More than 4 in 5 (84% to be precise) women said they’ve been dismissed by healthcare professionals when discussing gynaecological symptoms. (‘Women’s Health – Let’s talk about it’ survey - GOV.UK)
So, we, The Naked Pharmacy pharmacists, are here to talk about it!
Understanding your gynaecological health
The truth about probiotics, pH balance, and keeping your vagina healthy.
Taking care of your vaginal health is a super important part of your overall well-being especially as it we can see, it can often be dismissed. That’s why it’s even more important to reiterate that …
While it might be more natural or common for us to direct focus on external hygiene, it's just as important to understand how our internal vaginal environment works and how to support our vaginal microbiome naturally. And with stats like what we’ve just seen, it’s even more important to be on it.
Why your vaginal pH matters
Well, it’s not just yours (that sounds creepy), it’s all of ours.
A balanced vaginal pH is important to keeping feminine health in tip-top condition. When we’re healthy, our vaginal pH usually ranges from about 3.8 to 4.5. It’s slightly acidic, so it does well to keep unwelcome guests out (we don’t mean poor choices here).
Think of it like a good nightclub bouncer – keeping out dodgy folk out of your VIP area before they crash the party. In this case, those party crashers ruin the fun by bringing in bacteria that cause bacterial vaginosis (BV) or thrush.
Think of your vaginal pH as your body’s in-built bouncer — keeping dodgy bacteria and unruly yeast out.
Common vaginal pH disruptors: possible party poopers
- Semen (alkaline in nature)
- Menstrual blood
- Hormonal changes (periods, pregnancy, menopause)
- Use of fragranced soaps
- Tight trousers and sweat-prone synthetics – bacteria’s favourite sauna playground
- Stress, sad beige food and a round of antibiotics – a trifecta guaranteed to trouble your flora
Microbiome mates you actually want around.
How to maintain a healthy vaginal pH: welcome guests
- Use only warm water or pH-balanced feminine wash on the external vulva
- Avoid internal cleansing
- Choose cotton underwear and breathable clothing
- Avoid prolonged wearing of wet clothing or swimwear
- Include probiotic-rich foods (like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut) or better still, make life easy and choose a natural vaginal supplement like Gut Love.
BV vs thrush: what’s the difference?
These are equally as annoying, just in different ways.
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
BV occurs when the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted. A healthy vaginal microbiome is dominated by Lactobacillus species, which maintain an acidic environment that protects against infection. When these beneficial bacteria decrease, other species such as Gardnerella vaginalis can take over.
BV symptoms include:
- Thin, watery, grey or white discharge
- A noticeable fishy odour (often stronger after sex)
- Mild irritation or itching (though many women have no symptoms)
BV triggers:
- Scented soaps or washes
- Changes in sexual partners
- Antibiotic use
- Hormonal fluctuations
Vaginal thrush (Yeast infection)
Thrush is caused by an overgrowth of the yeast Candida albicans, which normally exists in small amounts. Yeast infections develop when the environment changes and Candida multiplies.
Thrush symptoms:
- Thick, white discharge
- Itching and irritation of the vulva
- Redness and swelling
- Pain during urination or intercourse
Thrush triggers:
- Antibiotics
- Hormonal changes (e.g. pregnancy, periods)
- A diet of pastries and panic (aka poor diet and stress)
- Tight-fitting or synthetic underwear – while it might be cut on the outside, it’s causing chaos inside
- Poorly managed diabetes or immune suppression
The power of probiotics
Can probiotics help with vaginal infections? Hell, yes!
Probiotics for vaginal health are live beneficial bacteria that support both the gut and vaginal microbiome. A balanced vaginal microbiome is typically rich in Lactobacillus strains which help keep the environment slightly acidic.
Benefits of probiotics for vaginal health:
- Support and maintain vaginal pH balance
- Reduce the overgrowth of harmful bacteria and yeast
- Lower the risk of recurring BV and thrush
- Support natural immune defences
Best probiotic strains for vaginal health:
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus
- Lactobacillus reuteri
- Lactobacillus acidophilus
- Lactobacillus gasseri
These strains are considered among the best probiotics for vaginal health and are found in Gut Love – a pharmacist-formulated, plant-based supplement.
Two capsules of Gut Love a day – no fridge, no faff, just scientifically backed.
Natural hygiene tips for vaginal health
A consistent vaginal care routine supports the vaginal microbiome and helps prevent infection.
Top tips to keep your microbiome happy:
- Change sanitary products every 4 to 6 hours
- Wash with warm water only (skip the scented stuff)
- Wear cotton underwear and consider going commando at night – think breathable brief by day and breezy bliss by night.
- Stay hydrated and maintain a fibre-rich diet with probiotic support (like Gut Love)
When to speak to a healthcare professional
Recurring BV or thrush may be a sign of an underlying condition such as poorly managed diabetes or immune issues.
See your doctor if:
- You experience frequent yeast infections
- You have symptoms like excessive thirst or fatigue
- Symptoms don’t improve with treatment
- There’s pain during sex or urination
- There is unusual vaginal bleeding
Your take way: A daily dose of vaginal empowerment
Your vaginal health is closely linked to the gut and vaginal microbiome, which can be supported through hygiene, diet, and clinically proven probiotics like Gut Love. With the right daily habits, you can prevent common infections naturally, feel more comfortable, and take control of your intimate health.
Still wondering?
Book a free consultation. No questions are ever too awkward, and you’ll never feel dismissed.
Explore more about vaginal probiotics and speak to our friendly pharmacists for personalised guidance.
FAQ's for Vaginal Health
Are probiotics effective at treating thrush?
Thrush is caused by an overgrowth of yeast (Candida albicans). Probiotics can help prevent the growth of thrush-causing yeast. Once you have thrush, you will have to use an antifungal cream, pessary or capsule.
Do probiotics help with vaginal health after antibiotics?
Yes! Antibiotics can cause our natural flora to be imbalanced, increasing the chances of thrush and BV. Taking probiotics protects our flora and prevents it from being affected by antibiotics.
What is the difference between thrush and BV?
Thrush is a fungal infection caused by the yeast Candida Albicans, whereas BV is a bacterial infection caused by a reduced amount of the lactobacillus strain.
When should I worry about changes in discharge?
If there are changes in colour. Discharge is often a thin, clear or slightly white colour in appearance with a mild smell which isn’t unpleasant.
Speak to a GP if you notice your discharge changes to a green/yellow colour or a thick white cottage cheese-like appearance, and if it has a strong, unpleasant smell.
What causes vaginal dryness in menopause?
Vaginal dryness is perfectly normal and not unheard of in menopause. It’s often caused by fluctuations and decreases in our hormones, oestrogen.
Should I use feminine washes or wipes?
The short answer, no. Wipes and washes can cause disruptions in our pH. Our vaginas are self-cleaning therefore there is no need for the use of wipes and washes. Just good old-fashioned water and soap on the exterior is enough!
Are probiotics good for vaginal dryness during menopause?
Probiotics can keep your vaginal flora in top shape however as vaginal dryness is caused by oestrogen hormone fluctuations. Taking Gut Love and Ashwadisiac can be a great combination to keep your vaginal health at its best.
Is douching safe?
Avoid the use of douching as it can disrupt our vaginal natural acidic pH and the healthy bacteria that thrive in our vaginal flora – remember, the vagina is naturally self-cleaning!
Does diet or lifestyle impact vagina infections?
Yes! It’s important to eat a well-balanced diet to ensure our body has the nutrients to keep our immunity strong and bacteria thriving. A little bit of sugar won’t harm us, but having high sugar diets can disrupt these healthy bacteria, openly inviting infections.
