Probiotics For Women Yeast Infection

How Do These Probiotics Help

Probiotics are packed full of healthy bacteria that not only help your GI tract, but also your vagina. Studies have shown that when taken, probiotics will improve symptoms for those who already have a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis.

Probiotics are also able to prevent a potential infection. These bacteria work to balance out the pH level of the vagina, which makes for a healthy and hospitable environment.

Do Vaginal Probiotics Work

The research on probiotics for vaginal health is new and it seems, ever changing.

Traditional findings dismiss the effectiveness of vaginal probiotics. This includes a Harvard Health article of 2019 which said they were not particularly effective.

However even in this article, their expert Dr Caroline Mitchell conceded that women with BV could benefit from a probiotic.

When we take a look at the more recent studies, it seems that probiotics have been shown to work.

In one study, 57 women with BV were given either a probiotic or a placebo. While 0% of the placebo cases were cured, up to 57% of the women who were given a probiotic were cured after about a week.

In another study, women with BV were given either an antibiotic and a probiotic or an antibiotic and a placebo.

The women who took the probiotic experienced a 90% cure rate, while the placebo women only experienced a 40% cure rate.

So, based on the evidence coming in, it seems that probiotics are effective, especially for bacterial infections like BV and thrush.

Conventional Treatments For Candida

First line treatment for most cases of Candidiasis is nystatin, an antifungal agent that can be used topically. Fluconazole may also be used as an oral medication, while suppositories or intravaginal antifungals might be used for vaginal yeast overgrowth. Antifungal mouthwashes are available to help with oral thrush.

Severe systemic Candidiasis may be treated using intravenous amphotericin B or oral fluconazole or other strong antifungal drug a hospital setting, usually for critically ill patients. If recurrent Candidiasis is an issue, a long-term treatment and control regimen will need to be established. This may necessitate changes in diet, lifestyle, sexual and hygiene habits , medications, and other factors, and treatment of any sexual partners.

Unfortunately, as with antibiotic resistance, antifungal resistance is an increasing problem. 9 This means that many researchers are now focusing their attention on alternative ways to treat and prevent Candida, including probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and even biogenics .

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Best Probiotic For Yeast Infections That Can Cure Thrush

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Meg Phillips

When it comes to womens health, many of us dont really know what were supposed to be doingdown there.

There are certainly plenty of myths surrounding womens intimate health. These include a range of vaginal cleaning products

Probiotics for women are a relatively new concept though and one thats already controversial in medical circles.

Yet even with modern medicine, we still have 21 millionwomen suffering from bacterial vaginosis in the US alone, and another 138 million women suffering from recurrent thrush.

Its clear that we need to find a better, more natural solution for womens health.

Daye believe theyve found it with their newly launched ProViotic. Its a probiotic which is designed specifically to help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in these intimate areas. It claims to:

• help with bacterial vaginosis.
• help with thrush and yeast infections.
• prevent these infections from recurring after treatment.

Each tablet contains 5 billion live cells of lactobacillus plantarum GLP3.

Lactobacillus is the main bacteria needed to keep the vagina healthy. So these probiotics are designed with womens wellness in mind.

Here we take a closer look at their probiotics, what exactly they can do for us and how effective they are at curing thrush and BV.

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

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The Three Main Groups Of Probiotics

Most probiotics come from one of these three groups13:

• Lactobacillus
• Bifidobacterium
• Saccharomyces boulardii

For a healthy vagina: Look out for lactobacillus rhamnosus and lactobacillus fermentum strains. They help to keep vaginal microbes in balance.

To help with fertility: Add supplements and foods containing lactobacillus species to your shopping list. This strain protects the vaginal microbiome against pathogenic infections associated with infertility, pre-term labour and pregnancy risk factors.14

For gut health: For bloating and constipation, lactobacillus acidophilus or lactobacillus casei can help restore gut flora. For diarrhoea from gastroenteritis and food poisoning, lactobacillus strains may be more effective. However, if IBS is the cause of your upset tummy, try probiotics from saccharomyces boulardii and a combination of the lactobacillus and bifidobacterium strains.15

Which Are The Best Probiotics For Candida

As Candida yeasts are natural residents of the human body, doctors are often reluctant to offer allopathic support unless the condition manifests as obvious fungal infections such as thrush. Even then, their arsenal is limited to anti-fungal medicines, though it’s been encouraging to note that some doctors are now suggesting that their patients consider natural supplements including probiotics.

It is very important to select the right strain of probiotic for the right condition, however, and so its best to use those products containing species and strains that have been well-researched and shown to help discourage and address Candida overgrowth. To find out more about probiotic strains and what exactly a ‘strain’ is, see this article What are Probiotics?, over in our sister site, the Probiotics Learning Lab.

The best probiotics for Candida include:

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The Following Are Included In This List:

probiotic for yeasts should be kept as short as possible.

Quality is more important than an inexpensive probiotic for yeast. Key words are frequently made out of ceramic, stainless steel, and carbon steel.

In contrast, ceramic mechanisms lose their taste more easily and are more likely to break.

Due to the consistency and durability of ceramics, they tend to hold their flavors better than carbon steels or stainless steels. Additionally, rust is highly likely to develop.

A person can select a material based on its strengths and weaknesses.

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Are Any Probiotics Not Recommended For Candida

In general, there arent any probiotics that are contraindicated in Candida overgrowth in fact, most probiotic bacteria offer some degree of anti-Candida potential through competitive inhibition/competitive exclusion and by lowering the pH in the intestines like most pathogens, this troublesome yeast prefers an alkaline environment.

There is however some debate over whether an anti-Candida protocol should include prebiotics, in the form of fructo-oligosaccharides or inulin. One opinion is that prebiotics can feed the Candida, and potentially worsen the dysbiosis. However, others believe that the positive effects of taking prebiotics from a high-quality source, such as encouraging the growth of friendly bacteria in the gut, and increasing short-chain-fatty-acid production outweigh any potential negatives. If you are interested in finding out more about the debate you can read our blog over on the Probiotics Learning Lab, ‘Does FOS feed bad bacteria?‘

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How Do You Know That You Are Having A Yeast Infection

Most people may actually not know that they are having a yeast infection. This is the reason why most people get alarmed and run to hospitals, hoping that it is not something so serious.

However, if you know the symptoms of a yeast infection, you may first give priority to natural remedies before proceeding to seek further medical care. We have therefore dedicated this part of the article to the signs and symptoms of a yeast infection.

Some of the common symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include severe itching in the vaginal area. Further, you may experience some form of irritation which includes some swelling and redness in the vaginal area.

Vaginal discharge is usually a normal occurrence in females, but some form of discharge may actually be an alarm of a vaginal yeast infection. This will be is you have a discharge that is thick or watery but odorless.

This may prove to be not only uncomfortable but also annoying. Some other factors that may be a pointer to a yeast infection include having a painful and burning sensation while urinating or during sexual intercourse.

However, there are some signs that require immediate medical attention and you should not wait around to first test the probiotic supplements. The main sign is having soreness, redness or itching that lasts for a very long time.

The itching may cause sores in the skin that are very painful. In such cases, you should seek medical advice at the earliest time possible.

The Number Of Colony Forming Units The Probiotic Has

It is very essential that you consider the number of colony forming units available in a given probiotic supplement. Put differently, you should look at the number of live bacteria that are present in a given probiotic supplement.

This is important because after all, what you are looking for in the probiotic supplement are those live and useful bacteria that will help to bring balance to your gut. Therefore, the higher the colony forming units count, the more priority you should accord it.

Why should the colony forming units count be high? As we have already noted, there is a probability that not all the live bacteria present in the supplement are likely to reach the intestines. Some of the bacteria may be destroyed by the stomach acids.

Therefore, although some may be destroyed, more will survive and will eventually reach your gut. We recommend that you look for a probiotic supplement that contains at least 10 billion colony forming units. Should you come across a probiotic that does not reveal the colony forming units count it has, you should place it aside and proceed to consider other available options.

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Yogurt With Probiotics For Yeast Infections

Using yogurt with probiotics for yeast infections is very common, although it has been considered by many health experts highly controversial. Next to some cases where it was found as very useful, there were many reported cases where consuming yogurt with probiotics caused side effects such as bloating, gas and other digestive issues. The research data also shows this conflict: one study found that consuming yogurt with probiotics for yeast infections did benefit some people, while other did not not see any benefits. The conclusion of the study was that more studies are needed .

As we mentioned, yogurt and other probiotic foods may not be the best fit when you have yeast infection due potential sensitives to dairy, as well as potential contamination risks that are very common with store-bought probiotic foods. The bottom line: it is much safer and effective to get your probiotics for yeast infection from probiotic supplements.

First Let’s Learn About Lactobacillus

Lactobacilli are a family of bacteria. This is the predominant bacteria of a healthy vagina. They tend to prevent overgrowth of pathogens. They work by producing certain acids, bacteriocins, biosurfactants, hydrogen peroxide and coaggregation molecules . Lactobacillus helps maintain a normal vaginal pH of 3.8 to 4.5 , which is quite acidic. As a woman ages, pH rises to about 5.3.

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Best Probiotic To Prevent Yeast Infections

Using probiotics to prevent yeast infection was suggested by the medical literature to be very useful. A common best practice done in most studies is using a mixture of the Lactobacillus probiotic strains , which are considered the best probiotic to prevent yeast infections. The Lactobacillus probiotic complex we use in our protocol for yeast infection prevention is FloraTrex and it has shown to be very safe and effective.

In addition to using probiotics to prevent yeast infection, it is important to be aware of common causes and risk factors of yeast infection. The effectiveness of any protocol for preventing yeast infection may be different from one person to another, as there are many different yeast infection causes and risk factors to consider. Taking probiotics for yeast infection or any yeast infection pill will not always prevent the yeast infection. Using probiotics to prevent yeast infection however, can reduce the chances of developing a yeast infection .

To see a list of common yeast infection causes and risk factors, see candida overgrowth causes.

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Physicians Choice Womens Probiotic

Physicians Choice makes a heavy-hitting 50 billion CFU womens probiotic supplement that focuses mostly on specific strains of Lactobacillus bacteria. Its a good option for a general-purpose probiotic thats tailored for women, and its great to see Physicians Choice specifying the exact strain of each type of bacteria used in making the supplement.

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Islands Miracle Ultra 30 Womens Probiotic

Islands Miracle is one of those brands who concentrate on womens health. Among their products, Ultra-30s women has grabbed last but not least place in our list because of its efficacy and potent blend.

This supplement contains 18 beneficial probiotic strains and each capsule has 30 billion colony forming units. Apart from that it also contains an herbal blend Cranberry extract, Golden Rod and Bearberry which fight off bacteria to support urinary and vaginal health. It also contains digestive enzymes which break down the yeast cell membranes to kill them.

This unique combination of probiotics and herbal blend is self-sufficient in treating yeast infection. Additionally, this supplement contains pre-biotics which encourage the good bacteria grown in the colon.

These capsules are free of gluten, dairy, soy, wheat, eggs, fish, shellfish and ingredients that are derived from GMO. Each batch undergoes vigorous testing before dispatching to ensure quality. This supplement is third party tested for viability and potency.

Positives:

• Also contains unique herbal blend and digestive enzymes.

Negatives:

Womens Probiotic 20 Billion

This product gathers 3 strains of probiotic bacteria: Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001, Bifidobacterium lactis HN019, Lactobacillus acidophilus La-14®

There are several studies that demonstrate the beneficial properties of these bacteria in combination or separately on womens health.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 improves immunity in pregnant women . Studies have also been done together with Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 comparing its activity against a placebo and showing its protective immune effects .

Other studies have shown how the combination of Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 and Lactobacillus acidophilus LA14 promotes the growth of these Lactobacilli in the vagina and, in cases of candidiasis, yeast infection or thrush it inhibits the growth of Candida albicans, also reducing the symptoms and probability of recurrence when administered together with antifungal treatment .

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Vagi Biom Probiotic Suppositories

These are vaginal suppositories that each contain a total of 1×1010 cfu of the strains Lactobacillus acidophilus Bi14, Lactobacillus crispatus Bi16, Lactobacillus gasseri Bi19 and Bacillus coagulans Bi34 which will allow the re-establishment of the vaginal flora of this genus of lactobacilli.

It is important not to confuse this type of probiotics with other vaginal ovules which, although effective and indicated for reducing the pH of the vagina and lubricating its epithelium, do not contain microorganisms in their formula, i.e. they are not probiotics.

What Is The Difference Between A Yeast Infection And Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis and vaginal yeast infections have similar symptoms but different causes and treatments, but both cause inflammation of the vagina, or vaginitis.

Some of the differences between BV and a yeast infection is that BV produces a foul-smelling, fishy odor, while a yeast infection produces no vaginal odor. Additionally, a yeast infection may cause redness and inflammation of the vulva, while BV doesnt produce such symptoms.

To determine whether a vaginal infection is BV or a yeast infection, a doctor may:

• ask about your medical history, including previous vaginal infections, which may have been sexually transmitted
• perform an examination to look for signs of infection and vaginal discharge
• take a sample of the discharge for analysis to see whether an overgrowth of harmful bacteria or fungi is present
• test the pH of the vagina, as a pH of 4.5 or above can indicate BV

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What Is The Fastest Way To Get Rid Of A Yeast Infection

The fastest and most reliable way to get rid of a yeast infection is to see a doctor if you suspect you have one. They will likely prescribe fluconazole, an oral treatment that may still take a week to get rid of the infection.

Additionally, the vaginal suppository Monistat and generic versions of this medication will successfully treat most vaginal yeast infections.

When Should You Take A Probiotic For Your Vagina

Probiotics designed for vaginal health can help those suffering from recurring thrush or bacterial vaginosis.

However there are a number of other occasions when taking a probiotic could be beneficial as well:

• After Unprotected Sex. Unprotected sex can lead to STIs and pregnancy. However, it can also disrupt the balance of your vaginal microbiome. Semen is alkaline in pH. When it enters the vagina, it can throw off the vaginas acidity, which may lead to a build up of bad bacteria.
• After Excessive Cleaning. Many women are still under the false impression that the vagina needs to be cleaned with a special wash. However, this can also wash away your healthy bacteria and disrupt the vaginas delicate pH balance.
• After Antibiotics. If youve been on a course of antibiotics for a vaginal infection, the make-up of your microbiome may have shifted. A probiotic can help to rebalance the vaginal bacteria.
• After Using Tampons. Dr Baxter explains that Tampons can provide a breeding ground for bad bacteria. So, after your period, a probiotic may help to reintroduce Lactobacilli into your system.

When the vaginas microbiome in disrupted there tends to be a change in its pH.

At a healthy pH level harmful pathogens like E. coli, Staph, and Candida, will find it harder to grow.

The ideal levels for the vaginal microbiome are at a pH of 3.8-4.5 which is quite acidic.

There are even longer term benefits of having very high levels of these good bacteria in your system.

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