Recurrent Thrush Infections? You probably haven't addressed biofilm formation and PH.

 

Recurrent thrush infections, particularly recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC), pose significant challenges for millions of women. Approximately 138 million women globally each year, with a prevalence of about 3,871 per 100,000 women (1). If you are 25-34 years old your in the highest risk age group with a prevalence, at 9%(1). To treat this condition effectively we need to address two key elements in persistent infections. These are the formation of biofilms by Candida species and the role of vaginal pH.

Recurrent thrush treatment

  1. Chronic yeast infection remedies

  2. Persistent vaginal candidiasis solutions

  3. Recurring vaginal thrush management

  4. Long-term yeast infection cure

Biofilms: The Protective Shield of Candida

Candida species, notably Candida albicans, form biofilms—structured communities of fungal cells encased in an extracellular matrix composed of proteins, polysaccharides, and extracellular DNA. This biofilm serves as a robust defense mechanism, enabling Candida to adhere to mucosal surfaces and resist antifungal treatments. Studies have shown that biofilms significantly reduce the efficacy of common antifungal agents like clotrimazole, with mature biofilms displaying up to 1,000 times greater resistance compared to planktonic (free-floating) cells (2).

One promising intervention in addressing biofilm-associated Candida infections is boric acid suppositories. Boric acid should NEVER be taken orally, Please do not try this without the guidance of an experienced practitioner. Boric acid has been shown to penetrate the dense biofilm matrix and disrupt its integrity, thereby exposing the fungal cells to antifungal treatments. Research suggests that boric acid's antifungal properties stem from its ability to alter the biofilm structure and inhibit fungal metabolic activity, making it a valuable option in the treatment of resistant infections (3).

Vaginal pH: A Delicate Balance

The vaginal environment's acidity, maintained by lactobacilli producing lactic acid, plays a critical role in controlling the composition of the vaginal microflora. A healthy vaginal pH typically ranges between 3.8 and 4.5, which inhibits the overgrowth of opportunistic pathogens like Candida. The most common species we see in a healthy vaginal microbiome are Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus jensenii and Lactobacillus iners. Disruptions in vaginal pH—due to hormonal changes, antibiotic use, or other factors—can create a more alkaline environment conducive to Candida overgrowth and biofilm formation (4,5).

Did you know that the cells in your vagina have their own defense mechanisms against candida overgrowth? The epithelial cells (inner skin of the vagina) have receptors to signal and recruit defenses such as lactobacillus bacteria( 6). Estrogens further influence the vaginal ecosystem by regulating immune cells (6).

Lactobacillus produces lactic acid and supports the acidic environment, highlighting the interplay between hormonal balance, pH, and microbiome health (5).

Integrative Approaches to Management

Addressing persistent vaginal candidiasis requires a multifaceted approach:

  • Biofilm Disruption: Incorporating boric acid suppositories into treatment regimens can be a game-changer for resistant infections by breaking down biofilms and enhancing the effectiveness of other antifungal agents. Boric acid suppositories may need to be used over many weeks at varying dosages. For successful outcomes, please consult an experienced practitioner to guide you in boric acid use.

  • Probiotic Support: Specific strains of lactobacilli, such as Lactobacillus crispatus, can help restore and maintain a healthy vaginal microbiome, preventing recurrent infections. Its important to prepare the vaginal ph for seeding of the probiotic by first lowering the ph. As mentioned above Lactobacillus thrives in a pH of 3.8-4.5. After lowering the ph you can then use a specialized probiotics as a suppository.

  • Testing: Vaginal microbiome tests are important for undressing underlying infections and causes. The test is sent to your house where you can do the swab in the comfort of your own home. This is then looked at using highly sensitive technology that can find >57,000 pathogens which includes a lot of fungal species that aren't in the candida family. To order a test please contact here.

  • Lifestyle Modifications: Dietary changes to support hormonal balance, avoiding unnecessary antibiotics, not staying in lycra tights all day long, sleeping without underwear and only using water when cleaning around the vagina (never internally) can aid in maintaining a healthy vaginal environment.

‘There are solutions for recurrent candida infections and you can strengthen your vaginal microbiome to prevent future infections’.

Addressing recurrent thrush is a complex treatment plan. Treatment can range from 1 month to 3 months. Each clients plan needs to be modified as symptoms change. Due to this it may be helpful to work with an experienced practitioner for management of candidiasis. Your solutions will be slightly different to others and having an encouraging voice on the way to healing is very vital for successful outcomes. Book an initial consultation now to get started on healing your vaginal microbiome.

 

References

1. Denning DW, Kneale M, Sobel JD, Rautemaa-Richardson R. Global burden of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis: a systematic review. Lancet Infect Dis. 2018 Nov;18(11):e339-e347. doi: 10.1016/S1473-3099(18)30103-8. Epub 2018 Aug 2. PMID: 30078662.

2. Chandra J, Kuhn DM, Mukherjee PK, Hoyer LL, McCormick T, Ghannoum MA. Biofilm formation by the fungal pathogen Candida albicans: development, architecture, and drug resistance. J Bacteriol. 2001 Sep;183(18):5385-94. doi: 10.1128/JB.183.18.5385-5394.2001. PMID: 11514524; PMCID: PMC95423.

3. Salama OE, Gerstein AC,2022.Differential Response of Candida Species Morphologies and Isolates to Fluconazole and Boric Acid. Antimicrob Agents Chemother66:e02406-21.https://doi.org/10.1128/aac.02406-21.

4. Kalia, N., Singh, J., & Kaur, M. (2020). Microbiota in vaginal health and pathogenesis of recurrent vulvovaginal infections: a critical review. Annals of clinical microbiology and antimicrobials, 19(1), 5. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12941-020-0347-4.

5. Petrova, M. I., Lievens, E., Malik, S., Imholz, N., & Lebeer, S. (2015). Lactobacillus species as biomarkers and agents that can promote various aspects of vaginal health. Frontiers in physiology, 6, 81. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2015.0008.

6. Wagner, R. D., & Johnson, S. J. (2012). Probiotic lactobacillus and estrogen effects on vaginal epithelial gene expression responses to Candida albicans. Journal of biomedical science, 19(1), 58. https://doi.org/10.1186/1423-0127-19-58

 
 
Female Health, Gut Health, Hormonal balance, microbiome, Womens Health, Vaginal Microbiome, Recurrent ThrushKatherine MatthewsBiofilm, Thrush, BV, Bacterial vaginosis, Yeast InfectionComment