March 5, 2026 – The “guardians” in protecting the delicate tissue or skin of the vagina and vulva are Lactobacillus spp. The bacteria thrives in acidic pH conditions to defend against the overgrowth of adverse microbes (and related biofilms) that prefer alkaline environments and also naturally occur in our gut.
As we age, the skin gets thinner and same for the delicate skin or tissue of the vulva. Also, the vagina is producing less secretions and moisture to protect the cells of the vulva. Certain activities such as exercise and having sex, can stretch the vulval skin that is susceptible to cracking and causing unrelenting pain and inflammation from the invasion of yeast (Candida spp.) into the cells of the torn skin.
The gynecologist will take both a urine sample for testing a UTI and a swap sample of the vulva for testing for yeast infection. Likely, for the latter, an antifungal medication may be prescribed that will change the species and diversity of the microbe community but the symptoms can have recurrences for weeks or more. The antifungal medication may reduce the yeast load but does not change the underlying conditions of the vulva including the higher pH that is favorable for the growth of other pathogens, such as Gardnerella spp. that can lead to another problem called BV (bacterial vaginosis) when the Candida spp. growth is reduced from using an antifungal medication. The toxins released from the die-off of all of these microbes and their biofilms either from using an antifungal or antibiotic prescription can cause recurrence of irritating symptoms. I should also mention that taking antibiotics against a bacterial infection can cause the reverse of supporting another overgrowth of yeast … a tough cycle to break.
Additionally, Entrococcus faecalis found in the gut and vagina of healthy women, is not a microbe that often causes an infection on its own. If the vaginal pH changes and allows other pathogens to take hold, E. faecalis may contribute to symptoms and infections.
Another condition that is unpleasant for senior women to hear is the term “vaginal atrophy” or dryness that occurs from the body producing less hormones and vaginal secretions. Your gynecologist may prescribe estrogen suppositories.
Dana’s Recommendations to Win the Battle of the Vulge
I am certainly not a gynecologist but I spent a lot of AI time while holding an ice pack on my microbial battlefield and ordering and trying different things. It appears that 70% of women suffer from recurring conditions sometime in their lives. I want to share what I thought helped calm the pain, reduced the nagging irritation and improve the underlying vaginal skin conditions.
Order a Evvy vaginal microbiome home test that will provide a detailed report of your own microbial species profile, your genetic propensity for UTI’s, and detection of any STD’s. My report confirmed that Candida (yeast) was no longer detected but the bacterial makeup showed a transition to BV.
Drink more Watt-Ahh and do not ignore the first urge to urinate for cleansing. Use your muscles to void the urine from your bladder so there is no residual urine environment (nutrients) to feed the growth of Gardnerella spp. and E. coli. For drying, gently tap with the toilet paper your urethra with the toilet paper as opposed to strongly wiping that may irritate the skin.
Take probiotics with a blend of Lactobacillus crispatus, L. rhamnosus, L. gasseri to name some of the primary bacterial “guardians” that protect against the spread of Gardnerella spp.
For ongoing bladder health or UTI defense, I have used Uqora products for years.
As a home test only, check the pH of your urine and vulva using litmus paper; optimum pH is 6 and even lower to create an adverse environment for pathogenic biofilm formation.
Apply A&D ointment to the vulva before extreme exercising. Promptly change out of sweaty exercise clothing.
Affix a light pad to your underwear to absorb sweat during exercise.
With the onset of slight discomfort symptoms, use a boric acid suppository at night that breaks up biofilms in the vagina. I prefer GynoCare.
And of course like most articles I read, the standby recommendation is to trade out your underwear for “breathable” cotton ones.
The smallest things can become impactful and extremely disruptive in our everyday lives. It may also be a long-term challenge to figure out what works for you and I hope sharing my personal experiences towards sustainable relief can help you. Of course, we add the obligatory caution of seeking advice from your healthcare practitioner when needed.
P.S. – I talked with Dr. April Brader of Healthy Pathways today. She recommended to organically restore the healthy microbiome, soak a tampon in organic buttermilk from grass-fed cows and insert the tampon into the vagina overnight. Not sure where I can get such a product in Sarasota, FL. but will try to find a way if my symptoms come back.