Mediterranean Diet as an Adjunct Therapy in Bacterial Vaginosis Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Year 2025, Volume: 15 Issue: 2, 324 - 332, 30.06.2025

Aybala Tazeoğlu , Eftal Geçgil Demir

https://doi.org/10.33808/clinexphealthsci.1533219

Abstract

Objective: Vaginitis is a common and treatable condition in women. However, bacterial vaginosis (BV) may be resistant to treatment despite the use of antibiotics. This study aimed to determine the effect of the Mediterranean diet on the treatment of BV.
Methods: This randomized controlled trial was designed to investigate the impact of the Mediterranean diet on BV treatment. Demographic data, body mass index (BMI), menopausal status, presence of diabetes mellitus, medical history, average three-day food intake, and treatment outcomes during follow-up examinations were recorded. Patients who were advised to follow the Mediterranean diet and adhered to it (Group 1) were compared with those in the control group who did not follow a dietary intervention (Group 2). Additionally, patients were categorized based on the persistence of BV following treatment.
Results: The study included 64 patients who were advised to follow the Mediterranean diet and complied with it, and 64 patients who received no dietary recommendation. The mean age of participants was 49.32 ± 10.53 years. The treatment-resistant group had higher rates of elevated BMI (>30 kg/m²), history of vaginal surgery, history of vaginitis, and non-adherence to the Mediterranean diet compared to the treatment-responsive group (p < .05). Multivariate analysis revealed that high BMI (≥30), diabetes mellitus, recurrent vaginitis, and not adhering to the Mediterranean diet were statistically significant risk factors for treatment-resistant vaginitis.
Conclusion: The Mediterranean diet enhances the effectiveness of BV treatment. High BMI, diabetes mellitus, and a history of recurrent vaginitis are significant risk factors for treatment-resistant bacterial vaginosis.

Keywords

Bacterial vaginosis , treatment , Mediterranean diet

Ethical Statement

This study was approved by Ethics Committee of Osmaniye Korkut Ata University, Noninvasive Clinic Ethics Committee (Approval date: 01 / 08/ 2022; Number: 168) Peer-review: Externally peer-reviewed.

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