Are Probiotics Beneficial To Vaginal Health
Some researchers believe that consuming probiotics can help restore a healthier bacterial balance in the vaginal area. In theory and some lab studies, this works.
However, what works in the laboratory may not always function in the real body. It might not be as straightforward as taking a pill or suppository containing beneficial microorganisms.
There is currently no evidence that these substances benefit vaginal health. This could change as scientists gain more knowledge. However, antibiotics and antifungal medications are currently the only treatments for vaginal bacterial and yeast infections that have been proven to be effective.
S Rrna Gene Sequencing And Qpcr
We collected vaginal swabs in duplicate but DNA was extracted from one swab per woman only at each time point : screening , enrollment and four follow-up visits , and self-sampled swabs from 12 women who had been asked to self-sample at home every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during the first month . Briefly, DNA was extracted using a combination of lysozyme lysis, Qiagen DNeasy Blood and Tissue kit , and bead-beating procedures . Purified DNA underwent two PCR rounds: amplification of the 16S rRNA gene V3-V4 region and dual-index barcoding allowing multiplexing of up to 384 samples. Samples were sequenced on an Illumina HiSeq2500 instrument , run in rapid mode, 2 × 300bp using a 250PE and 50PE kit. All samples collected from the same participant were included in the same run. Negative and positive controls were incorporated throughout. The panbacterial 16S rRNA gene copy concentrations of physician-collected samples of enrolled women with valid sequencing results were determined by BactQuant qPCR assay as previously described.
Live Bacteria Supplementation As Probiotic For Managing Fishy Odorous Vaginal Discharge Disease Of Bacterial Vaginosis: An Alternative Treatment Option
December 29, 2020
DOI:10.7759/cureus.12362
Cite this article as:Mohammed L, Javed M, Althwanay A, et al. Live Bacteria Supplementation as Probiotic for Managing Fishy, Odorous Vaginal Discharge Disease of Bacterial Vaginosis: An Alternative Treatment Option?. Cureus 12: e12362. doi:10.7759/cureus.12362
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How Should You Take Probiotics For Bv
You might wonder how probiotics work for BV and whether they are best taken orally or inserted intra-vaginally.
The answer is both methods show the same efficacy, so it depends on individual preference. Most women prefer the ease and convenience of an oral capsule. Research has shown that so long as the correct strains of bacteria are taken orally then the bacteria are easily able to survive transit through the intestines. They can then make the journey from rectum to vagina. This has been proven in clinical tests whereby the specific probiotics taken have been found in vaginal swabs shortly after they were ingested.
Treatment For Bacterial Vaginosis
Antibiotics like metronidazole or clindamycin might be prescribed by the doctor to treat BV. It could be a pill that you consume or a lotion or gel that you apply. Most treatments will require you to take them for 5 to 7 days.
Even if your symptoms go away, you need to finish all of your medications. If you quit too soon, the infection may resurface and become resistant to antibiotics.
Since BV can be transmitted through sex, avoid sexual intercourse until you’ve finished your medication and your symptoms have subsided. If your partner is a woman, she may want to consult a doctor to check if she needs treatment.
Once BV is treated and gone, it can frequently reappear. If this occurs, you will most likely need to take medication for a longer period of time. If you are using an IUD and your BV continues to return, you should consult with your doctor about switching to a new kind of birth control.
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Bv Diet And The Gut Microbiome
Research into the gut microbiome and diet seems to suggest that they may also influence the risk of bacterial vaginosis. Indeed, Lactobacillus microbes, which dominate a healthy vaginal microbiome, are believed to come from the gut.
Many studies show that taking oral probiotics can support vaginal microbiome health .
Plus, a healthy gut microbiome contains beneficial bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids, which prevent inflammation by keeping the gut lining healthy. If the gut microbiome is unbalanced a condition called dysbiosis it can contribute to inflammation, which can spill over and affect the genital tract.
One of the most important factors that influences the gut microbiome is diet. Good bacteria in your large intestine thrive on plant-based foods, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and fruit. These foods contain prebiotics, special molecules in food that fuel beneficial bacteria.
On the other hand, a Western diet with lots of fast food and simple sugars can encourage the abundance of opportunistic bacteria and reduce levels of beneficial bacteria, like Lactobacillus, and this can have knock-on effects for your health.
Indeed, when the vaginal and gut microbiomes are healthy and happy, their bacteria send positive messages to the immune system, which turns off inflammation. When theyre not balanced, both microbiomes can communicate negative signals to the immune system and encourage inflammation, rather than preventing it.
Probiotics Can Help With Bacterial Vaginosis
There is high quality scientific research showing that probiotics can prevent and eliminate BV.E When probiotics are taken together with antibiotics treating BV, BV recurrence rates dramatically decrease. Probiotic supplementation can also prevent overgrowth of Candida albicans often seen after antibiotics.F
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Best Probiotics For Bv
Because bacterial vaginosis is an imbalance of the good and bad bacteria in the vagina, taking probiotics orally or inserting probiotic bacteria vaginally can be useful in treating BV.
Taken orally, probiotic bacteria can actually help rebalance the vaginal flora.
If you are interested in inserting probiotics vaginally for BV, make sure to discuss this option with your healthcare provider.
Below are some of the best probiotics for BV.
How To Get Rid Of Recurrent Bacterial Vaginosis
New approaches to treating BV are currently under investigation in clinical studies designed to meet safety and effectiveness criteria set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for approving medication, Dr. Hemmerling notes.
But in the meantime, its understandable if you feel like finding a cure for your recurrent BV is something you have to take into your own hands. Many women are frustrated with their experiences in the doctors office, particularly when they visit primary care physicians rather than sexual health physicians for recurrent BV, due to what they describe as healthcare providers insensitivity and dismissals.
According to a 2015 study published in Plos One, women suffering from recurrent BV reported that their doctors had told them it will just resolve itself or its just a womans thing, or they admitted that they didnt know what causes it or how to cure it themselves.
Keep in mind: Some of the most popular home remedies youll find on Instagram like vaginal washes or gels, perfumed douching agents, deodorants, or steaming procedures should never be used. These remedies can negatively impact the vaginal microbiome further or cause damage to the protective cell layers of the vagina, Dr. Hemmerling explains. Case in point: A Vagisil Feminine Moisturizer gel actually halted the growth of beneficial bacteria in the vagina, per a 2013 study published in Microbial Ecology in Health and Disease.
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Probiotics Can Help Prevent Antibiotic
There is evidence suggesting that taking the right probioticsincluding such strains as Saccharomyces boulardii or Bio K+ L. acidophilus CL1285, L. casei LBC80R, L. rhamnosus CLR2may lower the risk of developing antibiotic-associated diarrhea. One study found that BIO-K+ can prevent and reduce the severity of diarrhea in people receiving antibiotic therapy in a hospital setting, he says.
Is Bv A Sexually Transmitted Infection
BV is not a sexually transmitted infection. However, the CDC notes that BV occurs most often in people who are sexually active, and that BV rarely affects people who have not had sex. Not using condoms or having new or multiple sex partners can sometimes increase a persons risk for developing BV.
Sex sometimes leads to BV if your partners natural genital chemistry changes the balance of bacteria in your vagina and causes the bacteria associated with BV to grow, Dean explains. If you have BV, your sexual partner with a penis generally does not need treatment for BV. BV may spread between partners with vaginas. Although BV is not an STI, having BV increases your chances of becoming infected with an STI, including HIV, if you are exposed to one. If you are HIV positive, untreated BV increases your chances of passing HIV along to your sex partners.
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Bacterial Vaginosis In Children
Bacterial vaginosis is most common in sexually active women of reproductive age, which means that it can affect teenage girls. It is possible to get BV without being sexually active because it can be caused by other factors.
For example, menstrual bleeding disrupts that natural pH of the vagina, making it more susceptible to microbiome imbalances. In addition, diet, smoking, perfumed soaps, bubble baths, and even stress are risk factors for bacterial vaginosis.
If you are concerned about your childs health, consult a doctor about the most age-appropriate testing for bacterial vaginosis.
Best Probiotic For Bv That Includes Lactobacillus Rhamnosus Gr
Clearly, these two probiotics strains have some promising results for those with BV. If youre looking for a BV treatment over the counter to help improve the efficacy of your medical treatment, probiotics are a wonderful choice. Its an easy remedy that you can administer at home!
Fem-Dophilus from Jarrow Formulas is a great option if youre looking for a probiotic supplement that contains these two strains.
You can also find these same strains in RepHresh Pro B probiotic capsules.
Ideally, I would love these companies to share the exact CFU counts for each individual strain, but none of them do . Both of these options contain 5 billion total CFUs, but they dont specify how much of those 5 billion is coming from each of the strains. If you know of a brand that tells you how much of each strain their supplement contains, Id love to hear about it in the comments!
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Description Of The Intervention
Both the killing and growth inhibiting activities of antibiotics are important towards suppressing anaerobes in the vagina. However, therapy only with recommended antibiotics, including metronidazole or clindamycin, results in low cure rates and unacceptably high recurrence rates . These low rates are possibly due to an inability of the host to restore the lactobacilli-dominated vaginal flora, making the use of Lactobacillus probiotics a promising treatment and prevention strategy. Moreover, repeated antibiotic exposure increases the risk of the emergence of resistant strains.
Ready To Get Started With The Best Probiotics For Bv
Having a healthy gut microbiome is one of the best things that you can do for your health. There is still research to be done and we are finding new strains and new methods to produce the best probiotics. Because they are extremely beneficial and can impact a number of different illnesses, conditions, and general health.
Taking the right type of probiotics may help you target specific health issues and improve your overall health and quality of life.
If you are ready to feel your best in all aspects of your life, consider adding probiotics to your diet. At BiOptimizers, our mission is dedicated to discover, present, and share the best probiotics on the market by helping you to achieve an optimal state of well-being in the body, mind, and soul.
For more information about probiotics from BiOptimizers,
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Probiotics For Bacterial Vaginosis
Oral probiotics ingested via the mouth can support female health. One study found that Lactobacillus fermentum LF15 and Lactobacillus plantarum LP01 positively affected the vaginal microbiome during BV by reducing the presence of pathogenic microorganisms.
Another clinical trial showed that daily oral probiotics containing L. fermentum and L. rhamnosus reduced the presence of potentially pathogenic bacteria and yeasts in the vagina.
Lactobacillus Brevis Cd2 Lactobacillus Salivarius Fv2 And Lactobacillus Plantarum Fv9
In a rather small but well-designed double-blind, randomised, controlled trial2 34 women with BV received either a probiotic tablet or a placebo for 7 days. The probiotic contained at least 10 billion viable Lactobacilli in particular L. brevis CD2®, L. salivarius FV2®, and L. plantarum FV9®. The 2-week symptom relief rates were 61% in the active treatment group. When compared to 19% in the placebo group – these are astounding results!
Key takeaway
- Symptoms of BV have been demonstrated to be relieved by the probiotic strains Lactobacillus brevis CD2®, Lactobacillus salivarius FV2®, and Lactobacillus plantarum FV9®
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Symptoms Of Bacterial Vaginosis
Some symptoms of BV may seem similar to those of a yeast infection, such as a burning sensation when you urinate or strangely colored discharge that is thicker than normal. One distinguishing factor of bacterial vaginosis is that it often is accompanied by a fishy odor. This smell may become even more potent after sexual intercourse.
Apple Cider Vinegar For Bv
Bacterial vaginosis
About 29 percent of women in the United States have bacterial vaginosis . Although some women experience no symptoms, others may notice an unpleasant smell coming from their vagina.
Some women also experience itching and burning feelings and sometimes, an unusual gray discharge.
- over-the-counter yeast infection treatment products
- antiseptic creams
The same study indicated that data on the effectiveness of alternative treatments for BV are predominantly of poor quality. Most of the women reported their self-help remedies did not help, and, in some cases made the symptoms worse.
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Tips For Choosing The Best Bv Treatment For You
You should see a healthcare professional in person if you suspect you have BV. They can give you a pelvic exam and collect vaginal swabs and a urine sample to test for the presence of any bacteria or infection.
But if thats not an option for you, you may have to decide between a virtual doc visit and an at-home testing kit.
So, how do you decide?
A testing kit like the ones from myLAB Box and LetsGetChecked can be helpful if youre pretty sure your symptoms are caused by some kind of bacterial overgrowth or infection.
Some kits can test for specific bacteria , while others can only tell you whether an infection might be present. If youve had BV before or get it often, this could be a good route for getting antibiotics without going to the doc.
Obvi, a virtual visit to the doc doesnt involve a pelvic exam. It might not even involve any lab testing. But the doc can help you figure out if your symptoms warrant an in-person visit or potentially send you a kit to test yourself at home.
Find out whether the telehealth service youre considering takes insurance or offers low cost options for those without insurance.
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Does Probiotics Help With Bv
BV is nothing but an imbalance in the ratio of good and bad bacteria in the vagina. Probiotics are usually the good or helpful bacteria that will help you maintain the right balance of good and bad bacteria in your vagina.
Now, when the bad bacteria outnumber the good ones, probiotics will help you replace the good bacteria. As a result, you can maintain a healthy, BV free vagina.
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How Long Does It Take For Probiotics To Cure Bv
The cure rate at 30 days was close to 90 percent in the antibiotic-plus-probiotic group, in contrast to 40 percent in the antibiotic-plus-placebo group. In another small study of 42 healthy women, taking just a probiotic a l one was enough to cure BV and maintain healthy levels of bacteria in the vagina.
Drink Lots Of Water And Stay Hydrated
One of the many awesome home remedies for BV at home is staying hydrated.
According to research, your vaginal skin should stay moist to allow adequate growth of the good bacteria.
Keeping this in mind, drinking enough water is one of the most effective Bacterial Vaginosis home remedies that you can try.
Water boosts your immune system and enhances the healing process. Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses daily to prevent vaginal dryness and ensure proper pH balance inside the vaginal region.
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Treat With Intravaginal Boric Acid
Intravaginal boric acid is a handy over-the-counter remedy effectively used in balancing vaginal flora. “Boric acid, is a white powder or crystalline solid that acts similarly to a Monistat or a prescription antifungal like fluconazole meant to treat yeast infections,” says Hill, “Like antibiotics, boric acid is a strong antiviral and antifungal that lowers the vaginal pH and makes it more difficult for the bacteria that cause BV to grow…As a bonus, boric acid suppositories are both inexpensive and accessible.”
How Do You Prevent Bv In The Long Term
Taking a probiotic every day can help reduce your chances of getting a BV again. Yet there are some other things you can do as well. A low sugar diet, reducing your stress, is known to reduce the chances of a vaginal imbalance.
Alongside this, try to use mild and unscented bath products, as this will not disrupt your normal pH balance of your vagina. Thus, your vagina wont be affected by any strong chemicals that could be affecting it.
Finally, if you are having sex, then it should ideally be protected. This way, you will keep all the bad bacteria away from your vagina, that could possibly enter through unprotected sex.
Thus, there are a lot of things you can do, to help you prevent BV in the long term alongside taking your daily probiotic as well.
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