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

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

Medically reviewed and edited by Kerri Louati, MS, RD, LD, CDE

Published: September 18, 2024
Updated: November 19, 2025
4 mins

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 microorganisms that provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. They are typically called “good bacteria” because they have positive health impacts on the body. They closely resemble the beneficial bacteria that naturally live in the gut and, in many women, within the vaginal microbiome. The most studied probiotic species for vaginal health belong to the Lactobacillus family, which help maintain an acidic environment that protects against harmful bacteria, yeast, and pathogens.

Probiotics are found in fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and in dietary supplements. Specific strains are associated with distinct health effects, which is why strain specificity is essential when choosing probiotics targeting vaginal health.

How Do Vaginal Probiotics Work? 

Vaginal probiotics work by introducing beneficial Lactobacillus species into the vaginal ecosystem to support a balanced microbiome. These bacteria produce lactic acid and other natural compounds that help keep vaginal pH in a slightly acidic range, which discourages the growth of harmful bacteria and yeast. 

By restoring this protective environment, probiotics can help reduce the risk of common vaginal disruptions such as bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and pH imbalance. They may also support the vaginal tissues during hormonal shifts, including perimenopause, menopause, and pregnancy, when natural Lactobacillus levels often decline.

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.

If changes in your vaginal health or overall well-being are affecting your quality of life as you approach menopause, the LifeMD Women’s Health Program can offer support. Along with guidance on the role vaginal probiotics may play in maintaining balance, a LifeMD-affiliated healthcare provider can help you understand treatment options.

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.

Most Effective Probiotic Strains for Vaginal Health

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1

• One of the most researched strains for urogenital health

• Helps prevent growth of BV-associated bacteria and Candida species

• Shown to improve vaginal microbiome balance when taken orally with RC-14

Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14

• Works synergistically with L. rhamnosus GR-1

• Produces lactic acid and biosurfactants that inhibit harmful bacteria

• Supports healthy vaginal pH and reduces recurrence of BV

Lactobacillus crispatus CTV-05 (LACTIN-V)

• One of the strongest BV-targeted strains available

• Associated with high vaginal colonization rates and improved pH stability

• Particularly beneficial for women with recurrent BV

Lactobacillus jensenii

• Naturally dominant strain in healthy vaginal microbiomes

• Helps produce hydrogen peroxide, which reduces growth of anaerobic BV-associated bacteria

• Supports vaginal immune defense and mucosal health

Lactobacillus acidophilus

• Common Lactobacillus strain found in many probiotic blends

• May support vaginal yeast balance when used orally

• Not as targeted as GR-1, RC-14, or CTV-05 but still beneficial in some formulations

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?

Probiotics are available at pharmacies, health food stores, and online retailers.

Look for:

 • Clear labeling of strains (not just “Lactobacillus blend”) • Third-party testing • Clinical research supporting the strains included • Products stored and shipped properly to preserve potency

Medical-grade probiotics offered through healthcare practices often provide more reliable strain specificity.

Where Can I Learn More About Vaginal Health and Probiotics?

At LifeMD, you can consult with a 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.

Visit our website to get started.

Kerri Louati, MS, RD, LD, CDE

Kerri Louati, MS, RD, LDN, CDE, is a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator specializing in nutrition, integrative medicine, functional laboratory interpretations, and functional medicine. She is also the Director of Women's Health Clinical Operations at LifeMD. She previously served as the Director of Nutrition and Coaching with the telehealth platform Optimal Human Health MD.

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