UTIs, BV & YEAST INFECTIONS: HOW I MANAGED HOLISTICALLY
Before we dive into prevention and healing, here’s a quick breakdown of what each condition is:
UTI (Urinary Tract Infection): A bacterial infection in the urinary system, usually the bladder or urethra. Symptoms include burning when you pee, blood in your urine, needing to go constantly, painful during sex, cloudy or smelly urine, and lower abdominal pain.
BV (Bacterial Vaginosis): A vaginal imbalance where bad bacteria outnumber the good. It’s not an STI, but things like semen, antibiotics, and even over-washing can disrupt your natural flora. Common signs: a fishy smell, greyish discharge, or irritation.
Yeast Infection: Caused by an overgrowth of Candida, a natural yeast that lives in the body. Symptoms include thick, white discharge (often cottage cheese-like), itching, redness, and swelling.
If you’ve ever dealt with even one of these, you know how uncomfortable, confusing, and frustrating they can be especially when they keep coming back.
For years, I used to get them all. The UTIs were constant, yeast infections would show up randomly, and BV… don’t even get me started. That was a whole new experience and struggle I never thought I’d go through. The turning point came when I realised all three were deeply connected, not just to each other, but also to my gut health, immune system, and overall internal balance. That plus being with the wrong person!!!
The Problem With Quick Fixes (Like Antibiotics)
I used to take antibiotics every time I had a UTI or BV flare-up. Doctors would prescribe them instantly, and while they offered short-term relief, they destroyed my gut and vaginal flora in the process. The result? More frequent infections, worse symptoms, and recurring cycles I couldn’t escape.
It turns out:
→ Antibiotics can wipe out both good and bad bacteria, leaving you more vulnerable.
→ Overuse throws off vaginal pH, making it easier for harmful bacteria or yeast to overgrow.
→ This spiral becomes a gut-vagina imbalance, not just a one-off issue.
What Actually Helped Me Heal (And Prevent Future Flare-Ups)
Here are the natural, preventative and restorative steps that changed everything for me and they work for UTIs, BV, and yeast infections.
💧 Daily Habits & Prevention
Pee after sex – flushes bacteria before they travel into the urethra.
Avoid tight undies/thongs – give your downstairs some breathing space.
Stay dry down there – never lounge in wet swimwear or sweaty clothes.
Drink 2L of water daily – hydration flushes bacteria and keeps your body functioning.
🌿 Game-Changing Supplements & Remedies
D-Mannose powder – especially helpful post-sex or at first UTI signs. It binds to UTI-causing bacteria (E. coli) and helps flush them out.
Parsley water – my go-to when a UTI is brewing. Simmer parsley in water for 5 mins, strain, and drink throughout the day. Parsley is so damn powerful!!! It helped my bestfriend, sister and I reduce recurring UTI’s so well!
Corn silk water – also amazing for UTI relief. You can also get a concoction from your naturopath.
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) – drinking a tablespoon in water can help balance pH during UTI onset.
Vitamin C – acidifies urine, making it harder for bacteria to thrive.
Ural sachets – helpful for soothing bladder pain and balancing pH.
Probiotics (oral & vaginal) – support gut and vaginal flora. I take them daily and also insert them during BV or yeast flare-ups.
💊 When to Use Suppositories
Boric acid suppositories – insert 5–7 days when dealing with BV or yeast. It helps balance vaginal pH and clears overgrowth.
Probiotic capsules (yes, inside) – my naturopath told me you can insert a plain white oral probiotic at night. Use a panty liner, and do it an hour before bed. It helps restore good bacteria directly.
❌ What to Avoid
Refined sugar & processed foods – they feed bad bacteria and yeast. Prioritise gut-healing foods instead. Worsens UTIs, yeast infections and BV.
Letting someone finish inside you if you have BV – semen is alkaline and worsens BV. Wait until it’s fully gone.
Holding in pee – always go when you need to. Holding it lets bacteria multiply and increases the chances of getting UTIs.
Harsh soaps or scented products – just warm water or gentle pH-balancing cleansers are best.
Why This All Comes Back to Gut Health
One of the biggest takeaways? These infections are not just about hygiene, they’re about bacterial overgrowth and imbalance, often rooted in poor gut health. When your gut flora is off (from stress, sugar, poor diet, antibiotics), your vaginal health suffers too.
🩸 If Things Get Serious…
If your UTI becomes unbearable, you see blood in your pee, or symptoms last longer than 3–4 days, do not hesitate to take antibiotics. Sometimes it’s necessary. But when you do, make sure you’re also taking probiotics and following the prevention tips above to avoid another round. The key is to look at your health and take precautionary measures so your health is up to scratch, so you can avoid UTIs, yeast infections and BV altogether.
❤️ Final Thoughts
Healing from recurring UTIs, BV, and yeast infections is possible. It’s not just about treating symptoms, it’s about understanding your body, supporting it daily, and being consistent with prevention.
These small, everyday actions helped me stop living in fear of the next infection and finally feel like myself again, calm, confident, and in tune with my body. (Updated noted: 4 years being off the pill now, and haven’t had a UTI since!!! 2025)
Goodluck
Lots of love,
Your girl Liz.