What Is The Best Probiotic To Take For Yeast Infections

How Common Are Yeast Infections

Approximately 75% of women will experience a vaginal yeast infection at least one time in their lives.

Research has shown that probiotics may support the natural balance of your microbiome and help with yeast infections. Probiotics contain bacteria that can help restore the balance of the vaginal microbiome. However, more research is needed to support this benefit.

Probiotics are found in fermented dairy products and foods, such as yogurt and kimchi. They also come in the form of supplements and suppositories.

What Causes Candida Overgrowth

Some common culprits that often precede Candida overgrowth include:

• Antibiotic use
• Infection and diarrhea or vomiting
• Immunosenescence connected to older age
• Reduced saliva production, typically seen in older adults.5
• Immune suppression due to HIV or AIDS
• Some cancer treatments.

Antibiotic overuse is the leading cause of Candidiasis, meaning that we, as individuals and as a society, would be wise to restrict antibiotic use to when absolutely necessary. Clearly this message isnt getting through to animal agriculture, which accounts for 80% of all antibiotic use in the U.S. 6

Hormonal disruption can also create the conditions for Candidiasis, with a yeast infection more likely to arise in pregnancy, when taking oral contraceptives, and if you have diabetes.

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

Don’t Miss: The Right Probiotic For Me

Webber Naturals Probiotic 30 Billion

And, finally, Webber Naturals Probiotic 30 Billion is a shelf-stable 8-strain formula ideal for traveling. This one-a-day formula provides a minimum of 30 billion active cells including the following 6 strains shown to act against Candida:

• L. casei 5.88 billion colony forming units
• B. breve 4.5 billion cfu
• L. rhamnosus 4.5 billion cfu
• L. acidophilus 4.2 billion cfu
• L. plantarum 4.2 billion cfu
• L. rhamnosus 2.1 billion cfu.

Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking

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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Best Probiotic For Breastfeeding: Klaire Labs Target B2

This supplement contains the probiotic L. fermentum, which has been shown in a small handful of studies to reduce symptoms of mastitis, says Lauren Manaker, RDN, a dietitian in Charleston, South Carolina. One study suggests that the use of this probiotic is more effective than antibiotic therapy. That explains why its one of the best probiotics for women suffering from mastitisinflammation or infection caused by a blocked milk duct.

Probiotics For Immune System

Considering that a weak immune system is one of the main causes of yeast infections and candida issues , having a healthy immune system can be very helpful in order to prevent candida and yeast infections. The Lactobacillus probiotics immune system connection is well known and has been extensively studied. Various Lactobacillus strains such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus paracasei and Lactobacillus casei were shown in different studies to enhance gut and systemic immune function . Another study suggested that Lactobacillus plantarum can enhance the antitumor immune response and delay tumour formation .

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How The Candida Saliva Test Works:

When you wake up, before you do anything else, collect enough saliva in your mouth to spit into a glass filled with water.

Wait one to three minutes. If there are cloudy strings coming down from your saliva, suspended cloudy speckles and cloudy saliva, then you may very well have Candida.

In this case, consult a healthcare professional to find the best treatment approach!

Probiotics For Yeast Infections

If youre taking an antibiotic or experience chronic yeast infections, probiotic supplements may help prevent a yeast infection or even treat an existing one. Lactobacillus, the main bacteria found in healthy vaginal flora, may be especially effective at improving symptoms of a yeast infection and balancing out the bacteria and pH level of the vagina.

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Cvs Health Miconazole 7

CVS Healths Miconazole 7-Day Vaginal Treatment Cream comes with seven doses of disposable internal applicators and external cream.

Each applicator contains 100 mg of miconazole nitrate. The manufacturer recommends that people insert an applicator before going to bed. Individuals should dispose of the applicator immediately after use.

This treatment is available both in-store and online.

Uti And Yeast Infection

Using antibiotics for UTI or for recurrent urinary tract infections often creates a vicious cycle many women have to go through: you take antibiotics for the UTI, the UTI gets cleared but since the antibiotics also kill the good bacteria. The result: you end up with a yeast infection.

This is an area where using probiotics for uti may shine: in addition to being effective for UTIs, using lactobacillus species complex may also be helpful for yeast infection prevention due to their anti-candida properties. As research suggests, lactobacillus probiotic inhibit early stages of candida albicans biofilm development by reducing their growth, cell adhesion, and filamentation .

To learn more about using probiotics for yeast infections treatment and prevention, see:

FAQ

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How To Use Probiotics To Treat A Yeast Infection

Probiotics are microorganisms in supplements and food that can benefit your health. Microorganisms naturally live on and in our bodies, helping with digestion, fighting illness, and making vitamins.

Probiotics may support health by helping to maintain a balanced microbiome and supporting your immune system.

Lactobacillus is a friendly bacteria that lives in human digestive, genital, and urinary systems. Its also found in fermented foods like yogurt.

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates Lactobacillus as possibly effective for treating vaginal bacterial overgrowth, but possibly ineffective at treating vaginal yeast infections.

While ingesting Lactobacillus in supplements or yogurt may not prevent yeast infections for folks who take antibiotics, vaginal probiotic suppositories do improve symptoms when used with conventional treatment.

Can You Get A Vaginal Yeast Infection From Oral Too

Yup, its possible to get a yeast infection from oral. A 2003 study suggested that vaginal oral sex increases your risk of vaginal yeast infections because your partners tongue, mouth, and gums introduce new bacteria and Candida to your bits.

If your partner is kissing or licking other parts of your body, excess yeast can spread elsewhere, such as your nipples and anus too.

According to Planned Parenthood, youre especially at risk if your partner has oral thrush . And that goes for any parts. Oral thrush or not, penile yeast infections can happen after a blowjob too.

Sex isnt the only way you can get a yeast infection, and in most cases, it isnt typically the reason you got a yeasty in the first place.

Other things that can lead to yeast infections include:

• wearing underwear thats too tight or not breathable
• pregnancy

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Sugar And Processed Foods

Candida is a yeast, and yeast feeds on sugar to grow. Keep in mind that sugar hides in many places, including processed foods and simple carbohydrates such as white bread, pasta, and pastries. Sugar also hides in many dairy products, as dairy is broken down into lactose during digestion, which is also a sugar.

If you eat a diet rich in sugar, then the yeast basically has a feast in your intestines and can grow at much faster rates. Your beneficial gut bacteria will find it difficult to keep this rapidly growing invader at bay. Eventually, the Candida will crowd out your beneficial gut bacteria, which creates additional digestive problems such as bloating, gas, limited nutrient absorption and changes to bowel movements.

Symptoms Of Candida Yeast Overgrowth

Fungal infections like candida overgrowth come with a variety of symptoms in tissues. In this next section, learn about the symptoms of thrush, vaginal yeast infections, small intestinal fungal overgrowth, and candida of the skin.

Additionally, find out which probiotic strains are best for each condition.

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Individual Results May Vary But The Key To Healthy Digestion Is Consistency

• Within Hours

  Thanks to its prebiotic content and encapsulation technology, your first dose of probiotics will reach your gut alive and will start supporting a healthy bacterial balance of the gut.*

• 1 Month

  Maximize your health benefits by incorporating good nutrition and regular exercise into your routine.*

• 2 Months

  Studies have shown that habits develop in about 66 days. By now, regular Complete Probiotics Platinum® doses and your healthy lifestyle changes will feel more automatic.*

• 3 Months and Beyond

  As the weeks go by, a healthy microbiome balance can support your overall health.*

*Individual results may vary. This timeline may not reflect the typical purchaser’s experience, and is not intended to represent or guarantee that anyone will achieve the same or similar results.

Why Trust Verywell Health

As a seasoned health writer, Jennifer Nied understands how vital quality product recommendations are for treating symptoms safely and effectively at home. For over 10 years, she has reviewed products, interviewed experts, scrutinized ingredients, and pored over research studies and claims, to help readers like you understand what works for your specific conditions. Every product in this piece was selected taking into account recommendations from doctors, published research, and real customer reviews.

Additional reporting to this story by Brittany Leitner

As a health writer with over eight years of experience, Brittany Leitner understands how important access to information is when it comes to making educated health decisions. She has interviewed dozens of medical experts, tested out hundreds of products, and aims to provide quality recommendations that won’t break the bank.

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Sorting Facts About Probiotics From Fiction

Vaginal probiotics are touted as a way to introduce live microorganisms into your vagina to improve health. Its true that your vagina, like your digestive tract, is teeming with beneficial bacteria and other microorganisms. When it comes to vaginal health, some common gynecological conditions are thought to be caused by an imbalance of bacteria inside the vagina. More often than not, when women seek out probiotics, theyre doing it in an attempt to ease discomfort caused by two of them: bacterial vaginosis and yeast infection, says Dr. Mitchell.

Bacterial vaginosis is the most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age. Theres still a lot that experts dont understand about the condition, but it is associated with an overgrowth of harmful microorganisms , which outnumber healthier types of vaginal bacteria, including a common organism called Lactobacillus.

Vaginal yeast infection also stems from an imbalance in the vagina. But in this condition, the problem is a fungus called Candida, which overcomes healthy bacteria. Candida can exist normally in the vagina without any problem, but may cause trouble if it outnumbers other microorganisms.

For now, the only proven treatments for bacterial vaginosis and yeast infection are antibiotic or antifungal treatments, says Dr. Mitchell.

Dietary Changes In Reducing Candida

Changing your diet is a big step in reducing your risk of Candida infection, and even in reducing Candida in your intestines if you suspect overgrowth. In fact, theres a whole book written about this topic called The Candida Diet.

Following a few simple steps can go a long way:

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How Do I Store Probiotics

Its important to store probiotics properly to ensure that they remain effective. Probiotics should be stored in a cool, dark place like a refrigerator. Most probiotics will come with specific storage instructions, so be sure to follow these.

When buying probiotics, its also important to look for the expiration date. Probiotics can lose their effectiveness over time, so its important to buy fresh probiotics and use them before they expire.

Best Probiotic Strains To Support Healthy Vaginal Ph

Reminder: Lactobacillus is the primary bacterial genus found in the vagina. Its vital for making lactic acid that keeps pH low. So supplemental probiotics that contain this strain tend to have the best results in restoring vaginal pH. Theres also a chance Lactobacillus supplements can also lower your risk of UTI. Woot!

The best probiotics for a healthy vaginal pH include:

• Lactobacillus reuteri. In an older 2009 study, researchers found that participants who took a Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus reuteri supplement alongside antibiotics had better results than those who only took antibiotics. The probiotics group also had healthier bacterial numbers.
• Lactobacillus rhamnosus. A 2013 analysis of 5 studies comprising of 294 participants found that Lactobacillus bacteria including L. rhamnosus helped prevent UTIs. But we need more research to prove the exact effects of L. rhamnosus on its own to treat vaginal conditions.
• Lactobacillus acidophilus. A 2021 study found that a combo supplement of Lactobacillus acidophilus and a yeast-based probiotic called Saccharomyces Cerevisiae supported healthy bacteria growth when added to an antifungal treatment for yeast infections. It also helped minimize the risk of reoccurrence.
• Lactobacillus crispatus.Studies show supplementing with Lactobacillus crispatus might help keep harmful bacteria away and help maintain a healthy vaginal environment.

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Best Probiotic Or Vaginal Health: Jarrow Formulas Fem Dophilus

Probiotics can help protect against common gynecological conditions such as bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis, and urinary tract infections, says Jennifer McDaniel, RDN, a dietitian in St. Louis. Bacteria can pass through our digestive system into the vagina, so we have the opportunity to consume probiotics that can benefit our vaginal health. L. rhamnosus GR-1 and L. reuteri RC-14 are evidenced-based probiotic strains for womens urogenital health. Not only do they disrupt the infection of a range of unhealthy bacteria and yeast in the vagina, they offer benefits to the vagina and reduce the risk of problems such as bladder infections. Fem Dophilus, made by Jarrow Formulas, has the critical strains and the company adheres to the highest production standards, she says.

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.

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Yeast Infections After Sex

Each time a person has sex, they can pass Candida to their partner. Thats because yeast already lives on the tongue, the genitals, and elsewhere on the human body.

Most of the time, this transferred Candida fungus is benign. A yeast infection is not contagious in the usual sense because almost every person already has this strain of fungus on their body.

A man can give a woman a yeast infection through sex, but having sex with a man who has a yeast infection doesnt always lead to infection for his partner. Around 75% of women will develop at least one vaginal yeast infection in their lifetimes.

Because men are less likely than women to experience genital yeast infections, many men may not have considered their risk for Candida overgrowth or may not recognize their balanitis symptoms.

Yeast thrives in warm, moist environments, such as in the folds near the head of the penis or on the foreskin. Uncircumcised men tend to experience yeast infections at higher rates than their circumcised peers. These balanitis symptoms can include red or white rashes, a white film or residue on the penis, itching, or irritation.

If a man has balanitis caused by yeast, his sexual partner may develop their own yeast infection. During anal or vaginal sex, the yeast on the penis may transfer to a partners genitals. The vagina and the anus are both sites where yeast can overgrow.