When Treatment Works… But Doesn’t Hold
If you’ve been treated for:
• bacterial vaginosis (BV)
• ongoing discharge
• vaginal irritation or imbalance
…and it continues to return, this is not uncommon.
But it is also not something you need to accept as ongoing.
In many cases, the issue is not just what is present —
it is why the environment is not holding balance.
What Is Vaginal Dysbiosis?
Vaginal dysbiosis refers to:
• an imbalance in the vaginal microbiome
• reduced protective bacteria (lactobacillus)
• increased opportunistic organisms
• a shift in vaginal pH
This is not always a single infection.
It is often a change in the environment itself.
Why It Keeps Coming Back
1. The environment has not been restored
Most treatments focus on:
• removing bacteria
But do not address:
• the condition of the vaginal tissue
• the stability of pH
• the ability of protective bacteria to return
If the environment is unchanged, recurrence is likely.
2. Lactobacillus has not been rebuilt
Lactobacillus is responsible for:
• maintaining acidity
• protecting the vaginal wall
• preventing bacterial adhesion
If levels remain low:
• the environment stays vulnerable
3. pH remains elevated
An optimal vaginal environment is acidic.
If pH remains elevated:
• opportunistic bacteria continue to grow
• protective bacteria struggle to survive
4. Biofilm behaviour
Some bacteria form protective layers (biofilms).
This allows them to:
• persist despite treatment
• re-emerge after treatment stops
5. Hormonal and tissue factors
The vaginal wall requires:
• adequate epithelial integrity
• local oestrogen influence
• glycogen production
Without this:
• the microbiome cannot stabilise
6. Gut and bladder influence
The vaginal environment is not isolated.
• gut microbial imbalance can influence vaginal flora
• bladder conditions may sit alongside vaginal dysbiosis
• shared epithelial tissue contributes to this connection
7. Sexual and environmental factors
The vaginal environment is influenced by:
• semen (alkaline, alters pH)
• oral bacteria
• hygiene practices
• partner microbiome
This does not mean these are the cause —
but they can contribute when the environment is already unstable.
Why Standard Treatment Often Falls Short
Standard approaches may:
• reduce symptoms temporarily
• shift bacterial load
But often do not address:
• tissue health
• microbial rebuilding
• long-term stability
A More Complete Approach
A more effective approach involves:
1. Reducing overgrowth (when required)
2. Correcting vaginal pH
3. Rebuilding lactobacillus
4. Supporting epithelial tissue
5. Identifying contributing systems (gut, bladder, hormonal)
This is what allows results to hold.
What This Looks Like In Practice
In clinic, this may involve:
• appropriate testing where required
• understanding your individual pattern
• targeted herbal and nutritional support
• internal support where appropriate
• staged treatment — not one step
When To Look Deeper
If you are experiencing:
• recurrent BV
• persistent discharge or odour
• irritation or sensitivity
• symptoms that return after treatment
• bladder symptoms alongside vaginal symptoms
It is time to look beyond surface-level treatment.
How I Work With This
Support is individualised and may include:
• Everyday Ailment Consults For acute or active presentations
• Under the Skin Consults For ongoing or complex patterns involving multiple systems
• Herbal Remedy Bar A practitioner-guided approach to herbal medicine — not self-prescribing
The Aim Is Not Short-Term Relief
The aim is to:
• restore balance
• rebuild the environment
• reduce recurrence
Support Starts With a Conversation
Charmaine D
Naturopathic Herbalist
Where Tradition Meets Evidence