Benefits Of Probiotics For Vaginal And Bladder Health
In addition to maintaining better vaginal health, probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus supplements can also help improve bladder health and keep urinary tract infections at bay. Oral intake of Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus reuteri has also shown promising results.
BV and UTIs are typically treated with antibiotics, while yeast infections are treated with antifungals. Probiotic supplements can help restore the bacterial balance in the vaginal and urinary tracts after antimicrobial treatment, which kills both good and bad bacteria.
Many infections are caused by a drop in immunity, and vaginal health is linked to hormones. Studies have linked probiotic-rich diets with strengthened immune systems as well as hormonal balance, which makes them an important part of a healthy diet.
Healthy vaginal bacteria also get passed on to your child when you give birth, so theyre protected by a thriving colony of helpful bacteria from the day they enter the world.
Causes Of A Yeast Infection
Several things can cause yeast to multiply, creating an imbalance in the vaginal microbiome. Some of the most common causes are:
- Antibiotic medications: These antimicrobials are excellent at killing harmful bacteria that cause infections. Unfortunately, antibiotics also kill beneficial bacteria, which can throw off the balance of the microbiome. When this happens in the vagina , it can result in a yeast infection.
- Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, menstruation, and the use of hormonal contraceptives or hormone or estrogen therapy cause hormone levels and the balance of yeast in the vagina to shift.
- Diabetes: Elevated levels of sugar in your urine and vagina can encourage the growth of yeast in this area.
- Weakened immune system: Living with a chronic disease or using medication that suppresses your immune system can cause vaginal yeast to grow.
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
Read Also: C Section Babies And Probiotics
Caveats: Will Other Formulations Work
Th is study was funded by the makers of Probaclac Vaginal, so we will be watching for independent replication of these findings in other populations. The vaginal probiotic tested had 80 times the current recommended concentration of lactobacilli required to restore and maintain normal vaginal flora, so we are unsure as to whether less concentrated formulations would be equally effective.
Probiotic formulations differ widely, although some are similar to the species/concentration used in Probaclac Vaginal, including LactoViden ID by Metagenics , with 15 billion CFUs, and Therbiotic by Klaire Labs , with 25 billion CFUs.
Also, this intervention has not been tested in populations outside of China, in heavy smokers, or in women with more than one sexual partner, so there is a small risk that these findings may not be confirmed in subsequent RCTs or may not be generalizable to other populations. Nonetheless, we think the potential benefit outweighs any possible harm, and we will be watching for studies that confirm or challenge these findings.
How Do Probiotics Work In The Vagina
Probiotics in the vagina, primarily Lactobacillus strains, act as a defensive force by colonizing the vaginal tract, stopping pathogenic microorganisms from setting up base.
It also:
- Promotes an acidic vaginal environment to discourage the growth of bad bacteria by producing lactic acid.
- Produces hydrogen peroxide to help create an inhospitable environment for the unwanted guests.
- Stops microbes from adhering to the vaginal wall, and may also be able to displace those that have taken hold.
- Plays a key role in stimulating the bodys immune responses, which strengthens its ability to fight off infection.
- Actively fights bad microbes, and is often successful at disabling infection-causing bacteria, yeasts and viruses.
Don’t Miss: Probiotic Supplement With The Most Strains
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.
Do Probiotics Work To Clear Vaginal Odor
No one likes dealing with strong vaginal odor, but sometimes its just a fact of life. Eating certain foods, working out, sexual activity it can all contribute to a less-than-pleasant odor down there. The smell itself is the result of a buildup of bad bacteria in and around the vagina, much like bad breath is caused by bacteria accumulating on teeth and gums. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to fight against this unwanted bacterial growth and restore balance: washes, creams and over-the-counter supplements. Probiotics for bacterial vaginosis offer a quick, easy way to combat the issue from the inside out, and have been growing in popularity over the course of the past few years. Theyre generally inexpensive, easy to take and portable, but do they really work?
You May Like: Probiotics For Toddlers Immune System
What Causes Vaginal Imbalance
Your vaginal environment tends to be pretty stable, but a few things can push it over the edge. Some of the most common reasons for a change in your vaginal microbiome or pH balance include:
- Antibiotic use
- Use of irritating hygiene products, for example, soaps, body wash, douche, etc.
- Hormonal contraceptives
And because probiotics generally have a very low incidence of side effects, using them is safe.
What Are The Uses Of Vaginal Probiotics
People may use vaginal probiotics to address two main issues: bacterial vaginosis and yeast infection.
Bacterial vaginosis
BV is the most common imbalance problem. In the vaginal canals of women with BV, there are many different species of bacteria. In comparison, there are fewer species of bacteria in the vaginal area of healthy women.
The pH of the vagina rises above four and a half because of the increased bacteria. This lowers the number of Lactobacillus in the vaginal area. Women with BV frequently suffer the following symptoms in addition to an elevated vaginal pH:
- Burning sensation while urinating
You May Like: Best Oral Probiotics For Acne
Speak With Your Partner
Be open and honest with your partner about your symptoms. He is not there to judge you he will listen and help you through your problems. If you have pain during sex, you can use lubricant or spend more time on foreplay to ensure greater arousal. Also, you can do some relaxing things with your partner, like going for a walk, cooking, or making crafts for your home. And have some alone time once in a while to learn your body and what it likes.
How Probiotics Can Help Bacterial Vaginosis And A Yeast Infection
Both bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections are common conditions that many women deal with at one time or another. These illnesses each stem from having an overproduction of unhealthy bacteria in the vagina. Such bacteria are only able to grow when there is an imbalance in vaginal microflora, which is a group of bacteria that keep the vagina healthy.
When left untreated, BV and yeast infections can lead to serious complications like the development of transmitted infections or Pelvic Inflammatory Disease . If the patient is pregnant, these conditions could also result in a preterm birth or low birth weight.
Don’t Miss: Dr Formulated Probiotics Women’s Daily Care Side Effects
Study Summary: Probiotic Use Lowered Recurrence Rate
Ya et al enrolled 120 Chinese women with a history of recurrent BV in a double-blind RCT. To be eligible, women had to be healthy, between the ages of 18 and 55, and free from BV . They also could not have had any antibiotic treatment within a week of study participation, and had to be willing to refrain from using other intravaginal products during the course of the study.
The researchers excluded women who were found to have other causes of vulvovaginitis or urogenital infection within 21 days of participation, were pregnant or lactating, ate yogurt or fermented milk on a daily basis, were allergic to study product ingredients, or were immunosuppressed.
The Risks Of Probiotics
The FDA doesnât regulate probiotics that are sold as dietary supplements. That means their labels can make claims about what’s in them and how they work that may not be true. So itâs best to be cautious. We need more research on how safe probiotics are. But scientists say they may have some harmful effects, including:
- Infections
- Unlisted ingredients that could pose health risks
- Unsafe substances made by probiotic microorganisms
Your risk of harmful side effects is higher if you have a serious illness or problems with your immune system.
Don’t Miss: Elizabeth Arden Superstart Probiotic Boost Mask
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
Other Options For Yeast Infection Treatment
Especially if its your first time experiencing symptoms, speak to a gynecologist or healthcare provider to determine whether you have a yeast infection before you try any type of treatment. Many of the symptoms of a yeast infection can also occur with other types of vaginitis, and you want to be sure you use the best treatment for your condition.
Effective treatments for a yeast infection include:
- Prescription antifungal medication: These creams, ointments, pills, and suppositories come in one-day, three-day, and seven-day strengths. Note that pregnant women should not take single doses of oral medication such as fluconazole .
- OTC treatments: Over-the-counter vaginal creams and suppositories, such as miconazole , also come in one-day, three-day, and seven-day strengths. These products often have the same ingredients as prescription medications but in less concentrated amounts.
You May Like: Does Align Probiotic Help With Constipation
Oral Vs Suppository Probiotics
At this point, we know that its a good idea to look for the best probiotic for vaginal health, but it can get pretty confusing when we begin looking on the shelves. Currently, there are two ways to take probiotics for womens pH balance: oral or suppository. Oral probiotics are those you take by mouth, while suppository probiotics are those that one inserts vaginally. Both forms of vaginal probiotics are capable of populating the vagina with the right type of bacteria.
What Does A Probiotic Do For A Woman
There are different types of probiotics, some are made to improve your immune system or digestive health while others are made to improve your vaginal health.
Various probiotics have different uses but the question you should ask yourself is what problem do you want to solve.
If you have problems with your vaginal health, then you need vaginal health probiotics to help improve your vaginal functioning.
Also Check: Best Probiotic For Women’s Gut Health
Not All Probiotics Are Evaluated As Medicinal And Not All Are The Same
According to a 2018 report in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, unless a company claims that their probiotic can, for instance, cure a specific illness, their pill is evaluated as a food in the United States. Regulation is focused on the legitimacy of any claims, rather than efficacy, safety, and quality, the report says. This means probiotics arent necessarily evaluated in terms of what they can do to restore your microbiomewhich is why people take them in the first place.
Dr. De Latour notes research has proven that most probiotics you can buy at your local drugstore are generally useless, explaining that were resistant to many of them. If youre resistant to a pill you swallow, it wont do anything beneficial to your body. Most of the things that are generically availablea lot of people are resistant to them. Its kind of a waste of money, she says.
Another fact about probiotics that you should keep in mind: Some probiotic properties are strain-specific. This means that the effects of one probiotic could be different than the effects of others. For example, Saccharomyces boulardii is a yeast that is marketed as able to treat diarrhea, while species that fall under the Bifidobacterium genus are said to be able to treat constipation. Both are considered to have probiotic properties.
What Is An Imbalanced Vagina
Much like the human microbiome , a womans vagina is home to many different types of beneficial bacteria and other microorganisms. For example, two healthy strains of bacteria that are found in the vagina include L. crispatus and L. iners.
When theres an imbalance in microorganisms present in the vagina, meaning theres more than an ideal amount of harmful microbes in proportion to beneficial ones, a woman has a higher chance of developing certain vaginal conditions.
The two most common problems that are linked to an imbalance in microbes in a womans reproductive system are bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections. Preventing and helping to treat these issues are why most women choose to take a probiotic, especially if these problems keep returning and dont respond well to other treatments.
Its now possible to take probiotic pills by mouth, as well as suppository capsules that are inserted into the vagina, in order to help balance the ratio of bacteria present in the vagina. But are they safe and effective? Lets find out more.
Don’t Miss: Probiotics That Contain Lactobacillus Acidophilus
How Many Probiotics Do I Need
It is advised to take probiotics that contain at least 1 billion colony forming units . These assist in establishing and further growing the amount of healthy bacterias in your body. Any decent probiotic will have between 1-10 billion CFUs, but the particular dose will depend on the unique probiotic and how it was manufactured.
Natural probiotics are also an excellent source if you would prefer to forego supplements. However, this option will make it significantly more difficult to get enough CFUs, as supplements are specially designed to administer a large, concentrated dose of the best probiotics for your body.
Finding The Right Probiotic For Womens Ph Balance
The evidence shows that taking a probiotic for pH balance can be beneficial to your overall vaginal health. But how should you administer a vaginal probiotic? Do you take a pill for pH balance, or insert a probiotic vaginally? Do you need a special pill, or can you just use yogurt as a probiotic? What strains of lactobacilli should you look for?
Recommended Reading: Is Yogurt Probiotic Or Prebiotic
Bv Develops When G Vaginalis Kicks Out Lactobacillus
The vaginas healthy bacteria are overwhelmingly from the Lactobacillus family. They live together in a cooperative way, keeping out bad bacteria and yeasts.
But G. vaginalis can multiply rapidly, outgrow healthy vaginal bacteria, and form a slime layer that allows pathogenic bacteria to thrive. When G vaginalis overgrows, total bacteria counts in the vagina increase up to 1000 times, while the number of healthy Lactobacilli decreases.A
Can I Take Or Eat Something To Increase The Good Probiotics In My Body
You can increase the amount of good microbes in your body through foods, drinks and supplements. You may already have certain foods in your daily diet that contain probiotics. Fermented foods in particular are home to a host of good bacteria that benefit your body. There are also fermented drinks like kombucha or kefir that introduce extra probiotics into your diet.
Apart from food, you can add probiotics to your diet through dietary supplements. These arent drugs, so they do not need to be approved by the Federal Drug Administration . Its important that you always talk to your healthcare provider before starting any kind of supplement or major change to your diet.
Recommended Reading: Is A Digestive Enzyme The Same As A Probiotic
Sex Drive And Probiotics Can They Increase Your Libido
MenoLabs News | Fri, Nov 01, 2019
If you choose to watch Netflix over spending some naughty time with your partner, menopause might be the one to blame. Estrogen levels are lower, which leads to less blood flow to your vagina. As a result, arousal and stimulation are not so easy, and you may not enjoy sex as much as you did before. Menopause can affect your libido, but it seems that probiotics might be just the right thing to help you improve your sex drive.
Apart from this, your libido can suffer from mental health issues brought about by menopause, along with the stress of daily life, irritability, and mood swings. A study has found that women with the most severe symptoms of menopause have a lower sex drive than women with mild symptoms . As a result, your hot flashes, mood swings, anxiety, insomnia, and fatigue are not the best for your libido.
When you feel that low sex drive affects your self-esteem and quality of life, it is time to look at this symptom seriously. Some women are afraid to speak about their problems with their partner or doctor. But there is nothing shameful about low sex drive because of menopause it is a normal stage of life. There are several tips you can follow to improve your sex drive with natural remedies and conventional treatments as well.
