag: Reverse Atherosclerosis Naturally? Science Says Yes—Here's How
“What actually reverses heart clogging?” -Heartfelt Hi Heartfelt, I have good news. We used to think reversing arterial plaque buildup or “heart clogging” was impossible, but now we know better. When my own patients ask me about atherosclerosis (the medical term for clogged arteries), I explain that—while complete reversal can be challenging—research confirms that specific...