Study: vitamin C for abnormal vaginal microflora
A study was conducted to see if vitamin C (ascorbic acid) could treat or manage an alkaline vagina (increased pH) caused by a microflora imbalance.
The study was conducted on 140 premenopausal women without symptoms who had a pH at or above 4.5 and partially disrupted lactobacilli microflora patterns on a wet mount.
Dose and treatment of vitamin C
The dose of the vitamin C given was 250g tablet inserted vaginally at bedtime once a day for six days, followed by one tablet per week for 12 weeks.
Results of the study
In about half the women, normal vaginal flora was returned, compared to 24 per cent in the control group. Better outcomes were observed in pregnant women. The researchers concluded that vaginal vitamin C improves abnormal vaginal pH and microflora, particularly in pregnant women, but is not well tolerated by all women.
Side-effects of the vitamin C vaginal treatment
- Itching occurred in about 20 per cent of women
- Twenty-three per cent of women had irritation
- Ten per cent stopped the treatment due to side-effects
References
Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2013 Nov;288(5):1039-44. doi: 10.1007/s00404-013-2876-y. Epub 2013 May 16. Impact of vaginal ascorbic acid on abnormal vaginal microflora. Zodzika J1, Rezeberga D, Donders G, Vedmedovska N, Vasina O, Pundure I, Bite R, Silberga I, Socenova J, Melngaile O.
Jessica is a degree-qualified naturopath (BHSc) specialising in vulvovaginal health and disease, based in Melbourne, Australia.
Jessica is the owner and lead naturopath of My Vagina, and is a member of the:
- International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD)
- International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health (ISSWSH)
- National Vulvodynia Association (NVA) Australia
- New Zealand Vulvovaginal Society (ANZVS)
- Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS)