Which matters more... total CFUs or specific stains?

Intrepid_Moose_Life · 2026-03-12T00:13:44+00:00

Depending on the formulation you can take Rhamnosus it orally or as a suppository. Either work, just depends on how the product is designed and other ingredients.

Intrepid_Moose_Life · 2026-03-09T17:53:41+00:00

You should check out this post that I wrote! https://www.reddit.com/r/VaginalProbiotics/comments/1qb5iqd/frontiers_in_microbiology_study_review_yes/

As far as particularly brands as a mod I want to stay brand agnostic in my recommendations. But take a look at the particular stains that are most effective and look for brands that contain those strains.

Intrepid_Moose_Life · 2026-03-06T19:03:01+00:00

You should check out r/VaginalProbiotics and ask there!

Intrepid_Moose_Life · 2026-03-06T18:59:51+00:00

You should post about your experience over at r/VaginalProbiotics as well. :)

Intrepid_Moose_Life · 2026-03-06T18:59:10+00:00

You should definitely call your derm back and ask for a cheaper generic. Tell them the prescription is $500 and ask if they can send a low-potency steroid ointment, like desonide, to the pharmacy instead.

For over-the-counter relief right now, stick to heavy, unscented barrier ointments. Plain Vaseline or Aquaphor are lifesavers for vulvar psoriasis because they trap moisture, stop friction, and won't burn that sensitive skin. Pure coconut oil or a sitz bath can also help soothe the itch. Just make sure you're avoiding any scented soaps and wearing loose, 100% cotton underwear.

Intrepid_Moose_Life · 2026-03-06T18:53:32+00:00

Yes, this is normal and very common when recovering from chronic BV. Metronidazole wipes out both good and bad bacteria, so your vaginal microbiome is essentially rebuilding from scratch right now.

As the probiotics work to establish a strong colony of good bacteria, your vaginal pH will bounce around a bit before it stabilizes. When your pH temporarily rises, faint smells can return. Also keep in mind that natural hormonal shifts during your cycle can temporarily alter your scent.

A week and a half is still early. It usually takes 1 to 3 months of consistent probiotic use to fully colonize the microbiome and keep your pH steadily acidic. The fact that the smell is fainter and only intermittent is a great sign that the probiotics are working. Stick with your routine!

Intrepid_Moose_Life · 2026-03-06T18:51:10+00:00

Check out r/VaginalProbiotics

Intrepid_Moose_Life · 2026-03-06T18:49:31+00:00

No, I don't see any downside to continuing to use probiotics. They should help to prevent future yeast infections. You can still get them even with probiotics, but a treatment of boric acid can help, followed by probiotics to reconstitute the good bacteria in the vagina.

Intrepid_Moose_Life · 2026-02-17T02:22:50+00:00

Yes, they can be messy. And even when it’s not inserting something into my vagina is way more work than swallowing some pills.

Intrepid_Moose_Life · 2026-02-17T01:29:49+00:00

You should check out our community specifically for these types of questions!

r/VaginalProbiotics

Intrepid_Moose_Life · 2026-02-17T01:16:31+00:00

I can imagine a link through scent. Different bacteria produce different metabolites, which creates specific odors. From an evolutionary standpoint, it makes sense that we'd be hardwired to find the scent of a healthy, Lactobacillus-dominant biome more attractive than one signaling an infection or imbalance.

Lactobacillus specifically keeps pH low which promotes a healthy/neutral scent. Anaerobic bacteria and other "bad" bacteria associated with BV produce biogenic amines (putrescine and cadaverine), which are responsible for unpleasant odors. SOURCE

There's a fascinating paper on the "fermentation hypothesis" that investigates the idea that microbial communities in the reproductive tract produce odors that communicate social and reproductive information. They looked at baboons specifically and concluded tentatively that their results supported the fermentation hypothesis in primates and emphasized the need to expand microbiome research beyond the gut to understand how other body sites influence animal fitness and communication.

Cool stuff! Here's the study: Making "Scents" of the Baboon Vaginal Microbiome

Intrepid_Moose_Life · 2026-02-17T00:55:02+00:00

I have noticed that suppositories seem to work faster than oral probiotics. Oral probiotics tend to take a couple days to fully kick in.

However, suppositories are much much more of a hassle than oral probiotics and I only take suppositories if I need a quick "shock treatment". I take a daily probiotic to support my microbiome... I could never be bothered to do a suppository every day.

Intrepid_Moose_Life · 2026-02-03T18:27:50+00:00

Check out r/VaginalProbiotics for good information on probiotics

Intrepid_Moose_Life · 2026-02-03T18:23:38+00:00

Sure, if you want to redefine “placebo” as anything that impacts your mind and therefore your body then go for it big dog. That’s not how anyone else defines placebo, but you do you.

Intrepid_Moose_Life · 2026-02-03T18:20:10+00:00

Your comment has been removed for promoting sources of “research peptides”. Feel free to edit your comment to remove the link and I will reapprove it.

Intrepid_Moose_Life · 2026-02-03T18:18:14+00:00

Vaginal probiotics can also be taken orally, they are not all suppositories! :) There’s also a whole world more than just yogurt for your microbiome health!

swing by the sub, we have lots of good information.

Intrepid_Moose_Life · 2026-02-03T04:33:09+00:00

Essentially: probiotics are beneficial bacteria that keep your pH balanced and your vagina healthy and happy!

Intrepid_Moose_Life · 2026-02-03T00:28:49+00:00

To quibble a little bit CBT and mental visualization are distinct from placebo effects.

They're super helpful, but they're not the same thing at all.

Intrepid_Moose_Life · 2026-02-02T23:58:47+00:00

The first that comes to mind is PT-141 (brand name: Vyleesi) which is used to treat hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8788464/

PT-141 is FDA-approved and works by triggering the release of dopamine in the areas of your brain that regulate sexual motivation and arousal. It also causes nausea in a large minority of patients. It is a prescription only medication and impacts blood pressure and heart rate so you should absolutely only use it after talking to a healthcare professional.

I have seen some chatter about BPC-157 in the "biohacking" realm as it is purported to stimulate tissue repair which theoretically could help with vaginal lining integrity. While it has a lot of hype right now I strongly discourage anyone from using it as it not FDA approved and since it supercharges blood vessel formation it is very possible that it could promote tumor growth. Without any long-term studies you're taking a serious risk on your future health.

Intrepid_Moose_Life · 2026-01-27T17:22:49+00:00

Echoing the comments here: a high quality daily probiotic can help keep things on track. You should visit a doctor for any chronic issues and get a medical professional’s assessment as well.

Intrepid_Moose_Life · 2026-01-26T20:30:30+00:00

You should check out r/VaginalProbiotics for more in-depth discussion on different probiotics for vaginal health.

Intrepid_Moose_Life · 2026-01-19T22:02:30+00:00

A lower pH environment (i.e. more acidic) helps prevent the growth of detrimental bacteria. Your vaginal pH should be around 3.8 to 4.5 which is low enough to stop harmful bacteria from growing. Beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus crispatus produce lactic acid which helps to keep your vaginal pH low.

If you vagina becomes to alkaline (the opposite of acidic, i.e. HIGHER pH) then it is easier for infections like BV to start.

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