Are Probiotics Good For Vagina

Do Probiotics Help With Vaginal Health

Although no conclusive study has been done, researchers insist that the best probiotics for women contain a combination of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains that help maintain healthy vaginal flora.

Once consumed, probiotics find their way through the digestive system into the vagina. If probiotics taken contain the most crucial strains , it disrupts the yeast and unhealthy bacteria in the vagina.

As a result, probiotics reduce the risks of getting bladder and urinary tract infections. Also, taking probiotics lactobacillus does protect the vagina against the overgrowth of unhealthy bacteria. In return, it reduces recurrent bacterial vaginosis.

What Is A Good Female Probiotic

6 of the Best Probiotics for Women Probiotic Pearls Digestive and Vaginal Health. SHOP NOW AT Amazon. Culturelle Womens Healthy Balance. SHOP NOW AT Amazon. Flora Bloom Probiotics for Women. SHOP NOW AT Amazon. Vitamin Bounty Womens Pro-Daily. NatureWise Probiotics for Women. Renew Life Womens Probiotic Ultimate Flora.

How To Take Probiotics For Vaginal Ph

For an active or recurrent infection, you may want a higher amount of probiotics at one time, so supplements can help or be used in addition to food sources of probiotics. You can also take Lactobacillus supplements as a preventive measure, especially if you get recurrent vaginal infections.

Probiotic supplements are found in a variety of forms like:

• pills
• gummies
• powders

You can prob find probiotic supplements containing some of the best strains for vaginal health at your local health food store. If not, you can def get high quality products online. While theres no exact recommended daily dosage, your doc can give you a recommendation based on your unique needs.

Food can be a solid source of probiotics like Lactobacillus. Some sweet options include:

Read Also: List Of Probiotics For Poultry

Bifido Bacteria For Digestion And Intestinal Health

Our large intestine is important for our digestion and overall health because this organ is basically our waste management and disposal system. Digesting food properly to ensure your body stays regular, and getting the most nutrients out of your food, are essential components to feeling healthy.

To optimize the health of the large intestine, you can boost it with specific flora like that in Bifidobacterium bifidum.

One of the best ways to get Bifidobacterium bifidum is through Bifido Factor. This probiotic product is the second step in our custom probiotic system.

Additionally, many clients say their favorite option for its ease and effectiveness is Natrens Healthy Trinity. The bifidum bacteria plays an important role in the Healthy Trinity supplement, of which you receive 20 billion live, active bifidum bacteria in each serving.

What Are The Risks Of Probiotics

Probiotics sold as dietary supplements are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Their labels may make promises about what is in them and how they operate, but they may not be entirely accurate. So, it is best to be cautious.

More research is needed to determine how safe probiotics are. However, scientists believe they may have some negative consequences, such as:

• Infections

Also Check: Can Probiotics Help With Digestive Issues

What Are Probiotics And Why Do We Need Them

Probiotics are live microorganisms that we can consume as supplements, or as part of our diets in fermented foods such as kimchi, or probiotic yogurt.

They boost the populations of beneficial microorganisms that are already living in our bodies in the gastrointestinal tract, on the skin and even in the vaginal lining.

Probiotics are a combination of live beneficial bacteria, or yeast, that are native to our gut microbiome, explains Cristy Dean, dietician and gut health specialist at Fettle and Bloom. They are made up of good bacteria that keep us healthy and well, and can help to maintain the balance of bacteria which can get out of sync due to ill health and disease.

• Related:6 probiotic foods to support your gut

Probiotics can support proper immune function. One 2019 study showed that a healthy gut microbiome can reduce gut wall permeability, which in turn prevents bad microorganisms from traveling through the gut wall into the bloodstream.

Dean adds that probiotics can be powerful allies in the prevention of infection, and supporting those with disease. There is a growing body of evidence that suggests we can treat or even prevent some illnesses by taking certain strains of probiotics. Potential benefits have been seen in diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, infection by Clostridium difficile, inflammatory bowel disease and vaginal infections to name a few.

The Best Strains Of Probiotics

16 min. read

Dr. David Williams

Understanding the benefits of various strains of probiotics and how they affect digestive health is essential in order to properly evaluate which probiotic supplement is best for you.

This table identifies a number of common probiotic species and the benefits they confer. Refer to it as you weigh the pros and cons of different products.

Dont Miss: Do Baby Probiotics Help With Gas

Recommended Reading: Best Probiotics For Bladder Health

Probiotics That Are Suited For Bv

Whilst you are looking at all of these probiotics to help combat BV, you need to make sure that they contain the good kinds of probiotics that you need.

You want to add more friendly bacteria to help combat the imbalance. Scientists are aware that there are different probiotics that all do different things.

However, it is understood that the Lactobacillus genus is the most predominant genus of bacteria that is found in a healthy vagina.

Some of the better strains to keep an eye on include:

• Lactobacillus plantarum FV9,
• Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-14,
• Lactobacillus crispatus CTV-05.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14 are known to already exist in a healthy vaginal microbiome.

These two strains have been researched heavily and are known to support a healthy vagina and BV. While Lactobacillus paracasei F-19 is used to improve the pH of the vagina and reduce the order with women who are suffering from BV.

Then Lactobacillus brevis FV2, Lactobacillus salivarius CD2, and Lactobacillus plantarum FV9, all relieve symptoms that have been caused by BV.

Why Should You Care About Vaginal Probiotics

In the same way that its important to support your digestion and overall health by looking after your gut bacteria, womens pills for pH balance can balance your overall vaginal pH, but also promote the growth and maintenance of beneficial lactobacilli in your vaginal microbiome. A quality daily probiotic for vaginal health can help, along with maintaining healthy habits, like eating a healthy diet, peeing after sex, drinking water, and avoiding practices like douching, which can disrupt the delicate balance of vaginal flora.

You May Like: What Type Of Probiotic Is Best For Bv

You May Like: Vive Biotics Super Probiotic Formula

Major Factors Affecting The Composition

Vaginal microbiota composition is highly dynamic and affected by age, ethnicity, and physiological factors, such as monthly hormonal fluctuations and the immune system. Vaginal infections, medications, as well as probiotics shape the VMB, as well as lifestyle and diet . In the below chapters we focus on major known modulators of VMB.

Figure 1. Key factors affecting vaginal microbiota composition.

Ethnicity

Genetic heritage plays a role determining VMB composition as the CSTs are known to vary among ethnic groups. In general, lactobacilli dominate the VMB among the Asian and White women, whereas Black or African-American and Hispanic women are more likely to be dominated with diverse VMB, containing several BV-associated species, such as Gardnerella vaginalis, BVAB1, BVAB2, Atopobium vaginae, Megasphaera spp., Sneathia spp., and Prevotella spp. and CST IV-A or B . Women with black ethnicity are considerably more likely to be diagnosed with BV and PTB . Interestingly, L. iners-dominated VMB is prevalent in VMB of women in all ethnic groups . Limited evidence exists for vaginal Candida species and their prevalence among ethnic groups .

Menstrual Cycle

Reproductive hormones and especially estrogen play a key role in shaping the VMB composition throughout life from the onset of puberty, during reproductive years toward menopause, and postmenopause when the estrogen levels decline .

Lifestyle

Immune System

Vaginal Infections and Disorders/Dysbiosis and Antimicrobial Therapy

Which Probiotics Are Best

Not all probiotics are the same. Different strains have different effects and offer up various benefits depending on the condition. Some will fight infection in the gut, others will fight it in the vagina. Some need to be hardy enough to survive the acid in our guts so they can get to the stomach intact. Whereas those needed to fight tooth decay only need to travel as far as the mouth.11

It goes without saying that its important to select the right strain for your own individual health needs. Knowing which specific probiotic strain to choose will help your body target the goodness where its needed most.

Taking a prebiotic in conjunction with probiotics is also recommended. Prebiotics are complex carbohydrates. You can find them in foods including wholegrain oatmeal, bananas and even onions.12

Read Also: Vh Essentials Probiotic With Prebiotics And Cranberry

Possible Negative Effects Of Probiotic Use

Annually, over one billion doses of probiotics areadministered worldwide, and those administered for urogenital health have beenwell tolerated . In addition,the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, and female genitourinary tract are inhabitedby Lactobacillus . Yet, endocarditisand bacteremia caused by lactobacilli are extremely rare. Most cases occur in patientswith chronic diseases or debilitating conditions that provide direct access tothe bloodstream from a leaky gut. Only 1.7% of 241 cases of bacteremia,endocarditis, and localized infections associated with Lactobacillus that were investigated by Cannon et al. were considered to have apossible link with heavy consumption of dairy products . Only one case hada Lactobacillus isolate that wasindistinguishable from a probiotic strain. There was no connection between thespecies of Lactobacillus isolated andthe type of infection or mortality. A recent study that directly instilled asix-strain bacterial product into the intestine of patients with severe, potentiallyfatal pancreatitis portrayed probiotics as being dangerous . However, theproduct had never been proven to be probiotic, it was administered as a drugunlike 99.9% of probiotics, the randomization process led to patients withmultiorgan failure being given large doses of live bacteria, and the authorsfailed to provide a rationale for the study in an appropriate animal model. Allthis led to unwarranted adverse publicity for the field of probiotics .

What Are Good Types Of Probiotics For Women

Probiotics rich in lactobacilli variants can promote good gut and vaginal health. Lactobacilli can make the vaginal environment too acidic for other microorganisms to get a foothold, which makes them particularly beneficial when taken by women for the prevention of bacterial vaginosis and other infections. These benefits for vaginal health can still be seen when probiotics are taken orally, due to the benefits to overall immune health and overall balancing effect probiotics have on our microbiome.

Read Also: Spring Valley Probiotic Side Effects

Taking Probiotics For Bv

The majority of the probiotics we have mentioned above, can all be taken orally. Yet, you should always read the instructions, as some probiotics on the market can either be taken orally or they can be inserted into the vagina.

Yet both methods are known to be effective, as neither one is more effective than the other. It is really more up to personal preference which one you end up doing and what type of probiotics you have brought asks you to do.

If you decide to take it orally, then you need to make sure the strains of bacteria will be able to survive the intestines and make it all the way to the vagina.

As you can see, you need to be aware of what strains are in the probiotics that you are buying. Also, it will say on the packaging the best way to take the product as well. In this article, we have given you the best probiotics that you will be able to find that will help you combat BV.

Other Steps To A Healthy Vagina

If you frequently develop bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections, its still important to visit a doctor for help with treatments even if you choose to take a probiotic.

In addition to taking some of the best probiotics for vaginal health, other ways you can support the health of your vagina include:

• Avoiding douching, which can remove healthy bacteria from the vagina that are needed to control growth of other microorganisms.
• Using natural, unscented soaps on your vagina as opposed to those that are fragranced and contain irritating chemicals.
• Wearing cotton underwear, rather than synthetic fabrics, which allow for more air flow.
• Using organic cotton tampons/pads that are unscented.
• Bathing daily and gently washing with warm water and mild soap.
• Avoiding having too much sexual partners/unprotected sex.
• Never inserting unprescribed treatments into your vagina, including garlic, yogurt, or oregano or tea tree oil.
• Eating a healthy diet that supports your immune system and gut, such as one that includes probiotic fermented foods, leafy greens, berries, herbs and other veggies, and thats low in sugar and processed foods

Read Also: When To Take Align Probiotic

Getting Back In Balance

Experts say no conclusive evidence shows that probiotics are effective at preventing and treating BV or other conditions related to vaginal imbalance. Currently, antibiotics remain the recommended treatment for these conditions.

As its important to get a proper diagnosis and treat underlying causes, the recommendation to take a probiotic in supplement form should be made by the healthcare provider only after a complete assessment and proper diagnosis of the condition is made, says Haar.

Healthy Vaginal Microbiota And Influence Of Probiotics Across The Female Life Span

• IFF Health & Biosciences, Kantvik, Finland

Vaginal microbiota plays a central role in womens health and reproduction. Vaginal microbiota is dynamic and shaped by hormonal shifts in each stage of a womans life from pre-puberty to postmenopause. Current research has mainly focused on vaginal bacterial and fungal members of the community and emphasized their role in disease. However, the impact of balanced vaginal microbiota on health and its interaction with the host is yet poorly understood. High abundance of vaginal lactobacilli is most strongly associated with health, but the concept of health may vary as vaginal dysbiosis may be asymptomatic. Furthermore, there is a lot of variation between ethnic groups in terms of dominating vaginal bacteria. Probiotic lactobacilli could be a safe and natural means to balance and maintain healthy vaginal microbiota. Research evidence is accumulating on their role in supporting womens health throughout life. This review describes the current literature on vaginal microbiota, the major factors affecting its composition, and how the communities change in different life stages. Furthermore, we focused on reviewing available literature on probiotics and their impact on vaginal microbiota and health.

Read Also: Does All Greek Yogurt Have Probiotics

For Vaginal Health Restore Balance With Probiotics:

Vaginal probiotics are suggested as a means to improve your vaginal health by introducing live microorganisms. Its true that, like your digestive tract, your vaginal area is brimming with helpful bacteria and other microbes. When it comes to vaginal health, an imbalance of bacteria inside the vagina is thought to be the cause of some common gynaecological problems. According to Dr. Mitchell, most women seek out probiotics to alleviate the discomfort produced by two of these conditions: bacterial vaginosis and yeast infection.

Probiotics provide six major advantages for women:

Probiotics may help protect the female body against a variety of typical womens health issues, from fertility to urinary tract infections.

Reducing Urinary Tract Infections

If youve ever suffered a urinary tract infection youre not alone. Evidence suggests that 40-60% of women suffer a UTI at some point in their lives.3 And when it happens, you know about it. Women are at a higher risk of suffering a UTI than men. But the good news is that probiotics can help. Firstly, they can replenish naturally occurring vaginal bacteria. Secondly, they balance out the infection-causing bad bacteria with good bacteria. Together, this can reduce the frequency and risk of an uncomfortable UTI flare up.4

Read Also: Do Probiotics Help Crohn’s

Things To Look For When Buying Probiotics For Uti Treatment

With emerging numerous vaginal diseases in women, it would make sense that there are many supplements out there in the market that are manufactured to address the situation. The reason why women prefer probiotics is because of the few side effects.

Vaginal discomfort is brought by hormonal imbalance in the body. The hormonal imbalance could be a result of stress or pregnancy. These small changes in the body hormones, which many people tend to ignore, are the primary cause of virginal and urinary tract discomfort.

Keeping that in mind, it is therefore essential to make sure that as we are trying to cure the urinal disease, we use medicines that do not result from changes in hormone balance In anyways. Probiotics have proven to be the best choice.

With the many UTI flora treatments, many can find it challenging to settle on the best. It is a common thing you may still find yourself not sure which product to buy even after going through the product review section.

It is because of this reason that I have prepared for you a buying guide. This will help you to be confident about the purchase you have made. Some of the essentials for you to consider while buying the products in discussion include

Diy Tips For Preventing Future Odor

After successfully eliminating an odor from your vagina, here are a few preventive measures apart from consistent intake of probiotics for feminine odor to stop it from reoccurring:

• Eating a healthy food with plenty fruits lean protein and whole grain will guarantee a healthy body.
• Always wear cotton panties because it absorbs excess moisture from sweating.
• Avoid wearing tight clothes because it prevents the vagina from getting needed oxygen.
• Wash the vaginal area before and after sexual intercourse to sustain natural virginal bacteria.
• Always stay hydrated because it encourages fluid release which is good for the body.
• Increase your intake of probiotic-rich foods

Dont Miss: 10 Strain Probiotic Digestive Care Supplement

Don’t Miss: Probiotics For 6 Month Old