Immunosuppressants & Recurrent BV
Wed, August 06, 2025 1:54 PM
Female, age 30 - been struggling with recurring BV (bacterial vaginosis) for about 6 years, wondering if anyone else has dealt with this while taking immune suppressing medications?
BV is an imbalance of natural bacteria/pH in the vagina which can cause pain, itching, discharge, and odor. When it's happening for me it's very self-esteem damaging. Physically uncomfortable all day, and at times others around me notice the smell. This impacts my sex life, work, exercise, sleep, social life, and more. I've had Crohns for 20+ years and been taking Remicade & Azathioprine for the last ~13 years – both meds are immunosuppressants.
I've seen my PCP and gyno dozens of times for recurring BV and it feels hopeless at this point. For the first few years I was getting BV every 1-2 months. Every time the doctor prescribed Metronidazole (tried pill and gel). It did work, but only for a couple weeks. Each treatment was followed by a yeast infection, and more prescriptions to treat that....which led to another BV case. Same cycle of treatments over and over again, we did try Clindamycin once which caused pain for me. Years of these prescription meds led to a doc suggesting I use Boric Acid (OTC) at home as needed. This does help, but it's always temporary.
It's very tough for me to narrow down what's causing this for me because there's so many risk factors: sex (1 partner), saliva, lube, tight clothing, sweat, IUD...I'm curious to know if having a lowered immune system may also be a factor in my flora getting unbalanced. I've talked to my GI doc about this too, but he didn't have any input on vaginal health.
Joined Aug 6, 2025
Sat, December 13, 2025 3:59 AM
Reply posted for crohnsoutside.
As a fellow forum member, I empathize! Recurring BV is frustrating. Besides consulting your doctor, consider exploring gut health and probiotics specifically formulated for vaginal health. Anyone else experienced this with immunosuppressants? I find puzzle games like block blast help me de-stress!
542surpsJoined Dec 13, 2025
Thu, December 04, 2025 5:51 PM
Reply posted for vicentewilson.
Immunosuppressants & Recurrent BV
nogymkuJoined Dec 4, 2025
Mon, November 24, 2025 6:05 AM
Reply posted for crohnsoutside.
You're describing a chronic and highly distressing battle with recurring Bacterial Vaginosis (BV), which severely impacts your self-esteem and daily life, including your sex life, work, and social interactions. This has been ongoing for years, despite numerous visits to your PCP and gynecologist.
You've been on immunosuppressants (Remicade & Azathioprine) for about 13 years due to Crohn's disease, which you've had for over 20 years. Conventional treatments like Metronidazole (pills and gel) provided only temporary relief, often leading to subsequent yeast infections, creating a frustrating cycle. Clindamycin also caused pain. While over-the-counter Boric Acid offers some temporary help, the problem always returns, leaving you feeling hopeless.
Considering your long history with Crohn's disease, your immunosuppressant medication, and the persistent recurrence of BV despite standard treatments, what specific diagnostic approaches or long-term management strategies, beyond the current antibiotic and boric acid cycle, might be effective in addressing the root causes of your BV and preventing its return?
Joined Nov 24, 2025
Wed, September 24, 2025 10:33 PM
Reply posted for crohnsoutside.
A weakened immune system might make it harder for your vaginal flora to stay balanced, especially after antibiotics. Have you looked into vaginal microbiome testing (like Evvy)? It might give more insight into what’s going on. You're not alone in this — hope you find lasting relief soon.
clydedavidsonJoined Sep 24, 2025
Related Topics
Lichen Sclerosus & Crohn'...
Joined Sep 15, 2014
Looking to see if anyone else is dealing with li....
read more