Recurrent C. difficile:
FMT Has a 90%+ Success Rate
If antibiotics keep failing, it's because they can't fix what caused C. diff to return. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) restores the microbiome — and ends the cycle.
Over 1,000 patients treated since 2014 · Capsule, enema, and colonoscopy options
Remote consultations available · Serving all of California
Primary therapies we use for C. difficile infection
For recurrent C. diff, FMT is consistently the most effective therapy — superior to repeat courses of antibiotics.
Why Do Antibiotics Keep Failing?
If you've had two or more rounds of vancomycin or fidaxomicin and C. diff keeps coming back, this is not unusual — and it is not your fault. The biology of C. diff makes antibiotic-only treatment a poor long-term solution.
They destroy the microbiome
The antibiotics used to treat C. diff (vancomycin, fidaxomicin) also destroy the very gut bacteria that naturally suppress C. diff — leaving the gut vulnerable to immediate recolonization once the antibiotic course ends.
They don't rebuild what was lost
Antibiotics kill C. diff but do nothing to restore the diverse microbiome needed to keep it from returning. Without restoration, the conditions that allowed C. diff to flourish remain unchanged.
Spores survive treatment
C. diff produces spores that are highly resistant to antibiotics. These spores can persist in the gut and environment, ready to germinate as soon as the antibiotic pressure lifts.
Each relapse weakens defenses further
Every antibiotic course further depletes gut diversity, making each subsequent relapse easier for C. diff and harder for your body to resolve on its own.
What FMT Actually Does
Fecal microbiota transplantation works by directly replacing what antibiotics destroy: a diverse, healthy gut microbiome. Prepared material from a rigorously screened healthy donor is transferred into your intestinal tract, where it rapidly repopulates the gut with thousands of beneficial bacterial species.
These bacteria produce metabolites — particularly short-chain fatty acids and bile acid derivatives — that create an environment where C. difficile cannot compete. The result is not suppression but displacement: a restored microbiome that keeps C. diff in check long-term.
Clinical trials consistently show 80–92% success rates for recurrent C. diff. Our clinic's protocol achieves 90%+ — reflecting a decade of refinement in donor selection, preparation, and protocol design.
FMT is the only treatment endorsed by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) for recurrent C. difficile following antibiotic failure — and the American Gastroenterological Association guidelines support its use after two recurrences.
Our Delivery Options
Capsule FMT
Most PopularOral capsules taken over a 14-day course. Our most popular method — effective, tolerable, and often manageable without repeated clinic visits. Capsules can be shipped in many cases.
Enema FMT
Self-administered at home following an in-office preparation visit. A good option for patients who prefer an outpatient approach with direct colonic delivery.
Colonoscopy FMT
Colonoscopy-based delivery for patients who prefer endoscopic confirmation of delivery site or have specific anatomical considerations. Coordinated with our procedural partners.
Your FMT Specialist
Dr. Jonathan Birch, NMD, RMSK
Naturopathic Medical Doctor · FMT Specialist since 2014
Dr. Birch has performed over 1,000 FMT procedures since establishing Purety Family Medical Clinic in 2014 — making him one of the most experienced outpatient FMT providers in California. He offers telehealth consultations for out-of-area patients and capsule-based FMT protocols that minimize the need for travel.
Common Questions About C. diff & FMT
Serving C. diff Patients Across California and Nationally
Our clinic is located in Santa Barbara, CA. We offer telehealth consultations and capsule-based FMT for patients throughout California and nationwide. In-person visits are required for enema and colonoscopy-based protocols.
Related FMT Research & Guides
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Ready to End the C. diff Cycle?
Start with a consultation — by telehealth or in-person in Santa Barbara. We'll review your history, confirm your candidacy, and recommend the delivery method best suited to your situation.
(805) 500-8300