Probiotics are known to be beneficial for the digestive system, but do they also benefit vaginal health? Probiotics are found in food sources and supplements. In many cases, they are marketed as a way to improve vaginal health.
Probiotics for vaginal health are extremely popular. This includes probiotic pills, as well as suppository capsules.
In this article, we talk about how probiotics can affect vaginal health.
Probiotics and The Vaginal Microbiome
Everyone has heard of gut microbiome, but what about vaginal microbiome? You probably aren't aware of it, but it is working around the clock as your personal protective armor against yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, UTIs, and other bacterial infections. This is a complex and dynamic environment for millions of natural microorganisms.
When your natural microbiome is out of whack, probiotics can help restore it.
Are Probiotics Good For Your Vagina?
Probiotics for women are promoted as a method of introducing living bacteria into the vagina to benefit health. Much like the digestive tract, it is packed with healthy bacteria. In terms of probiotics and vaginal health, some common gynecological diseases are believed to be caused by a bacterial imbalance.
Whenever women seek probiotics, it is usually to help with discomfort caused by either bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections. The most common vaginal infection in women of reproductive age is bacterial vaginosis. There is still much that specialists don't know about this infection, but they do know that it is linked to the overpopulation of hazardous microbes that outnumber "good" varieties of vaginal bacteria.
Vaginal yeast infections are also caused by an imbalance. In this case, the problem is with a fungus called Candida, which outcompetes good microorganisms. Candida can exist in the vagina without causing any problems, but when it outnumbers other microbes, there can be some issues. There are many probiotics for Candida to aid with this.
Do probiotics help with yeast infections? There are many unanswered questions regarding vaginal yeast infections. While it’s hard to pin down results in a lab, probiotics have helped many women across the world.
Probiotics are the most common treatment for bacterial vaginosis and vaginal yeast infections, and for a good reason. That being said, it’s always good to consult with your doctor if the issue persists.
What Are Common Solutions to Vaginal Health Problems?
Sometimes women may not react to normal remedies and have recurring issues that keep them looking for solutions. Some women are experimenting not only with probiotic pills but also with alternative remedies they discovered online.
This includes the use of tea tree oil and even garlic cloves in an attempt to introduce good bacteria, which is not only unsuccessful, but also extremely dangerous.
It is true that allicin, a chemical found in garlic, has been proven in a lab setting to kill yeast. However, research has shown that eating garlic seems to have little to no effect on vaginal yeast levels. As for tea tree oil, it has no proven benefits and can lead to discomfort.
The vaginal microbiome consists of a number of beneficial bacteria from the genus Lactobacillus. This bacteria specifically works to maintain the Ph environment to protect against infections in the vaginal and urinary tract. Strains of bacteria coming from the genus Lactobacillus can also be found in some yogurts and specifically formulated multi-strain probiotics. Other species that fall into this category, such as L. rhamnosus or L. acidophilus, can be specifically beneficial for women.
It is always recommended to consult with your healthcare provider and only use doctor-approved treatments.
Are Probiotics Beneficial or Harmful?
Are there benefits of probiotics for women? Some researchers believe that consuming probiotics may aid in restoring a healthier balance of bacteria in the human microbiome including the vaginal microbiome.
That being said, everyone has individual needs and the microbiome will differ between each person. It may not be as straightforward as taking a tablet or suppository containing good bacteria.
Probiotics can definitely be beneficial to vaginal health, both for treating issues and helping maintain balance. However, make sure to listen to your body and consult with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
Probiotics for Vaginal Health
It is essential to find a multi-strain probiotic specifically targeted to assist in women's health.
Below are some of the best probiotics for vaginal health.
PRO-Women: Probiotics For Women
This probiotic combo was designed to promote urinary tract health, digestive health, and overall vaginal health. Probiotics enhance overall health and well-being by replenishing good gut flora that may have been depleted as a result of contemporary life.
Studies reveal that without protection, the majority of probiotics that enter the stomach do not survive to reach ideal places in the gastrointestinal tract. This is why synbiotics can be helpful. This is a supplement with prebiotics and probiotics.
Most probiotic preparations maintain only 4% of these delicate organisms following passage through the harsh environment of the stomach. The good news is that, thanks to the proprietary BIO-tract protection and time-release distribution, this number has increased to 60% in Hyperbiotics products.
PRO-Moms: Probiotic For Moms
The probiotic organisms in this solution are released over an 8-10 hour period using a proprietary delivery system. This allows them to circumvent your stomach acids and reach deep into your intestinal tract alive (where they are most required), so you can get the advantages of these probiotic strains.
Probiotics promote regularity as well as optimal nutrient absorption—and the more nourishment mom receives, the more the baby can receive. Better absorption makes it easier to get the most out of your foods and supplements.
It is always recommended to consult with your healthcare provider before starting a supplement. Especially if you are pregnant or looking to become pregnant.
The Benefits of Probiotics on Vaginal Health
Probiotics are live microorganisms that can be taken in the form of fermented foods or supplements. A growing body of research indicates that the balance or imbalance of bacteria in the digestive system is linked to overall health and disease.
Some other advantages of probiotic strains can include weight loss, digestive health, immunological function, nutrient absorption, and so on.
We’ve listed a few benefits below:
- Help balance your digestive system’s friendly bacteria
- Helps to treat and prevent diarrhea
- Helps to improve some mental health issues
- Certain probiotic strains can aid in the health of your heart
- Certain allergies and eczema symptoms may be alleviated
- Can assist in the relief of symptoms of certain digestive disorders
- Known immune system booster
- Could aid in weight loss
- Can help with the prevention and treatment of bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections
- Can help balance vaginal bacteria
- Probiotics can aid with women’s pH balance
When To See a Doctor
While probiotics can aid in the restoration of vaginal health, you should never put off seeing your doctor if symptoms are serious.
Always consult with your doctor before beginning any alternative treatment. You can devise a treatment plan that is both safe and successful if you work together.
Did you find our blog helpful? Then consider checking:
- Support Your Breasts with Probiotics
- 4 Must-Have Supplements for a Healthy Pregnancy
- Why Prenatal Vitamins and Probiotics Go Hand in Hand
- How Pregnancy Alters a Woman’s Gut Microbes
- Tips for Supporting Your Body Through Menopause
- Optimize Your Breast Milk by Focusing on Your Gut Health
- The 9 Most Common Myths About Probiotics
- Fertility and the Microbiome: How Probiotics Can Help You Conceive
- Why It's So Important to Have a Healthy Immune System During Your Pregnancy
- Expecting Moms: Here's Everything You Need to Know About Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, and Gut Health
**This blog is for information and education purposes only. This information is not intended to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions in regards to a medical condition. A qualified healthcare professional can best assist you in deciding whether a dietary supplement is suitable based on your individual needs.