Lisa Edmondson – Women and Children’s Health and Hormone Lead, Nurse, Master Holistic Health Coach
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) happens when protective Lactobacillus dip and anaerobic bacteria overgrow. That shift raises vaginal pH, drives “fishy” odour and thin grey/white discharge, and may cause itching or burning (some women have no symptoms).
Why BV deserves attention (HPV & fertility)
- HPV: BV (vaginal dysbiosis) is associated with higher risk of acquiring high-risk HPV and with HPV persistence. Re-establishing Lactobacillus dominance helps create a protective environment.
- Fertility & pregnancy: BV is linked with pelvic inflammatory disease and endometritis (which can affect tubal function), and during pregnancy it’s associated with preterm birth and low birth weight.
Who’s more at risk?
New or multiple partners, douching and scented washes, recent antibiotics, copper IUD (association in some studies), and smoking. (Hormonal contraception does not appear to increase risk.)
Our philosophy: relieve → rebalance → prevent
Many people find us because they prefer a holistic approach. We’ll personalise a plan that:
- Relieves symptoms safely
- Rebalances the vaginal microbiome
- Prevents recurrence with targeted supports
Note on medicines: Guidelines still list prescription antibiotics (e.g., metronidazole, clindamycin) for symptomatic BV. We won’t dismiss this—especially in pregnancy—but we’ll help you pursue an antibiotic-sparing, holistic plan where appropriate and coordinate with your GP/ob-gyn.
How ozone may help (and how we target BV with HOCATT™)
Ozone (O₃) shows broad antimicrobial and biofilm-disrupting effects in lab and clinical settings. In women’s health, carefully delivered vaginal ozone insufflation (VI) can support resolution of recurrent infections and help the local environment favour protective Lactobacillus. We use ozone as an adjunct within a wider microbiome-restoring plan—not a stand-alone cure.
HOCATT™ at Global Health (Auckland)
Our HOCATT has two ozone generators—one for a whole-body transdermal session and one dedicated to optional vaginal insufflation (sterile catheter). Sessions are clinician-supervised with conservative ozone concentrations and gentle flow, tailored to your history and sensitivity. VI isn’t performed during menstruation and is avoided early in pregnancy.
A typical BV-focused session may include:
- Transdermal HOCATT (steam, CO₂ pre-cycle, ozone) to support circulation and detox pathways
- Optional vaginal ozone insufflation add-on using low, clinician-selected settings
Safety: We review contraindications, use appropriate shielding to avoid inhalation exposure, and coordinate timing with any conventional treatment if used.
Practitioner-grade pre- & probiotics for vaginal health
Restoring a Lactobacillus-dominant microbiome reduces recurrence:
- Vaginal Lactobacillus crispatus (where available) has shown reduced recurrence after standard treatment in RCTs and points to the future of strain-specific, vaginally delivered support.
- Oral strains with evidence for urogenital health (e.g., L. rhamnosus GR-1 + L. reuteri RC-14) can help repopulate protective flora. We stock practitioner-only formulations with documented strain IDs and advise on dose, route, and timing (often after symptom relief).
Everyday habits that protect your microbiome
- Skip douching & scented washes; cleanse externally with water or gentle unscented soap
- Barrier protection and fewer partner changes lower recurrence risk
- Cotton/breathable underwear; change post-exercise
- Stop smoking; review contraception with your clinician if BV is recurrent
- Nutrition for microbes: fibre-rich diet, fermented foods (if tolerated), and targeted prebiotics as advised
When to seek medical care
See a clinician if you have unusual discharge/odour, pain with urination or sex, pelvic pain/fever, or symptoms during pregnancy. Testing can confirm BV and screen for STIs. If antibiotics are used, we’ll layer holistic care on top (timed probiotics, ozone support) to help the right bacteria take root and reduce bounce-back.
Your Global Health BV plan (example)
- Assessment & testing (including HPV risk, fertility goals, pregnancy stage)
- Symptom relief through holistic options first where appropriate, with a clear safety plan
- HOCATT-guided ozone, with optional vaginal insufflation using low settings
- Targeted pre-/probiotics (strain-specific, route & duration personalised)
- Recurrence prevention (behaviours, cycle-aware strategies, and check-ins)
Ready to rebalance—holistically?
Book a consultation at Global Health (Auckland) to see Lisa, our Women’s Health lead, nurse and Holistic Health Coach. We’ll craft a gentle, evidence-informed, antibiotic-sparing plan so comfort, confidence, and microbiome health can return.