Medical background

In vaginal smears the flora and fauna of the vagina can well be observed and the influence of the vaginal hygiene can be judged.
Two large groups of bacteria can be discerned; the coccoid bacteria and the lactobacilli. When both are observed we are dealing with a “mixed flora”. Two extremes in the flora can be noticed; the one with an overgrowth of coccoid bacteria and the one with a surplus of lactobacilli. In these cases we are dealing with a disbalance of the vaginal flora that may be accompanied by complaints of odour and discharge. The best known of these two extremes is the coccoid overgrowth also called bacterial vaginosis (B.V.). Women notice this condition because of the fishy odour that is caused by the amines that are produced by the coccoid bacteria (Pinkster 1998).

On both sides of the cervix the vagina bulges out into a pocket, which is called a fornix. In these fornices, especially the one on the rear (the fornix posterior), secretion of the cervix and shed cell debris may collect. The stasis in this fornix posterior creates an excellent environment for the growth of the anaerobe coccoide flora.

We have demonstrated that vaginal bacteriosis may be related to recent intercourse. After intercourse the pH of the vagina increases significantly from acidic to slightly alkaline. (Tevi-Benissan 1997) In this alkaline environment coccoid bacteria – which thrive at an elevated pH- may increase explosively with a growth peak at some 36 hours after the “alkaline shock” of the sperm.(Boon 1996)
The other extreme flora of the overgrowth of lactobacilli;
the “lactobacillosis”. Lactobacillus is often diagnosed as Thrush as symptoms often mimic Thrush symptoms.  Hence Thrush related treatments are often prescribed.