How Do Vaginal Probiotics Work? What You Should Know
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Time to read 4 min
In recent years, probiotics have gained popularity as a way to improve gut health. However, probiotics can also be beneficial for vaginal health.
Vaginal probiotics are specifically designed to promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the vagina, which can help to prevent infections and maintain overall vaginal health. In this article, we will discuss how vaginal probiotics work and what you should know about them.
TL;DR
The Microbiome of The Vagina
Microscopic organisms live inside the vagina. These are called microbes and are a type of bacteria. The most common of these bacteria is lactobacilli and it helps keep the vagina healthy.
When there are no lactobacilli, other microbes can overgrow causing an imbalance in vaginal health. This can be caused by things like not maintaining proper hygiene or even unprotected sex.
The symptoms of vaginal imbalance range from discharge to itching.
If you are experiencing these symptoms and you think you have a pH imbalance, what can you do?
What are Vaginal Probiotics?
Vaginal probiotics, sometimes called pH balance pills, are supplements that contain strains of beneficial bacteria that are naturally found in the vagina.
These supplements are designed to improve the balance of bacteria in the vagina, which can help to prevent infections and maintain overall vaginal health. The most common strains of bacteria found in vaginal probiotics are Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus jensenii, and Lactobacillus gasseri.
How Do Vaginal Probiotics Work?
The vagina is naturally home to a diverse range of bacteria, but Lactobacillus bacteria dominate it. These bacteria produce lactic acid, which helps to maintain an acidic environment in the vagina. This acidic environment is essential for preventing the growth of harmful bacteria that can cause infections such as bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections.
When the balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted, it can lead to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including the use of antibiotics, hormonal changes, and sexual activity. When the balance of bacteria is disrupted, it can lead to an increase in vaginal pH, which can create an environment that is more hospitable to harmful bacteria.
Vaginal probiotics work by introducing beneficial bacteria into the vagina. These bacteria can help to restore the balance of bacteria in the vagina, which can help to prevent infections and maintain overall vaginal health. The beneficial bacteria in vaginal probiotics also produce lactic acid, which helps to maintain an acidic environment in the vagina.
What are the Benefits of Vaginal Probiotics?
There are several benefits to taking vaginal probiotics. First, they can help to prevent infections such as bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections. Second, they can help to maintain overall vaginal health. Third, they may be beneficial for women who experience recurrent urinary tract infections.
Medical professionals discovered that females who ingested probiotic yogurt with lactobacillus acidophilus had more of this healthy bacteria in their vaginas than those who didn't [1].
Furthermore, these women were less inclined to develop BV than those who abstained from yogurt. This indicates that the probiotic had some kind of defensive impact against vaginal instability.
If you don’t want to eat yogurt, then taking a daily probiotic capsule may be beneficial for both preventing and treating vaginal imbalance [2].
✓ Pros
- Boosts good bacteria
- Prevents infections
- Maintains pH balance
x Cons
- Taken once a day
- Can't be chewed
- Stored out of sun
How to Use Vaginal Probiotics
Vaginal probiotics are available in a variety of forms, including capsules, suppositories, and creams. They can be purchased over-the-counter or prescribed by a healthcare provider. It is important to follow the instructions on the product label or the instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
Vaginal probiotics should be used daily for best results. They can be inserted into the vagina using a clean finger or an applicator. It is important to wash your hands before and after inserting vaginal probiotics.
Or they can be taken orally as well.
Can Probiotics Affect Your Period
The answer is positive! If you are taking probiotics there is some evidence to support that consuming probiotics that include bifidobacterium and lactobacillus acidophilus can aid in improving the outcomes and symptoms associated with different menstrual disorders, including PCOS and Endometriosis pain during sex.
Conclusion
Vaginal probiotics are supplements that contain beneficial bacteria that can help to restore the balance of bacteria in the vagina. They can help to prevent infections such as bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections, maintain overall vaginal health, and may be beneficial for women who experience recurrent urinary tract infections.
Vaginal probiotics are available in a variety of forms and should be used daily for best results. If you are experiencing vaginal symptoms, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment.
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