Understanding Bacterial Vaginosis and Ureaplasma: A Mom's No-Nonsense Guide

Find your tribe with whom you can talk about anything. It's not embarrassing. It's normal.

Look, I get it. Nobody wants to talk about what's happening "down there," but as someone who's been through the awkward doctor visits and the "is this normal?" Google searches at 2 AM, I'm here to share everything I've learned about bacterial vaginosis and ureaplasma. Think of me as your TMI-friendly big sister who's not afraid to discuss the uncomfortable stuff!

The "What's That Smell?" Moment: Bacterial Vaginosis and Ureaplasma

Let's start with a confession: When I first experienced BV symptoms, I thought my newfound obsession with hot yoga was to blame. Spoiler alert: it wasn't the yoga! Both bacterial vaginosis and ureaplasma infection are super common, though nobody seems to want to talk about them at book club. (I think we should!)

If you feel like something is not right, you are most likely right. Trust yourself and act.

What's Actually Going On Down There?

Your vagina is like a sophisticated ecosystem (fancy, right?). When everything's in balance, it's a well-oiled machine. But sometimes, just like that time I tried to make sauerkraut during lockdown, things can get a bit... off.

• Bacterial vaginosis happens when the "good" bacteria get outnumbered by the troublemakers

• Ureaplasma is a sneaky little organism that can cause similar issues

• Both can make you feel like your body's betraying you (trust me, I've been there!)

Signs Something's Not Quite Right

Whatever is going on, the doctor has most likely heard it before. Don't be scared. Your health is important.

Let's talk about symptoms, and no, I won't use any weird euphemisms. Here's what to watch for:

• A strange vaginal odor (think fishy, and not in a "I just got back from the beach" way)

• Unusual discharge that's different from your normal

• Burning or itching sensations

• Discomfort during urination

• Pain during intimate moments

  
  

The "Is This Normal?" Checklist

Listen, I once convinced myself I had a rare tropical disease after reading WebMD (I didn't, obviously), but these symptoms are really important to pay attention to:

For bacterial infection signs:

• Grayish-white discharge

• Thin, watery consistency (leaky faucet, anyone?)

• That notorious fishy smell (sometimes, not always)

• Symptoms that get worse after intimate activities

For ureaplasma symptoms:

• Increased urination

• Mild discomfort

• Possible fertility concerns

• Sometimes no symptoms at all (sneaky, right?)

• Unusual smell that won't go away

I only had one symptom when I had ureaplasma: I smelled like a hot garbage can. Not a regular garbage can. A hot one.

I went to several doctors over a two-year period, and they kept giving me BV meds that didn't work. Not one of those doctors checked for ureaplasma. I had been Googling my one lonely symptom for two years and reading every article, blog post, and comment I could find until, finally, someone somewhere mentioned this particular bacteria. I went to my gyno and requested the test, and when the result came back positive, I CRIED. Literally. For two whole years, I felt terrible about myself, had zero confidence and did not date for that entire time. To say that those two years sucked is an understatement. After a week of prescription meds, I finally smelled normal, and the infection never returned. 

So, the moral of that story? Trust your instincts. If you feel like something isn't right, advocate for yourself because if you don't care, why would the doctor... you got this, sugar!

Treatment Options (Because We All Want Solutions!)

Good bacteria need good food to thrive. Whole foods that are high in nutrients and fiber are best.

Here's where I get to share some more helpful information! After trying everything from apple cider vinegar (spoiler: ouch!) to oil of oregano, to garlic, to Italian seasoning inside a tea bag shoved up… well, you know where, here's what I found actually worked for me:

Medical Treatments That Actually Help

• Prescription antibiotics (my personal savior. I don’t remember the name, but I’m sure your Doc will know)

• Quality probiotics (not all are created equal!)(To be perfectly honest, a probiotic alone most likely will not fix your hoo-ha problem. It didn't totally fix mine. However, it helped a ton when I ate the right foods to feed the good bacteria that are in those pills. Probiotic bacteria like to feed on real whole foods. Fruits and veggies. Whole grains. Stuff like that. Try to avoid sugar and dairy for a bit because even though dairy can have good bacteria in it, it also feeds the bad guys, which defies the purpose. The probiotic that gave me the most positive effect was this one.)

Natural Supports That Won't Hurt

• Cotton underwear (yoni needs to breathe!)

• Probiotic-rich foods (and fiber-rich whole foods to feed them)

• Stress management (yes, stress affects literally everything!)

• Manuka Honey (this honey can do anything. A post about Manuka is coming soon)(BTW, I take this honey every morning. A teaspoon on an empty stomach)

• Avoiding added and processed sugars (sugar feeds the bad bacteria)(fruit is ok)

Prevention: Because Nobody Wants a Repeat Performance

Whole foods are best; if they're fermented, even better. Notice that there is no dairy here.

After my journey with these issues, I've developed what I call my "Down There Care Routine" (my partner rolls his eyes every time I say this. lol):

• Wear breathable fabrics (your vagina doesn't want to be shrink-wrapped!)

• Stay hydrated (I keep a massive water bottle that looks like I'm preparing for a desert trek)

• Avoid harsh soaps (I only use castile soap on the outside)(your vagina is not a shower curtain - it doesn't need vigorous scrubbing!)

• Practice safe intimacy (aka wrap it up… obvious but important!)

• Manage stress (easier said than done if you have kids, I know!)

• Drink freshly squeezed juices for nutrients and hydration.

Just remember, if your vaginal flora is off, it is almost a guarantee that your digestive tract flora is off as well, and vice versa. It's all connected. :-)

My Product Recommendation

Fresh fruit and veggie juices are liquid gold. There is nothing better for your body than this.

Here's the top Probiotic I told you about above that I use:

• Physician's Choice Women's Probiotic

When to Call the Doc (No More WebMD Rabbit Holes!)

Sometimes you need professional help, and that's okay! Contact your healthcare provider if:

• Symptoms persist beyond a week

• Over-the-counter treatments aren't helping

• You're pregnant or trying to conceive

• You have a fever or severe pain

• Something just feels "off" (like I said earlier, trust your gut!)

The Bottom Line (Pun Intended!)

Living with BV and Ureaplasma can feel overwhelming, but you're not alone. Remember, millions of women deal with these issues - we just don't talk about it over coffee! Take care of yourself, listen to your body, and don't be afraid to seek help when you need it.

I hope my story can help someone get clarity on what might be going on with their undercarriage. lol.

Remember, this article is based on my personal experience and research. Always consult with your healthcare provider for medical advice tailored to your situation.

Want to continue the conversation? Drop a comment below - no topic is off-limits!

With Love,

Dominika