Frequently Asked Questions

The symptoms are unpleasant, but it’s everyday stuff for doctors and pharmacy staff. Many women are affected by an imbalance in their vaginal flora during the course of their life. It is nothing to be embarrassed about. The professionals at medical practices and pharmacies are familiar with the symptoms and will talk profesionally and openly with you about it.

There are many factors that can have a negative impact on the vaginal flora and disrupt the balance there. Accordingly, many women will be affected by such an imbalance during the course of their life. You are no exception. It’s not just you.

Bacterial vaginosis is often described as a bacterial infection or the equivalent, but this is inaccurate. In fact, bacterial vaginosis is an imbalance (bacterial dysbiosis) of the naturally occurring bacteria in the vagina. It can arise without external influence, whereas an “infection” always describes the passive or active invasive presence of a pathogen (bacteria, virus, yeast, etc.) within the body.

• To maintain the physiological vaginal environment
• After a course of antibiotics, to rebuild the good, protective lactobacilli (lactic acid bacteria)
• As a preventive measure to maintain the natural acidic pH level if you suffer from recurring bacterial vaginosis

In contrast to the natural lactobacilli in Vagiflor®, the bacteria present in yoghurt correspond only minimally with the lactobacilli in a woman’s natural vaginal flora. There have been no scientific studies of the effectiveness of applications with yoghurt. Additional irritation is possible.

Over the long term, the package must be kept in your refrigerator at a temperature between +2 °C and +8 °C. During the normal 6-day treatment period, the patient can store Vagiflor® at room temperature without reducing its effectiveness. For the Vagiflor® 12-pack, the second strip should be stored in the refrigerator whilst the first strip of six vaginal suppositories is being used. Discolouration may occur with organic products; this does not have any influence on the effectiveness or tolerability of the vaginal suppositories.

You partner will probably not have any symptoms, but bacteria such as gardnerella are transmitted during sexual intercourse. Please discuss this with your doctor.

You should only use Vagiflor® over the short term to restore your vaginal flora, and only if you have determined that your pH level is too alkaline (too high, above 4.4). Lactobacilli have a low pH and do not create an ideal environment for sperm.

Yes, you may also use Vagiflor® during pregnancy. It is especially important when you are pregnant that the natural balance of your vaginal flora is maintained with a healthy pH level between 3.8 and 4.4. Our lactobacilli help to stabilise your physiological vaginal flora in a natural way. By regularly measuring your pH level at home, you can identify any change before it becomes problematic. If you suspect a problem, you can consult your gynaecologist to prevent a threatening infection.

Bacterial vaginosis occurs as a result of imbalance in the natural vaginal flora and is caused by bacteria. These bacteria were only able to gain the upper hand because the natural balance of your vaginal flora had been upset. The lactobacilli that ensure an acidic pH level in your vagina, creating an environment in which harmful bacteria cannot survive, were eliminated by other bacteria and the pH level climbed (the environment became too alkaline), allowing harmful bacteria to spread. The antibiotics killed these bacteria, but they showed no mercy to lactobacilli either. It is therefore advisable to support your vaginal flora with natural lactobacilli from Vagiflor® after a course of antibiotics. This way, you can restore the natural balance and protect yourself against further infection.

Yes. If you suffer from bacterial vaginosis, doctors recommend long-term and, above all, regular use of Vagiflor® to stabilise the physiological environment and as a preventive measure. To stabilise your immune system and to maintain physiological balance, you can use our Vagiflor® vaginal suppositories as a long-term treatment. Our natural lactobacilli have been proven to help stabilise the vaginal flora. The acidic pH level makes it hard for pathogenic germs to spread. This is very important, especially during pregnancy. You can also use safely our Vagiflor® vaginal suppositories over a longer period to prevent bacterial vaginosis or to restore the natural balance after a course of antibiotics.

If you have any symptoms, we always recommend consulting your doctor. This is the only way to ensure a targeted therapy with the best chances of success. If you are pregnant, we ask you to always consult your gynaecologist to be sure.

Yes. A yeast infection is treated with an antifungal drug, normally in the form of vaginal suppositories to insert in the vagina and a cream to be applied to external areas. Bacterial vaginosis, caused by an imbalance in the naturally occurring bacteria in the vagina, has to be treated with antibiotics, taken orally or in the form of vaginal suppositories or cream. Treatment is normally effective very quickly, but it also destroys the “good” bacteria in the vaginal flora, which is why a subsequent course of Vagiflor® lactobacilli is advisable in order to restore the natural balance of the vaginal flora. Unfortunately, the danger of recurrence is very high, as bacterial vaginosis results in the formation of a so-called biofilm which can often not be counteracted with antibiotics. The physicological strengthening of the vaginal environment with the aid of lactobacilli is therefore advisable. This stabilises the flora, making it harder for pathogenic bacteria to multiply. Ideally, such preventive measures will be extended over several weeks to counteract recurrent dysbiosis. Pregnant women in particular should regularly measure their pH level, as bacterial vaginosis increases the risk of premature delivery.

In both cases, the balance between “good” lactic acid bacteria and other bacteria or yeast has been upset. In the case of a yeast infection, there is an increase in yeast fungus, mostly candida albicans. A yeast infection can cause signficant itching, burning, redness and swelling on the outside of the vagina, possibly accompanied by pain when passing urine. Itching and burning are also possible inside the vagina. The discharge is greyish white and crumbly, and a whitish yellow film may occur on both the outer and inner surfaces of the vagina. Bacterial vaginosis, on the other hand, occurs as a result of an imbalance in bacteria, with too few of the good, protective lactic acid bacteria, known as lactobacilli. This is characterised by an unpleasant, fishy smell, and increased discharge. In contrast to yeast infections, this is caused by bacteria. Itching occurs, accompanied sometimes by mild stabbing pain and, possibly, problems passing urine. The symptoms are not always clearly identifiable, which is why we advise you to consult your gynaecologist. This is the only way to be sure you receive the treatment you need. Often, so-called mixed infections occur. Your gynaecologist is able to treat these.