Find answers to questions about vaginal infections, how to treat them, and how Provacare can help. Don’t see your question here? Feel free to contact us for any additional information you need.

QUESTIONS ABOUT VAGINAL INFECTIONS

Vaginitis is a medical term used to describe various conditions that cause infection or inflammation of the vagina that can result in discharge, itching and pain.  The most common types of vaginitis are: Bacterial vaginosis (B.V) and Yeast infections.

Vaginal infections are caused by an imbalance to the vaginal ecosystem. The vaginal ecosystem naturally contains both healthy and unhealthy bacteria.  The healthy bacteria helps control the growth of the unhealthy bacteria. Vaginal infections are caused when there is an overgrowth of unhealthy bacteria.
Factors that can contribute to an imbalanced vaginal ecosystem include:

  • Taking oral antibiotics to treat an unrelated condition.
  • Using antimycotics found in traditional yeast infection medication.
  • Hormonal changes
  • Stress or fatigue
  • Birth control pills
  • Wearing wet or moist clothing such, as bathing suits for a long period of time.

Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of a fungus called Candida where as Bacterial Vaginosis (B.V.) is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria such as Gardnerella or Prevotella bivia.  As the systems of both yeast infections and Bacterial Vaginosis (B.V.) are similar 2 out of 3 women misdiagnose their symptoms and use the wrong treatment.1

Symptoms of a Yeast Infection Include:

  • Vaginal itching
  • Vaginal burning sensation
  • Vaginal irritation
  • Painful urination
  • Painful sexual intercourse
  • Abnormal, odourless vaginal discharge that can range from thin and milky to thick and lumpy, resembling cottage cheese

Symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) Include:

  • Vaginal itching
  • Vaginal burning sensation
  • Vaginal irritation
  • Painful urination
  • Painful sexual intercourse
  • Vaginal discharge, usually thin and grayish/white; discharge may
  • be more noticeable after having sex*
  • Foul “fishy” odour*
  • *Only recognizable differences between yeast infection symptoms and bacterial vaginosis.

QUESTIONS ABOUT TREATMENT

Maintaining a balanced vaginal ecosystem is essential to prevent recurring infections.  You can use Provacare Vaginal Care Ovules, even if you do not have a current infection, to maintain a healthy balance.  Other tips to help prevent recurrence include:

  • Maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet.  A weakened immune system can lead to vaginal infections.
  • If your doctor prescribes antibiotics, even for an unrelated condition, use Provacare Vaginal Care Ovules at the same time, to help maintain balance.
  • Keep genital area clean and dry
  • Avoid harsh soaps.  Use a gentle cleaning wash such as Provacare Soothing Feminine Foaming Wash
  • DON’T douche – it removes healthy bacteria lining the vagina that keep the yeast from over growing.
  • Avoid feminine hygiene sprays, fragrances, or powders, which used can cause irritation.
  • Avoid wearing tight pants or shorts as they can cause or intensify irritation.
  • Avoid wearing wet clothing for long periods of time.

Probiotics are living micro-organisms which, if administered in sufficient quantities, are beneficial for a person’s health.

Regardless of the length of treatment, it takes 3 to 7 days to cure a vaginal infection.
Also, the only way to prevent recurrence is to restore the balance of flora in the vaginal ecosystem.

Provacare Vaginal Care Ovules 7 day treatment provides the right amount of medication directly to the site of infection over 7 days to help treat the infection and restore the vaginal ecosystem back to its healthy balance.
Other products that offer single dose treatments contain a higher percent of the active ingredient that is introduced to the body during one application which could cause unpleasant side effect and even recurring infections.

Vaginal ovules are applied directly to the site of infection to start working immediately.  Oral treatments are absorbed into the bloodstream and needs to travel through the body to the site of infection.  While oral treatments may initially appear more convenient, they can also kill the healthy bacteria, which can cause recurring infections.

Consult a health care professional if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, for use beyond seven days or if symptoms persist or worsen.

QUESTIONS ABOUT PROVACARE

Provacare Vaginal Care Ovules  help treat recurring yeast infections and help relieve symptoms excessive discharge, burning and and vaginal dryness. Provacare can also be taken with antibiotics to help treat bacterial vaginosis (B.V.).

The active ingredient in Provacare Vaginal Care Ovules is Lactobacillus rhamnosus  which is found naturally in the vaginal ecosystem.  While Provacare has been used in Europe for over 30 years showing no known side effects, it is recommended that you consult your healthcare practitioner prior to using Provacare if you are pregnant.

The recommended dose for Provacare Vaginal Care Ovules is one ovule, two times a day for seven days.

To use, insert 1 ovule vaginally twice daily, in the morning and at bedtime. Moisten ovule with a small amount of water to facilitate insertion.

Each ovule contains Lactobacillus rhamnosus  (Lcr Regeneran®) 109 CFU.

Take Provacare Vaginal Care Ovules 2-3 before or after taking antibiotics.  Do not use this product if you are allergic to milk.  Do not use if the bottle safety seal is broken or missing.  Does not use if you have an immune-compromised condition such as Aids or lymphoma etc.

Yes, Provacare can be used during menstrual periods.

If you miss a day, it is not necessary to have to start over. Simply, resume regimen where you left off.
However, if you have missed several days, you may find that you may need to repeat the treatment.

Yes, you can still have sexual intercourse while using Provacare.

Yes, Provacare is gluten free.

No, Provacare Vaginal Care Ovules do not need to be refrigerated.

Provacare products are available at select pharmacies and major retailers across Canada. Selection varies by store and not all products are available at all retailers. Use the map locator tool to locate the store nearest you, or search from the list of retailers.

Provacare is now available, without a prescription. Ask your local Pharmacist today.

1. Ferris. et al. Over-the-Counter Antifungal Drug Misuse Associated With Patient-Diagnosed Vulvovaginal Candidiasis., 2002