Why Vaginal Symptoms Keep Coming Back — The Science Behind Chronic Infections (And What You Can Do)
Recurrent vaginal infections are not just inconvenient — they’re disruptive, distressing, and often deeply frustrating. For many women, it feels like an endless cycle: symptoms appear, they’re treated (often with antibiotics or antifungals), things improve briefly… and then the symptoms return.
Bacterial vaginosis (BV), Candida (yeast overgrowth), urinary tract infections (UTIs), and even undiagnosed low-grade STIs often present as chronic, recurring conditions — especially when the vaginal microbiome is not fully restored.
At BG Naturopathy, we take a scientific and whole-person approach to chronic vaginal infections. This blog explains why these conditions keep coming back, what’s really going on beneath the surface, and what a comprehensive, root-cause solution looks like.
Understanding the Vaginal Microbiome
The vaginal microbiome is a unique and complex ecosystem of microbes — primarily bacteria and yeasts — that live within the vaginal canal. When balanced, this ecosystem serves as your first line of defence against infections, inflammation, and reproductive issues.
In healthy individuals, the dominant bacteria are typically Lactobacillus species — particularly Lactobacillus crispatus, L. gasseri, L. iners, and L. jensenii. These beneficial bacteria:
Produce lactic acid, which keeps vaginal pH acidic (ideally 3.8–4.5)
Create hydrogen peroxide and bacteriocins, which inhibit pathogenic organisms
Form a protective barrier that lines the vaginal epithelium
When this balance is disrupted — a condition known as dysbiosis — pathogenic microbes can overgrow, including:
Gardnerella vaginalis (common in BV)
Candida albicans or Candida glabrata (yeast infections)
Ureaplasma or Mycoplasma species
Escherichia coli (linked with UTIs)
Why Vaginal Infections Keep Coming Back
Here’s a closer look at the root causes behind recurrent vaginal infections — and why they’re so often resistant to short-term treatments.
1. Antibiotics and Antifungals Disrupt the Microbiome
Standard treatments often focus solely on eradicating the overgrowth (e.g., Metronidazole for BV, Fluconazole for Candida). While this may temporarily reduce symptoms, these medications also reduce beneficial Lactobacilli, often leaving the vagina vulnerable to reinfection.
A 2020 review in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology confirms that antibiotic-induced depletion of Lactobacilli is a major risk factor for recurrence — especially in BV, which has a relapse rate of up to 80% within 3 months.
2. Hidden Biofilms Protect Pathogens
Pathogenic bacteria like Gardnerella, Ureaplasma, and Candida are known to form biofilms — sticky layers that protect them from both immune responses and medication. These biofilms allow microbes to persist in the vaginal tract even after symptoms temporarily resolve.
Biofilms can house multi-species communities, making treatment more complex. Effective eradication often requires a biofilm-disrupting protocol, which naturopaths can support using agents like enzymes (e.g., serrapeptase, nattokinase) and herbal antimicrobials.
3. Gut-Vaginal Axis Dysbiosis
The gut microbiome and vaginal microbiome are interconnected via the immune system, lymphatic circulation, and microbial migration through the rectal-vaginal route. If gut dysbiosis exists (e.g., SIBO, Candida overgrowth, low short-chain fatty acids), it can seed ongoing imbalance in the vaginal microbiome.
In fact, studies have shown that gut-derived strains of Candida albicans are often the same as those colonising the vaginal tract — suggesting that unless the gut is addressed, vaginal issues may return.
4. Hormonal Imbalances Affect Vaginal pH
Estrogen directly influences vaginal glycogen production — which Lactobacilli metabolise into lactic acid. This means that low estrogen states (e.g., perimenopause, post-pill, postpartum) reduce Lactobacillus abundance, leading to higher pH and more vulnerability to infection.
Other hormonal patterns (like high androgens or progesterone imbalances) may also indirectly impact immune function and mucosal health.
5. Sexual Activity and Microbiome Transmission
Sexual intercourse can introduce foreign bacteria and alter the vaginal pH. In some cases, sexual partners may carry and reintroduce pathogenic microbes, especially if asymptomatic. Practices such as frequent oral sex, using saliva as lubricant, or not urinating after intercourse can also increase UTI and BV risk.
Condom use and partner testing are often overlooked in conventional care, but critical in breaking the cycle of recurrence.
6. Stress and Immune Suppression
The vaginal mucosa is an immune-regulated environment. Cortisol dysregulation, poor sleep, or nutrient deficiencies (especially zinc, vitamin D, and iron) can impair the local immune response, reducing your body’s ability to clear infections fully.
Chronic stress also alters gut and vaginal microbiota composition, particularly reducing Lactobacilli.
A Naturopathic Approach: What Actually Works
To truly stop the cycle, we must go deeper than symptom suppression. Naturopathic care addresses the entire ecosystem: vaginal, gut, immune, and hormonal health.
At BG Naturopathy, we use advanced testing, such as the Comprehensive Vaginal Microbiome Profile, which assesses:
Lactobacillus strains
Candida species
Bacterial vaginosis markers (e.g., Gardnerella, Atopobium, Megasphaera)
Pathogens like Ureaplasma, Mycoplasma, Chlamydia
Optional STI screening
pH and inflammation markers
Once we identify the imbalances, we support you with a phased, personalised treatment plan that may include:
Herbal antimicrobials and antifungals
Biofilm disruptors
Probiotic and prebiotic therapy (oral and vaginal)
Gut healing protocols
Immune and nervous system support
Hormone rebalancing
Partner or sexual health considerations
The Vaginal Microbiome Wellness Package
For women ready to get to the root of their chronic vaginal health issues, we offer a complete support package.
Includes:
Initial Consultation (75 minutes)
Two Return Consults
Comprehensive Vaginal Microbiome Test (home collection kit)
Personalised naturopathic treatment plan
Price: $620
(Includes $70 in package savings)
Available in-clinic (Kensington) or via telehealth
Final Thoughts
Recurrent vaginal infections are not normal, and they’re not something you just have to live with.
If you’ve been told “everything looks fine,” or “just take another round of antibiotics,” but you know your body is out of balance — it’s time to dig deeper.
Through advanced testing, whole-body support, and natural therapies, it is absolutely possible to restore your vaginal ecosystem and feel comfortable, confident, and healthy again.
