If you’ve struggled with recurrent vaginal infections, whether yeast, bacterial vaginosis (BV), or chronic vaginitis, you’re not alone. Many women experience the frustrating cycle of temporary relief followed by relapse. This recurring pattern is often linked to vaginal dysbiosis, a disruption of the delicate microbial ecosystem that normally protects your vaginal health.
But here’s the good news: with the right knowledge and support, you can break the cycle and restore balance.
The vagina has its own microbiome, dominated by “good” bacteria that help keep the environment slightly acidic (pH ~3.5–4.5). This acidity discourages harmful microbes like Gardnerella (associated with BV) or Candida (yeast) from overgrowing.
When this balance is disrupted through antibiotics, hormonal changes, high stress, or lifestyle factors, dysbiosis occurs. This can result in chronic vaginitis, with symptoms like itching, burning, unusual discharge, odor, or discomfort during intimacy.
The strongest protectors of vaginal health are Lactobacillus species, beneficial bacteria that dominate a healthy microbiome. Each has unique strengths:
Lactobacillus crispatus – The Gold Standard Protector
Produces high levels of lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide, creating the most stable and protective environment against BV and yeast.
Lactobacillus gasseri – The Equalizer
Produces lactic acid and bacteriocins (natural antimicrobials) that can take down other pathogens. Helps maintain microbial diversity and stability.
Lactobacillus jensenii – The Steady Anchor
A consistent colonizer that produces hydrogen peroxide and is linked with reduced risk of preterm birth. L. jensenii also creates a thin but stable layer over the vaginal epithelium, which blocks attachment sites that pathogens would otherwise use to colonize.
Lactobacillus iners – The Lazy Friend
Produces lactic acid but is less protective. Can exist in both health and dysbiosis states, often seen in women with recurrent BV. Alone, it's not so helpful, but it does give an an assist to the other strains and helps them perform better.
Dr. Moira Bradfield Strydom, Australian naturopath and researcher, teaches through her platform Intimate Ecology that conquering chronic vaginitis requires more than just short bursts of antimicrobials. Key takeaways from her work:
Restore, don’t just kill – focus on nurturing beneficial lactobacilli rather than repeatedly wiping everything out with antibiotics.
Address the terrain – hormone balance, gut health, blood sugar regulation, and even partner microbiomes can affect vaginal resilience.
Judicious antimicrobials – use only when necessary, and always alongside strategies to restore balance.
Personalized care – every woman’s microbiome is unique; a one-size-fits-all approach rarely works long-term.
You can hear Dr. Strydom discuss these strategies on:
Vagibiom – probiotic vaginal insert formulations designed to directly restore vaginal lactobacilli.
RepHresh Gel – a pH-balancing gel that maintains the acidic environment, giving “good” bacteria the upper hand.
When it comes to restoring a healthy vaginal microbiome, delivery matters.
Oral probiotics (like capsules or powders) primarily colonize the gut, and while they can influence the vaginal microbiome indirectly (through gut–vaginal cross-talk and immune signaling), only a small portion of those bacteria reach the vagina. They are more helpful for overall microbiome balance than for rapid vaginal recolonization.
Vaginal probiotics (such as Vagibiom V Flora suppositories or capsules designed for intravaginal use):
Deliver the beneficial Lactobacillus strains directly where they are needed, bypassing the gut.
Can more effectively lower vaginal pH, produce hydrogen peroxide, and compete with harmful bacteria locally.
May offer faster symptom relief in cases of bacterial vaginosis, recurrent yeast infections, or chronic vaginitis.
Support the re-establishment of protective strains like L. crispatus, L. gasseri, L. jensenii, and L. reuteri in the vaginal ecosystem.
Oral probiotics are excellent for gut health and may provide some indirect vaginal benefits. But if the goal is to quickly restore balance in the vaginal microbiome, products like Vagibiom V Flora, which are placed directly in the vagina, may be more effective because they deliver good bacteria exactly where protection is needed most.
Oral or vaginal probiotics with L. reuteri and L. rhamnosus (some emerging products are incorporating L. crispatus).
Fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi to support both gut and vaginal microbiomes.
DIY moisturizers – Organic coconut oil may soothe dryness, though should be used sparingly and with caution to avoid pH disruption.
DIY acidifying support – under provider guidance, intravaginal lactic acid or boric acid suppositories may help restore balance in recurrent cases.
One of the simplest ways to keep track of vaginal health is by monitoring pH with pH test paper or swabs:
Normal vaginal pH: 3.5–4.5
How to test:
Wash your hands and insert a pH strip or pH swab about 1–2 cm into the vagina (or press gently against vaginal walls).
Compare the strip to the color chart.
What it means:
Normal (3.5–4.5): Lactobacillus-dominant and healthy.
Elevated (>4.5): Suggests bacterial vaginosis, trichomonas, or other imbalance.
Low (<3.5): Can occur with certain therapies or over-acidification (less common).
Why it helps: Routine monitoring can alert you early if balance is shifting, especially if you are prone to recurrent infections.
You can purchase vaginal pH test kits online or at most pharmacies.
If you experience more than 3–4 infections per year,
If you notice persistent odor, discharge, or bleeding,
If you have pain with intimacy or recurrent urinary infections,
…it’s time for a more comprehensive evaluation.
Chronic vaginitis is rarely “just bad luck.” It usually signals a deeper imbalance that can be corrected with a personalized plan.
Your vaginal microbiome is a living ecosystem, and the key to long-term health is nurturing its natural balance. Understanding the protective role of Lactobacillus species, especially L. crispatus, and using tools like probiotics, pH-balancing gels, pH monitoring, and integrative self-care strategies can help break the cycle of chronic infections.
By combining science, clinical care, and the integrative insights of experts like Dr. Moira Bradfield Strydom, you can reclaim vaginal comfort and confidence and support your intimate health for the long term.
Disclaimer: The information on this blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Do your own research and consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment. Use supplements thoughtfully and at your own risk.
