Hi lesleylady and others on this thread
What lesleylady was advised by this professor sort of makes sense These days it is often recommended to use cranberry juice for the same reason - to raise the acidity.
30 years ago I doubt there were these gels and pessary products that we can use in around our vaginal area which will help to keep this acidic balance - they are also very soothing if you suffer dryness and itching.
Thrush will thrive in a more alkaline environment and if the natural acidic balance in the vagina is not there then thrush and other infections are more likely to occur.
Things that unbalance the natural acidic environment of the vaginal area are: Antibiotics, over cleaning your 'lady bits' with soap, getting hot and sweaty and not airing your lady bits, tight trousers, sex, peri and post meno as the area dries out etc.
There is a mantra that many of us use - "Caring for your Lady parts" - which includes:
Taking showers not baths.
Only washing that area with water, special feminine washes or aqueous cream.
Always clean well after doing a poo.
Cotton underwear.
Looser trousers or wear skirts.
etc.
I think some big doses of Vitamin C would actually boost the immune system and possibly help to create a more acidic environment in the gut which in turn could reduce the chance of thrush and Bacterial Vaginitis taking hold. High doses of Vit C for a short time is not a bad idea but I find the acidity can upset my stomach and if my urethra is buying this will aggravate it.
Many find taking cranberry supplements will prevent further outbreaks of UTIs but during an infection one often uses bicarbonate of soda to neutralise the urine to relieve the pain.
For me it's about managing me feminine environment - prevention is the main thing.
I had a minor bout of thrush about 4 weeks ago and I just treated it by using masses of Multi gyn Actigel for 2-3 nights (i also ate lots of live yogurt). I usually use a small amount each night after my shower which I apply to my finger and push up inside and around the outside - very soothing. There are great pessaries as well - it's trial and error to see what works for you.
Hope that helps. Dg x