What is Bacterial Vaginosis and What Can TCM Do
Have you been diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis (BV), or suspect you have it? While conventional treatments like antibiotics are often prescribed, recurrence rates remain high. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a holistic approach to managing BV by addressing underlying imbalances in the body, promoting overall health, and reducing the risk of recurrence. In this article, we explore the causes, symptoms, conventional treatments, and how TCM provides an alternative pathway to restoring harmony and well-being.
What is Bacterial Vaginosis and How Does it Affect Me?
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal infection characterised by an imbalance in the naturally occurring bacteria in the vagina. There is a change in the most common type of bacteria and a hundred to thousandfold increase in the total number of bacteria present[1]. Common symptoms include fishy-smelling vaginal discharge, a burning sensation with urination[2] and also an increased risk of early delivery in pregnant women[3].
Causes and Risk Factors for Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
BV occurs when there is a reduction in the population of lactobacilli (beneficial bacteria) and an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria. Some common risk factors include:
Multiple sexual partners or a new sexual partner
Douching, which disrupts the natural vaginal flora
Use of intrauterine devices (IUDs)
Low levels of beneficial bacteria (lactobacilli)
What are the Symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)?
Symptoms of BV include:
Thin, grey or white vaginal discharge
Fishy odour, especially after intercourse.
Itching or burning sensation.
Sometimes, BV may be asymptomatic
Available Treatments and Self-Help Tips for Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
BV is treated conventionally using antibiotics either orally or via the use of topical creams
Antibiotics: A visit to the doctor might provide you with either Metronidazole or Clindamycin, which can be given orally or via topical creams.
Probiotics: Probiotic supplements or vaginal suppositories containing lactobacilli can help restore the natural vaginal flora.
Lifestyle changes: Avoid douching, practise safe sex and limit the number of sexual partners.
Dietary therapy: Avoid greasy, spicy food and include more leafy greens and lean proteins.
TCM Approaches for Managing Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), BV and its associated symptoms can be likened to 带下过多(Dai Xia Guo Duo). Commonly seen patterns of disharmony that present in those afflicted with Dai Xia Guo Duo (DXGD) are: “Kidney Yang Deficiency, Spleen Deficiency, Spleen Deficiency with Damp-Heat, Yin Deficiency with Dampness, Damp-Heat in Liver Meridians, Turbid -Dampness and Toxic Heat.” In order to correctly identify the correct pattern(s) of disharmony, a TCM practitioner has to conduct a comprehensive consultation in order to determine the right treatment.
Herbal Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that the imbalance in the body that leads to Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) permeates the entire body. Therefore, in addition to re-balancing the vaginal microbiome, Chinese medicine also aims to correct any imbalances in the body simultaneously. As the mechanism of TCM in treating diseases is multi-target and multi-level, the pathogen in question is typically unable to build up drug resistance. In contrast, standard Western medical treatments for BV, which use antibiotics like Metronidazole or Clindamycin, result in 50-80% of women experiencing a recurrence of bacterial vaginosis within a year due to various factors such as antimicrobial resistance and failure to reestablish a healthy vaginal microbiota etc.[4].
TCM relies on correct discernment of the specific pattern of disharmony presently afflicting the patient. Below are some of the typical herbs that the different patterns are treated with:
Kidney Yang Deficiency - managed with herbs like 肉苁蓉 Rou Cong Rong and 肉桂 Rou Gui that help boost Kidney Yang.
Spleen Deficiency - managed with herbs like 白术 Bai Zhu and 山药 Shan Yao that help tonify the Spleen.
Yin Deficiency with Dampness - managed with herbs like 黄柏 Huang Bai and 知母 Zhi Mu that help nourish Yin and clear Dampness.
Damp-Heat in Liver Meridians - managed with herbs like 龙胆草 Long Dan Cao and 栀子 Zhi Zi that help clear Damp-Heat in the Liver Meridians.
Turbid -Dampness and Toxic Heat - managed with herbs like 土茯苓 Tu Fu Ling and 薏苡仁 Yi Yi Ren that help boost Purge dampness and clear Toxic Heat.
How Many Sessions Do I Need?
Depending on how severe and the duration of the BV, the TCM treatment can take anywhere between 2 weeks to a few months. Lifestyle changes also have to be practised in order to prevent a recurrence. After symptoms have abated, modifications to the treatment plan can be incorporated to further strengthen the body and immunity to build resilience.
Who is This Suitable For?
Treatment is suitable for anyone who is experiencing an acute episode of BV or suffers chronically. A personalised consultation with the physician will be necessary to understand your lifestyle better, diagnose the specific pattern of disharmony and determine the treatments chosen.
Lastly, do your research and seek advice from reputable professionals for an elevated healing experience. For more information, visit our website to learn more about our TCM wellness treatments and physicians or to book an appointment. Your well-being is our priority, and we are here to support you on your journey towards better health.
