• Vitamins and Supplements
• Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
• Yeast Infection

Myth or Must-Have: Should You Use Vaginal Probiotics?

Have you ever dealt with the pain and discomfort of a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis (BV)? 

Many women face these common vaginal health issues, often leading to a cycle of treatments that don’t always provide lasting relief.

But what if the solution to maintaining a healthy vaginal balance could be as simple as taking probiotics?

Vaginal probiotics can support the natural bacterial balance in the vagina, potentially preventing infections and promoting optimal vaginal health.

In this article, we’ll explore how probiotics work and whether they’re a must-have for maintaining good vaginal health and overall well-being.

What are Probiotics?

Probiotics are live bacteria that are good for your health when consumed in the proper amounts. 

These helpful bacteria are similar to the ones already living in your body, especially in the gut and sometimes in the vaginal microbiome.

Most probiotic strains can be found in certain foods like yogurt, kefir, fermented products, and dietary supplements.

The most common types of probiotics belong to the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium families, but there are many other strains, each with their own function in the body.

Probiotics are usually called “good” bacteria because they help balance the body’s microbial system — a collection of bacteria that live in our bodies — and counteract harmful bacteria or fungi growth.

How do probiotics work? 

The human gut and vagina are home to trillions of bacteria that each play a different role in supporting your health.

When the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut or vagina is disrupted — due to factors like antibiotic use, poor diet, or illness — probiotics help restore this balance. 

Probiotics work in the vagina by promoting a healthy balance of bacteria, particularly Lactobacillus, which are the beneficial bacteria that naturally live there. 

These probiotics help maintain an acidic environment in the vagina, which prevents the overgrowth of harmful bacteria.

What are the Benefits of Taking Probiotics for Vaginal Health?

Probiotics can be essential to maintaining good vaginal health. Let’s explore the key benefits they offer for maintaining a healthy vagina:

Restoring and maintaining vaginal flora balance

The vagina naturally contains various types of bacteria, which are essential for a healthy microbiome. 

These beneficial bacteria produce lactic acid, which keeps the vaginal environment slightly acidic, making it difficult for harmful bacteria to thrive.

Probiotics, particularly those containing Lactobacillus reuteri and Lactobacillus rhamnosus, can help restore the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina when factors like hormonal changes and stress disrupt it.

By supplementing with probiotics, you introduce beneficial bacteria that support the balance and health of the vaginal flora — the community of bacteria that naturally live in the vagina.

Preventing and treating bacterial vaginosis (BV) 

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection that women experience. In fact, around 35% of women ages 15 to 44 get BV at some point in their lives.

BV is caused by an imbalance of bacteria, where harmful bacteria outnumber the good bacteria in the vagina.

This can result in symptoms such as:

• Abnormal discharge

• An unpleasant odor

• Itching

• Discomfort

Probiotics play a crucial role in both preventing and treating recurrent bacterial vaginosis by replenishing the Lactobacillus crispatus species. This species restores the acidic vaginal pH and prevents the growth of bad bacteria in the vaginal microbiota. 

Reducing the chances of yeast infections

Another common condition is a yeast infection, which affects three out of four women at some point in their lives.

A vaginal yeast infection is caused by an overgrowth of Candida — a type of fungus — in the vagina. While Candida is naturally present in the vagina, an overgrowth can occur when the bacteria is disturbed, leading to symptoms like:

• Itching

• Burning

• Thick discharge

Probiotics, especially those containing Lactobacillus acidophilus, can help reduce the likelihood of yeast infections by encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria that outcompete Candida for space and resources.

By maintaining a balanced microbiome, probiotics reduce the chance of yeast overgrowing and causing infection. 

Probiotic supplementation may be an effective prevention strategy for women prone to recurrent yeast infections.

Maintaining healthy vaginal pH Levels

The vagina needs to remain slightly acidic to protect itself from harmful pathogens. 

Harmful bacteria and yeast can’t thrive in an acidic environment, which is why your vaginal pH should range between 3.8 and 4.5.

As mentioned earlier, probiotics produce lactic acid, which helps maintain this acidic pH in the vagina. 

If the vaginal pH rises above 4.5, it creates an environment that allows for bacterial growth, potentially leading to BV or yeast infections. 

Probiotics help sustain a stable, acidic pH, reducing the risk of infections.

Supporting vaginal health during antibiotic use

While antibiotics are important for treating bacterial infections, they often disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the body, including in the vaginal microbiome.

This disruption can lead to secondary infections, such as BV or yeast infections, caused by a decline in beneficial probiotics.

Taking probiotics, especially during or after a course of antibiotics, can help replenish the beneficial bacteria that may be wiped out during treatment. 

This can help prevent infections associated with antibiotics and support a faster recovery of the vaginal microbiome.

Improving post-menopausal vaginal health

During menopause, hormonal changes, particularly the decrease in estrogen levels, can cause a reduction of probiotics in the vagina. 

This can lead to an increase in vaginal pH, causing symptoms like:

• Vaginal dryness

• Irritation

• Greater chances of infections

Probiotic supplements may help post-menopausal women maintain a healthy vaginal environment by replenishing the Lactobacillus probiotic species.

Additionally, probiotics may alleviate some of the symptoms of vaginal atrophy —- a common condition that occurs after menopause involving the thinning and drying of the vaginal walls —- by improving moisture and reducing inflammation.

Helping with vaginal dryness and discomfort

In some cases, vaginal dryness and discomfort can be linked to an imbalance in the vaginal microbiome. 

By improving bacterial balances, probiotics can help alleviate these symptoms, particularly in women experiencing hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause.

While probiotics alone may not completely resolve vaginal dryness, they can support overall vaginal health and help maintain comfort. 

Reducing the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Although probiotics are mostly known for their role in supporting vaginal health, they can also help reduce the risk of a urinary tract infection (UTI). 

The close proximity of the vagina to the urinary tract means that maintaining vaginal health can also help protect the urinary system.

Good bacteria can prevent harmful bacteria from entering the urinary tract, which reduces your chances of getting a urinary tract infection.

Supporting vaginal health during pregnancy

During pregnancy, the hormonal changes women experience can disrupt the vagina and increase the risk of BV and yeast infections.

Probiotics may help pregnant women maintain a healthy balance of bacteria, supporting vaginal health and potentially reducing the risk of complications associated with infections during pregnancy.

What are the Different Types of Vaginal Probiotics?

There are several forms of vaginal probiotics available, including:

• Oral supplements: These come in the form of tablets and capsules, and they usually contain strains of probiotics like Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus reuteri.

• Vaginal suppositories: These are inserted directly into the vagina, delivering Lactobacillus strains to the targeted area. This helps to restore the bacterial balance more quickly in cases of BV or yeast infections.

• Probiotic-infused tampons or pads: Some products infuse tampons or pads with probiotics to deliver beneficial bacteria to the vagina during menstruation.

• Creams or gels: Probiotic creams or gels can be applied topically to the vaginal area. These provide a more direct application of good bacteria to promote a healthy microbiome.

Where Can I Get Vaginal Probiotics?

Most probiotics can be purchased at drugstores, including those specifically designed for vaginal health. 

Specialty health food stores often also stock probiotic products, particularly higher-quality or more specialized options like suppositories.

Some doctors recommend specific probiotics and may provide them directly at their practice or suggest reputable brands.

Where Can I Learn More About Vaginal Health and Probiotics?

At LifeMD, you can consult with a board-certified physician or nurse practitioner to discuss your vaginal health and if probiotic supplements are a good option for your vaginal health.

We can connect you to a team of healthcare professionals who can provide expert medical advice, treatments for various conditions, and lab orders.

Make an online appointment to get started.

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