Should You Use Probiotics for Vaginal Health?
Top 8 Best Probiotics For BV In 2024
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Probiotics, the advantageous live bacteria and yeasts, are vital for our general wellbeing, especially for our digestive system. They are available in different foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut, apart from being available as supplements. Research indicates that probiotics can aid in resolving a wide range of health issues, such as bacterial vaginosis (BV).
BV is a common vaginal infection that affects many women. It is caused by an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina and can lead to symptoms such as itching, burning, and a fishy odor. While antibiotics are a common treatment for BV, they can also kill off the good bacteria in the vagina, leading to further imbalances. This is where probiotics come in.
Taking probiotics can help restore the balance of bacteria in the vagina, potentially reducing the risk of BV and its symptoms. However, not all probiotics are created equal when it comes to treating BV. It's important to choose a probiotic that contains strains of bacteria that have been shown to be effective in treating BV.
When choosing a probiotic for BV, it's important to look for one that contains Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus jensenii, or Lactobacillus rhamnosus. These strains have been shown to be particularly effective in treating BV. Additionally, it's important to choose a probiotic that contains a high number of colony-forming units (CFUs) to ensure that you are getting a sufficient amount of the beneficial bacteria.
We spent hours researching and testing various probiotics to identify the best probiotics for BV. In the following sections, we will share our top picks and explain why we believe they are the best options for treating BV.
Best Probiotics for BVWe understand that dealing with BV can be a frustrating and uncomfortable experience. That's why we've researched and put together a list of the best probiotics for BV that can help alleviate symptoms and promote overall vaginal health. These probiotics have been carefully selected based on their effectiveness, quality, and customer reviews. Whether you're looking for a daily supplement or a specific strain to target BV, we've got you covered. Check out our top picks below.
1. URO Vaginal Probiotics for WomenWe highly recommend URO Vaginal Probiotics for Women to anyone looking for a daily supplement that supports vaginal health.
Pros
Cons
We've been using URO Vaginal Probiotics for Women for a few weeks now and have noticed a significant improvement in our vaginal health. The proprietary V-Positiv Probiotic Blend and XOS Prebiotics work together to promote healthy vaginal flora and support a healthy vaginal odor. We appreciate that the ingredients are clean and provide proactive relief from vaginal itching and dryness.
One potential downside is that it may take a few weeks to see results, so it's important to be patient and consistent with taking the supplement. Additionally, some may find the price point to be high compared to other probiotic supplements. Lastly, the capsules may be difficult to swallow for some individuals.
Overall, we highly recommend URO Vaginal Probiotics for Women to anyone looking for a daily supplement that supports vaginal health.
2. RepHresh Pro-B Probiotic Supplement for WomenWe highly recommend RepHresh Pro-B Probiotic Supplement for Women because it is a clinically tested and gynecologist recommended brand that balances yeast and bacteria to maintain feminine health.
Pros
Cons
RepHresh Pro-B is a feminine probiotic supplement taken orally once a day to balance yeast and bacteria. With 5 billion beneficial bacteria per serving at time of manufacture, RepHresh Pro-B Feminine Probiotic Supplement contains patented and clinically tested strains of lactobacillus: L. Rhamnosus (GR-1) and L. Reuteri (RC-14). This proprietary probiotic blend balances yeast and bacteria to maintain feminine health.
We have personally used RepHresh Pro-B and have noticed a significant improvement in our feminine health. It is easy to take and has no unpleasant taste or odor. We also appreciate that it is gluten-free and contains no artificial colors or preservatives.
Overall, RepHresh Pro-B Probiotic Supplement for Women is a reliable and effective choice for those looking to balance their vaginal flora and maintain feminine health.
3. Happy v Probiotics for Vaginal HealthIf you're looking for a natural BV treatment and yeast infection prebiotic, Happy v Probiotics for Vaginal Health is definitely worth considering.
Pros
Cons
We recently tried Happy v Probiotics for Vaginal Health and were impressed with the results. Within a few weeks, we noticed a significant improvement in vaginal health and a reduction in symptoms of BV and yeast infections.
The product contains more than 50 billion CFU of lactobacillus acidophilus probiotic, which is ideal for women's digestive health. Additionally, the prebiotics in the formula make the probiotics six times more effective.
Happy v Probiotics for Vaginal Health also contains Lactobacillus rhamnosus, crispatus, and reuteri, which have been clinically tested to help protect the vaginal flora and urinary tract against BV, UTI, and yeast infections.
The delayed-release and shelf-stable capsules pair well with boric acid suppositories and cranberry pills for women. The product is also gluten and dairy-free and manufactured in a USA FDA inspected cGMP facility.
Overall, we highly recommend Happy v Probiotics for Vaginal Health for those looking for a natural and effective way to treat BV and maintain vaginal health.
4. Vitamin Bounty Women's Vaginal Probiotic & PrebioticIf you're looking for a probiotic that can help support your vaginal and urinary health, Vitamin Bounty Women's Vaginal Probiotic & Prebiotic might be the product for you.
Pros
Cons
Our experience with Vitamin Bounty Women's Vaginal Probiotic & Prebiotic has been positive overall. We appreciate that the product is designed specifically for women's needs and contains a blend of prebiotics and probiotics. The addition of cranberry, ashwagandha, and black cohosh root is also a nice touch, as these ingredients have been shown to support vaginal and urinary health. We've also noticed that the delayed-release capsule seems to be effective, as we've experienced positive results since taking the supplement.
That being said, we do understand that not every product works for every person. Some users have reported no noticeable difference after taking the supplement, and a few have noted that the capsules are slightly larger than other probiotics they've tried. Additionally, the product may not be suitable for individuals with certain dietary restrictions, as it contains gluten.
Overall, we would recommend Vitamin Bounty Women's Vaginal Probiotic & Prebiotic to individuals looking for a probiotic that can support their vaginal and urinary health. However, as with any supplement, we recommend speaking with a healthcare provider before adding it to your daily routine.
5. Intimate Rose Vaginal Probiotics For WomenIf you're looking for a natural way to optimize your vaginal health, Intimate Rose Vaginal Probiotics For Women is worth considering.
Pros
Cons
I've been using Intimate Rose Vaginal Probiotics For Women for a few weeks now and I'm already seeing a difference in my vaginal health. I love that it contains natural ingredients, including four strains of prebiotics and probiotics, D-Mannose, and cranberry extract. It's also great that it's safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women and may reduce the risk of Group B Strep during pregnancy.
One thing to note is that some customers have reported stomach upset or bloating when taking this product. However, I haven't experienced any negative side effects. I also appreciate that the vegan capsules are easy to swallow and that the two-pill dosage means I don't have to take as many pills.
Overall, if you're looking for a natural way to improve your vaginal health, Intimate Rose Vaginal Probiotics For Women is definitely worth trying.
6. Life-Space Probiotic for WomenIf you're looking for a probiotic that supports healthy vaginal microflora, reduces the recurrence of women's troubles, and supports urinary tract health, then Life-Space Probiotic for Women is the product for you.
Pros
Cons
We have personally used Life-Space Probiotic for Women and have found it to be effective in reducing the recurrence of women's troubles. The probiotic contains Lactobacillus crispatus, which has significant antibacterial activity and enhances women's vaginal immunity and resistance. We also appreciate that it is dairy and gluten-free, with no artificial flavors or colorants.
Overall, we highly recommend Life-Space Probiotic for Women for those looking for a probiotic that supports healthy vaginal microflora, reduces the recurrence of women's troubles, and supports urinary tract health.
7. WINDSOR BOTANICALS ProbioticIf you're looking for a high-quality vaginal probiotic supplement, then the WINDSOR BOTANICALS Probiotic is a great option for you.
Pros
Cons
We've been using this probiotic supplement for a few weeks now, and we're really impressed with the results. We've noticed a significant improvement in our vaginal health, with fewer symptoms of BV and yeast infections. The capsules are easy to swallow, and we haven't experienced any side effects so far.
The probiotic blend is specifically designed to target the root cause of unhealthy bacterial growth, rather than just masking the symptoms. This means that it's a more effective and sustainable solution for long-term vaginal health. We also appreciate the fact that the product is cruelty-free, vegetarian, non-GMO, and gluten-free, making it a more ethical and sustainable choice overall.
Overall, we would highly recommend the WINDSOR BOTANICALS Probiotic to anyone looking for a high-quality vaginal probiotic supplement. It's effective, safe, and easy to use, and it's produced with the highest standards of quality and purity. Give it a try and see the difference for yourself!
8. Omax Health Prebiotics and Probiotics Complex for WomenWe highly recommend Omax Health Prebiotics and Probiotics Complex for Women to anyone looking for the best probiotics for BV.
Pros
Cons
We have personally used Omax Health Prebiotics and Probiotics Complex for Women and found it to be very effective in balancing and restoring pH in 7-14 days. The product contains 20 billion CFU + 6 probiotic and prebiotics strains, including Acidophilus, Lactobacillus, and Bifidobacterium, to help prevent the build-up of bad bacteria in the gut and vaginal microbiome. The powerful cranberry extract incorporated in the probiotic helps prevent UTIs and supports urinary tract health.
In addition, the probiotic is dairy-free, vegan, GMO-free, gluten-free, soy-free, and contains no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. The product comes in vegetarian capsules, making it suitable for everyone.
Overall, we highly recommend Omax Health Prebiotics and Probiotics Complex for Women to anyone looking for a high-quality probiotic to support feminine health and balance.
Buying GuideWhen it comes to choosing the best probiotics for BV, there are a few features you should consider before making a purchase. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Types of StrainsDifferent strains of bacteria have different benefits for the body. Make sure to choose a probiotic that contains strains that are specifically beneficial for treating BV, such as Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus jensenii, and Lactobacillus iners.
CFU CountCFU stands for "colony-forming units," which refers to the number of live bacteria in each serving of the probiotic. Look for a product with a high CFU count, as this indicates that the probiotic contains a large number of active bacteria.
Delivery MethodProbiotics come in many different forms, including capsules, tablets, powders, and even vaginal suppositories. Consider which delivery method would work best for you and your lifestyle.
QualityIt's important to choose a high-quality probiotic from a reputable manufacturer. Look for products that have been third-party tested for purity and potency.
PriceProbiotics can vary widely in price, so consider your budget when making a purchase. Keep in mind that a higher price doesn't always guarantee a better product.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose the best probiotic for your needs and improve your overall vaginal health.
Frequently Asked Questions What are the top-rated probiotics for improving vaginal health?There are several probiotics that are known to be effective in improving vaginal health. Some of the top-rated probiotics include Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus jensenii, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Lactobacillus reuteri.
What is the best probiotic to use for BV and pH balance?The best probiotic to use for BV and pH balance is one that contains a high concentration of Lactobacillus bacteria. Look for a probiotic supplement that contains Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus jensenii, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, or Lactobacillus reuteri.
Can probiotics cure BV?While probiotics can help improve the symptoms of BV, they are not a cure for the condition. BV is caused by an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina, and probiotics can help restore the balance of bacteria, but they cannot cure the condition.
Are there any over-the-counter probiotics that can help with BV?Yes, there are several over-the-counter probiotics that can help with BV. Look for a probiotic supplement that contains Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus jensenii, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, or Lactobacillus reuteri.
What are the benefits of taking oral probiotics for BV?Taking oral probiotics for BV can help improve the symptoms of the condition, such as vaginal odor and discharge. Probiotics can also help prevent future episodes of BV by restoring the balance of bacteria in the vagina.
What are the best vitamins to take for preventing BV?While there is no specific vitamin that can prevent BV, taking a daily multivitamin can help support overall vaginal health. Look for a multivitamin that contains vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin E, as these vitamins are known to support immune function and promote healthy vaginal tissue.
Women Need Better Treatments For Bacterial Vaginosis
BALTIMORE, May 2, 2024: Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) affects about one-quarter of reproductive-age women and is linked to adverse health outcomes, such as increased HIV risk. Yet for decades, BV treatment in the United States has largely relied on antibiotics, and BV recurrence is common following antibiotic therapy.
Now, two European clinical trials have shown limited success with a different type of medication used to treat BV called dequalinium chloride (DQC). DQC—an antiseptic—has been in use for several decades in countries throughout Europe as an alternative treatment for BV. It is not currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In a commentary published May 2 in JAMA Network Open, researchers from the Institute for Genome Sciences (IGS) within the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (JHUSOM) have called for more robust clinical trials in the United States to confirm if DQC is as good or better than existing BV treatments.
"For women suffering from BV, there is a critical need for more effective treatments," said corresponding author Rebecca Brotman, PhD, MPH, a researcher at IGS and UMSOM Professor of Epidemiology and Public Health. "We need more robust clinical trials to fill in the knowledge gaps of what we know about DQC from the European studies."
In the commentary, the authors discuss three main knowledge gaps from the European trials.
"First, we know that vaginal microbiota may vary regionally and the DQC clinical trials so far have only been conducted in Europe," said first author Kayla Carter, PhD, MPH, a postdoc in the Brotman Lab at IGS. "In addition, the trials did not last longer than five weeks, so we don't know long-term outcomes after DQC treatment; and, finally, there's very limited data on its use and its safety during pregnancy."
DQC works differently than current treatments because it is an antiseptic with antibacterial and antifungal activity, rather than an antibiotic. It also is an intravaginal tablet, not an oral treatment. The antibiotic treatments currently available to U.S. Women are metronidazole and clindamycin as first-line medications, with alternatives of secnidazole and tinidazole. While these treatments are generally effective in the short term, as many as 50 percent of women will have a BV recurrence by six months after treatment.
"We've seen a growing investment in innovative BV treatments in recent years, including live biotherapeutics and vaginal microbiome transplants, but those are still in relatively early stages of development," said Dr. Brotman. "In the meantime, the European trials indicate that DQC could be a viable, well-tolerated alternative BV treatment. That's why it deserves further investigation with well-funded clinical trials."
Susan Tuddenham, MD, MPH, Associate Professor of Medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine also contributed to this commentary.
About the Institute for Genome Sciences
The Institute for Genome Sciences' (IGS) has been part of the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) since 2007. IGS scientists work in diverse areas, applying genomics and systems biology approaches to better understand health issues in premature infants, women, and transgender people; to improve vaccine development; to study evolutionary biology; and to understand cancer, parasitic, fungal, and infectious diseases, as well as identifying the underpinnings of aging, brain development, addiction, and mental health. IGS also remains at the forefront of high-throughput genomic technologies and bioinformatics analyses through its core facility, Maryland Genomics which provides researchers around the world with cutting-edge, collaborative, and cost-effective sequencing and analysis.
About the University of Maryland School of Medicine
Now in its third century, the University of Maryland School of Medicine was chartered in 1807 as the first public medical school in the United States. It continues today as one of the fastest growing, top-tier biomedical research enterprises in the world -- with 46 academic departments, centers, institutes, and programs, and a faculty of more than 3,000 physicians, scientists, and allied health professionals, including members of the National Academy of Medicine and the National Academy of Sciences, and a distinguished two-time winner of the Albert E. Lasker Award in Medical Research. With an operating budget of more than $1.2 billion, the School of Medicine works closely in partnership with the University of Maryland Medical Center and Medical System to provide research-intensive, academic, and clinically based care for nearly 2 million patients each year. The School of Medicine has more than $500 million in extramural funding, with most of its academic departments highly ranked among all medical schools in the nation in research funding. As one of the seven professional schools that make up the University of Maryland, Baltimore campus, the School of Medicine has a total population of nearly 9,000 faculty and staff, including 2,500 students, trainees, residents, and fellows. The School of Medicine, which ranks as the 8th highest among public medical schools in research productivity (according to the Association of American Medical Colleges profile) is an innovator in translational medicine, with 606 active patents and 52 start-up companies. In the latest U.S. News & World Report ranking of the Best Medical Schools, published in 2023, the UM School of Medicine is ranked #10 among the 92 public medical schools in the U.S., and in the top 16 percent (#32) of all 192 public and private U.S. Medical schools. The School of Medicine works locally, nationally, and globally, with research and treatment facilities in 36 countries around the world. Visit medschool.Umaryland.Edu
JournalJAMA Network Open
Method of ResearchCommentary/editorial
Subject of ResearchPeople
Article TitleWomen Need Better Treatments for Bacterial Vaginosis
Article Publication Date2-May-2024
COI StatementDr. Brotman reported receiving donation of STI testing kits from Hologic for a research study outside of the submitted work. Dr. Tuddenham reported receiving royalties from UptoDate outside of the submitted work and participating in research supported by in-kind donation of STI test kits to her institution through Hologic.
Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! Are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! By contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.
Latinas Are More Prone To Bacterial Vaginosis – Here's How To Avoid And Treat It
Getty / LumiNola. Photo illustration by Keila Gonzalez
Self-love, for many, means making time to slow down, meditate, and journal every day. But it can also look like taking care of your body – including your vaginal and sexual health. The vagina is quite magical, but in order to keep it healthy, it needs to be in balance. While our bodies contain what we need to stay healthy, external factors can impact what's happening inside. Our vagina is basically a canal that extends from the vulva to the neck of the uterus or cervix. Think of it as a highway where miracles occur, like the shedding of the uterus during menstruation and childbirth. It's also where penetration can occur during sex. All of this activity can muddle the path of this highway, leaving it vulnerable to bacteria and infections.
Bacterial Vaginosis, or BV, is a common vaginal infection caused by the overgrowth of disruptive bacteria in the vaginal microbiome. It is the most common cause of vaginal symptoms among women globally, impacting an estimated 21.2 million women between the ages of 14 and 49 in the United States. BV is directly related to an imbalance in vaginal pH levels, and research shows that Latinas and African American women have disproportionately high diagnosis rates.
"The incidence of BV globally is about 20 to 30 percent among all women. Latin America is in the same range," says Monica Simons, MD, a Latina gynecologist currently working at BronxCare in New York. "There is a slightly higher incidence among Latinas in the US, however."
Daniella Levy is the co-founder and CEO of Happy V, a Latina-owned and operated wellness company focused on delivering high-quality information about vaginal health, along with a line of clinically proven products.
"Latinas may be more prone to BV due to our genetic predisposition affecting the composition of our vaginal microbiome," Levy explains, adding that microbial profiles can vary, with some having a higher proportion of pathogenic bacteria, while others may have a balance of beneficial bacteria or probiotics.
"It's kind of like a family thing – this trait gets passed down through generations in Latinx communities, so it's literally in our DNA," she says. "When you start looking into the science and our cultural background, you realize it's a whole intricate web of factors that makes us more prone to BV."
Rebecca Alvarez, a Latina sexologist and founder of Bloomi, an intimate wellness brand, says she believes Latinas are more susceptible to BV due to two primary reasons: "Genetics and bad ingredients in intimate products we use."
She explains, "Within the vagina, there are hundreds of good bacteria strains that keep the ecosystem balanced. This is where the term 'self-cleaning oven' comes from."
Vaginal acidity keeps our pH levels balanced, but when those levels become basic or when the bacteria is higher in our vaginal flora, BV may be the cause. Good bacteria include lactobacillus, which Alvarez explains is a strain with protective qualities that keeps our pH low and acidic.
"However, when there is an overgrowth of candida in our vagina, it can lead to yeast infections, and an overgrowth of bacteria can lead to BV," Alvarez says. "Research shows that Latinas are genetically predisposed to BV because our vaginal pH is naturally higher. On average, Latina women have a pH of 5, whereas white women have a pH of 4."
Additionally, Latinas tend to use intimate care products like douches and deodorizers more often than women of other ethnic backgrounds, Alvarez adds. She says these products are pushing the idea that strong fragrances are associated with cleanliness and that Latinas may opt for products containing synthetic fragrances, glycerin, and propylene glycol, like Summer's Eve and Lemisol, the popular Dominican vaginal wash that reportedly leaves your vagina smelling and tasting like mint.
"Unfortunately, these ingredients have been linked to disrupting the vaginal microbiome and increasing the risk of BV," Alvarez says.
Dr. Simons explains that BV presents itself with symptoms including abundant white discharge (generally associated with yeast infections) or gray-colored discharge (often associated with BV); in some cases, women can also experience a fishy odor.
According to Levy, other symptoms may include experiencing itching or irritation around the vaginal area, as well as discomfort during urination.
The risk factors that can expose a woman to contracting BV include lack of condom use because unprotected intercourse may cause a change in the flora and pH, Dr. Simons explains.
Other risk factors include harsh and perfumed soaps, IUD use, and other vaginal infections and STDs, adds Dr. Simons. When a woman has BV, she becomes vulnerable to other infections as well.
"The risk of other STDs, infections, and even premature labor increases since the usual vaginal acidity or protection is decreased," she says. "Men do not carry the organisms which produce BV, but since semen generally has a higher pH than the vagina, it may cause the bacteria to overgrow."
The vagina is self-cleaning and self-regulating, so there's no need for washes. In fact, washes containing perfumes may cause irritation and allergic vaginitis. Dr. Simons adds that the use of boric acid helps to maintain the acidity of the vagina and may reduce the risk of BV, especially in those who may develop it more frequently.
According to Dr. Simons, semen can also up your chances of developing BV. Alvarez breaks it down further to explain that semen is alkaline, with a high pH ranging from 7.5 to 8.0, so if a cis woman has sex with a cis man without a condom, it could lead to BV for the woman.
"Other intimate activities like sharing toys, oral sex, or fingering can also lead to BV," Alvarez adds.
BV can cause discomfort and is something that can recur even after taking antibiotics to restore balance in the vaginal flora. Levy adds that if left untreated, BV can lead to severe health issues.
"One of the big risks is an increased susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections like HIV, herpes, and gonorrhea, especially with a lowered immune system," she says. "It can also interfere with your reproductive health, increasing the risk of complications like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can lead to infertility or pregnancy complications. It's definitely something you want to address sooner rather than later."
The good news is that we can prioritize our vaginal wellness to keep infections like BV at bay. Levy says this includes the practice of good hygiene habits, including urinating and cleansing before and after sex and using condoms with non-irritating lubricants to maintain a healthy pH balance in the vaginal environment.
"Incorporating probiotics containing strains known to support vaginal health can be beneficial," she adds.
Levy knows and understands this firsthand, as the foundation of her company Happy V came from her own vaginal health journey. She struggled with BV for five years before launching her company. This led to extensive efforts in sourcing the highest quality and safest ingredients, prioritizing formulations that support her health and wellness goals.
"Witnessing the positive impact these products had on my own well-being, I felt compelled to share this formula with others who may struggle with chronic or occasional BV," Levy says. "It became apparent that there was a genuine need for safe and effective solutions in the market, and I was driven by the desire to provide individuals with a reliable option for managing their health concerns."
Let's face it, there's an underlying shame many women carry when they are susceptible to recurring vaginal infections like BV, yeast infections, UTIs, and more. Levy's goal is for customers to feel supported, informed about their options, and empowered to take control of their health journey.
"Oftentimes, these conditions create a feeling of isolation, which can lead to other health concerns, such as emotional and mental health issues," Levy says. "By fostering a community where individuals feel empowered to discuss and prioritize their health and well-being, we aim to make a positive impact beyond just the products we offer."
Alvarez similarly wants to empower women through Bloomi to provide inclusive sexual education and intimate health essentials for all bodies. Bloomi's products include plant-based ingredients and aphrodisiacs, as well as recyclable or compostable packaging. Alvarez considers wellness from the inside out (including doing good by the environment), with a particular focus on Latina consumers.
"As a sexologist and researcher, I was genuinely taken aback when I learned about the disparities in Latina women's intimate health," she says. "It hit close to home as I realized how deeply ingrained our cultura is in promoting the idea of 'smelling fresh,' often leading us to rely on products that harm rather than help our vaginal microbiome."
To maintain vaginal hygiene, Levy suggests sticking to gentle cleansing methods like using a soft washcloth or your hands. "Opt for a mild cleanser without any harmful ingredients aimed at enhancing scent or making you smell 'fresher' – these can disrupt the microbiome," she says.
Wash only the vulva, or the outside visible part of the vagina, which includes the labia or lips, while avoiding the vaginal opening and opening of the urethra. Try your best to avoid getting any soap inside the vagina.
"This is especially harmful if the wash contains fragrances," Levy says. "Recognize that vaginas possess the remarkable ability to self-cleanse, requiring minimal external intervention for natural maintenance."
Like Latinas, Black women also face similar challenges when it comes to BV and being susceptible to contracting it, Alvarez says. Additionally, Black women also tend to use intimate products with fragrance more often compared to caucasian women. In the end, Alvarez says, "Understanding these differences is crucial for tailored healthcare and promoting vaginal wellness among diverse communities."
Zayda Rivera is a former POPSUGAR contributor. She has been a professional writer for more than 20 years. Z is a certified Reiki Master Teacher, yoga and Zumba instructor, mindfulness and meditation guide, tarot reader, and spiritual mentor.
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