Why intimate health should no longer be a taboo subject: 75% of all women are affected

Treatment of an illness with antibiotics can promote the development of vaginal fungus and bacterial vaginosis. The reason for this is that the medication cannot differentiate between healthy and harmful bacteria and combats all of them. It therefore also kills the natural lactic acid bacteria in the vagina. These bacteria normally protect the vagina from fungal infections. If they are no longer there, harmful bacteria and fungi can multiply in the vagina. Of course, you should still take antibiotics if your doctor has prescribed them. Once you have stopped taking the prescribed antibiotics, you can support the rebuilding of the natural vaginal flora with lactic acid or probiotics.²

Pregnancy and the menopause upset the hormone balance. This mainly affects the sex hormone oestrogen. Such changes facilitate the spread of bacteria that promote bacterial vaginosis and the growth of fungi in the intimate area.

Diseases that weaken the immune system increase the risk of bacterial infections and vaginal thrush. Examples are Diabetes mellitus, a flu-like infection or even depression.

If the underwear is skin-tight or made of synthetic material, a warm and moist environment is created in the intimate area. Ideal conditions for the development of a vaginal fungus and the spread of harmful bacteria.

Incorrect intimate hygiene with intimate deodorants, soaps or vaginal douches also often causes bacterial vaginosis or fungal infections. These measures cause the sensitive vaginal wall to dry out and the protective lactic acid bacteria to die off. You should therefore only wash your intimate area with lukewarm water.

While washing the vagina too often with soap and other hygiene products attacks the sensitive mucous membranes and lactic acid bacteria, washing too infrequently encourages the spread of harmful bacteria, which in turn can lead to bacterial vaginosis or fungal infections. You should therefore wash your intimate area regularly with lukewarm water.

Q: Is vaginal thrush a sexually transmitted disease?
A: No. However, an existing fungal infection can spread through sexual intercourse and affect other parts of the genital area.

Q: Does a vaginal infection heal on its own?
A: No.

Q: Is a vaginal infection dangerous?
A: That depends. A vaginal infection during pregnancy can lead to premature birth or even miscarriage.^6,7