UTI, BV, and yeast infection support without antibiotics

I know how frustrating it can be to have feelings of a UTI, bacterial vaginosis (BV), or a yeast infection and the only option given to you is an antibiotic. But, there are a lot of options to treat these holistically before jumping to an antibiotic. If symptoms get worse or aren't resolving by using some of these tools, then maybe it would be time for medication.

Here are my favorite ways to support vaginal flora health:

• Do NOT use soap on your vulva. Your vagina is a self-cleaning machine that has a unique and important bacterial biome that gets disrupted by the use of soap. Yes, I really mean don't use any soap. No, you won't smell. If you do, that tells us that something has gone awry.

• Use a pH and microbiome friendly lubricant for intercourse. I've talked to a lot of women that think not using lube is almost like a badge of honor...and I'm here to tell you that it is totally okay and even recommended that you use lube (it doesn't mean you're broken). It is very common to experience vaginal dryness with breastfeeding and postpartum, so definitely use it during these times. Again, your partner's genital (or oral) microbiome can disrupt the vagina's, so using a pH and microbiome friendly lube can prevent BV. Some of the quality lubes I like are Coconu (code: dremilyduncan), Rowe Casa Organics, and Good Clean Love

• Take a daily oral urinary tract probiotic to promote a healthy and diverse vaginal microbiome. When symptomatic, take orally and also open a capsule into coconut oil and then apply around vaginal canal. The brand I like is Jarrow Women's Urinary Tract Probiotic. You can buy it on Amazon and Sprouts.

• Take cranberry+d mannose pills daily. You can also buy these on Amazon or Sprouts. As prevention, take 2-3 capsules daily. When symptomatic, take 2-3 capsules 2-3x a day. This helps prevent bacteria from sticking to the lining of your urinary tract.

• When symptomatic, do 2-3 diluted apple cider vinegar sitz baths a day. You can either use a sitz bath or fill up a bathtub a few inches and put a couple tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in it. Soak your vulva for 10-15 minutes.

• Using boric acid vaginal suppositories can also help if your pH isn't optimal. If you are getting recurrent episodes of BV, this is probably the case. Insert 1-2 vaginal suppositories daily while symptomatic.

• I know this next one will sound crazy but...insert plain greek yogurt into the vaginal canal. You can use a syringe or your finger to insert, but it will probably be messy so wear a pad. Plain greek yogurt is full of beneficial bacteria, so this is a great way to support the microbiome while symptomatic.

• And a no brainer---avoid processed food, sugar, and fake sugar while symptomatic

I hope you found this information helpful! Feel free to share it with a friend that may benefit from this (most women don't know to not use soap). As always, if you have any questions please reach out!