'Can cranberry juice help my medically diagnosed UTI?' and 8 other questions we asked a clinical expert.

For so long, discussions surrounding all things vaginas and vulvas have been swept under the rug. And with secrecy comes a hell of a lot of myths and unanswered questions – which definitely need some clearing up. 

Fortunately these days, we understand the need to chat about these important health issues and educate ourselves. This is where Moira Bradfield comes in – a vaginal health educator who is passionate about kicking taboos to the curb. 

She's a current PhD Candidate focusing on clinical interventions for Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (RVVC)/Recurrent thrush and their effect on the vaginal microbiome. Simply put, she knows her stuff!

Now, as someone who has a vagina, I along with countless others have plenty of questions to do with vaginal and urogenital health. Ones that need answers from a professional. And Moira's just the person. 

From medically diagnosed UTIs, discharge and thrush, here are eight of your burning questions answered by a clinical expert.

Why do I keep getting medically diagnosed UTIs?

"Interestingly, there can be lots of reasons why. When we look at a medically diagnosed UTI, there's a microbe usually implicated," Moira explains to Mamamia. "And those microbes can come from external influences. Sometimes it's to do with hygiene methods and hygiene being implicated." 

Moira notes that most people who experience recurrent or frequent medically diagnosed UTIs often have their hygiene components under control. So it's down to another factor.

"In these recurrent instances not associated with hygiene, it's important to look at the role of the vaginal microbiome – there's definitely research around how the vaginal and urinary microbiome sites interact with each other and how one microbe may impact the other. So an overall imbalance is often the cause – and this is something to discuss and explore with your healthcare professional."

Can cranberry juice help my medically diagnosed UTI?

Often we hear stories of women chugging bottles of cranberry juice in the hopes it will miraculously cure a medically diagnosed UTI or medically diagnosed cystitis. Ah, if only.

According to Moira, there is a foundational reason why this assumption exists. But there's more to it that needs to be unpacked.

"There is definitely research around the role of cranberry in reducing the incidence of E. coli urinary tract infections. But the research is based on the amount of a certain compound found in cranberries. For example, a cranberry juice could be high in sugar and low in this active component, meaning it won't be as effective," Moira says. 

Ultimately, as delicious as cranberry juice is, if you suspect you have symptoms of a UTI, it's recommended to be diagnosed by a health professional, so they can help you manage the appropriate treatment.

What are some things I can do to keep my vaginal microbiome balanced?

Fun fact: the vaginal microbiome is a community of microbes that exists within the vagina. It's an area that needs lots of TLC.

"Hygiene is obvious, but apart from that looking for breathable natural fabrics for your underwear is important. And if you're engaging in sexual intercourse – consider barrier methods," Moira says.

"If you have symptoms, definitely look to act on them and get tested sooner rather than later. Being proactive about your health is important! Plus there are everyday things we can do for our vaginal and urinary health, which include hydration, a balanced diet and eating lots of colourful vegetables."

With this in mind, it's the perfect time for us to start taking care of our vaginal health broadly, and in particular, our vaginal microbiome.

Is my discharge 'normal'?

Something that Moira is particularly passionate about in her line of work is breaking down the taboos associated with vaginal health – including the topic of discharge.

"I would hope that it's becoming less taboo. And the more we see conversations about women's health issues, menstrual cycles, and cyclical discharges, the better."

As for discharge 'normalcy', Moira says: "Some people have a cyclical discharge that changes as their hormonal cycle will change. And the amount of that can be very variable from one person to the next. The amount of discharge isn't necessarily a good indicator of whether it's normal or a health issue. However, if you notice a major change in your discharge, it's worth flagging and investigating with a health professional."

Moira explains that with major hormonal shifts and life stages like pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause, things can change. But just like with your general health, if you notice a change, it's recommended to take a closer look with your health professional just to be safe.

Image: Canva.

How can I tell the difference between discharge, thrush and bacterial vaginosis?

If you notice that your discharge is different compared to usual, Moira unpacked some of the tell-tale signs of thrush versus bacterial vaginosis. 

"Thrush usually presents itself with a thick, chunky white discharge and accompanying that are other symptoms like lots of inflammation, itchiness and perhaps some swelling of the genitalia or the external vulva. Whereas classic cyclical discharge doesn't have irritation associated with it," Moira says.

Much of the time people tend to self-diagnose via a quick and confusing Google search. Turns out, that's not the best way to go! Instead, it's always best to see a healthcare professional to diagnose and suggest options for treatment. Interestingly, many often mistake discharge as thrush, when in fact the most common cause of vaginal discharge is bacterial in nature – called bacterial vaginosis. 

"Discharge for bacterial vaginosis is typically watery, thin and gushy. It can be grey to milky in colour, and it's specifically associated with a fishy odour that comes from some of the byproducts that the bacteria produces in the vaginal environment."

As for why bacterial vaginosis is quite common, Moira says it can be associated with lifestyle factors, sexual interaction and hormonal drivers.

How often should I be getting STI tests?

The more regular, the better according to Moira!

It can sometimes be difficult to distinguish between the symptoms of an STI, and symptoms of UTIs, thrush and bacterial vaginosis – so always recommended for your healthcare professional to advise on your specific situation.

"If people are engaging in sexual activity with different partners, then they need to be frequently testing – particularly if that intercourse is unprotected in nature. Sexually transmitted infections can still happen even if you are using barrier methods, so if any symptoms arise always get it checked."

As for those in long-term relationships – it still doesn't hurt to get tested.

"Even in long-term relationships, some are non-monogamous, so having discussions and check-ups regarding STIs is always great."

What type of soap, if any, should we be using in the vaginal/vulva area?

Moira explains that for the internal vaginal canal, nothing is needed as it self-cleans. Isn't the vagina clever!

As for the vulva area: "Generally my recommendation for the external parts of the vulva is water. There are always exceptions to that rule when we're looking at people that might have dermatological conditions like eczema or dermatitis around the vulva who may benefit from using different pharmaceutical or prescribed washes. But typically, warm water and a soft wash cloth is all you need."

When should I see my doctor when it comes to vaginal health concerns?

Ultimately, if something feels off, different or unusual, that's the perfect time to seek expert medical advice.

"It's great to see more people taking control of their vaginal health. Whether it's regular screenings, coming to the doctor with questions or getting check-ups, it's important for everyone to be on top of their own intimate health care."

Moira is passionate about empowering women and vagina owners to know as much as they can about their own vaginal and urinary tract health (and how to help maintain their health).

More about supporting your vaginal microbiome and urogenital health.

There are products available which can also help support your vaginal microbiome and urogenital health.

An option to consider is the Life-Space Urogen Probiotic for Women, which is specifically formulated to help maintain healthy vaginal flora. Being a premium probiotic formula, it contains five strains of beneficial bacteria combined with cranberry extract, supporting urinary tract health and helping to reduce the occurrence of medically diagnosed cystitis.

Plus, the probiotic helps to maintain healthy vaginal flora.

There's also the Life-Space Women's Microflora Probiotic as an option, a targeted probiotic formula containing six strains of beneficial bacteria. In fact, it includes Lactobacillus crispatus, which is commonly found in a healthy vaginal microbiome. And the fact that it's specifically formulated to support everyday health and wellbeing is key.

Check out Life-Space Women's Microflora Probiotic and Life-Space Urogen Probiotic for Women, to help support your vaginal microbiome and urogenital health.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use.

Feature Image: Canva/Mamamia.