Your vagina(and just about every other part of your body) naturally hosts thousands of microorganisms, including "good" bacteria that help maintain health and "bad" ones that try to overtake the good ones. Probiotics are beneficial microbes that can control the harmful ones. Vaginal probiotics may be able to support a healthy microbiome in this part of your body.
Some companies sell probiotic supplements that claim to boost the growth of these healthy bacteria in your vagina, similar to probiotic pills that can be effective in the digestive tract. Some vaginal probiotics are pills, while others can be inserted into your vagina. Probiotics naturally occur in fermented foods, such as kefir, yogurt, some cheeses, and sauerkraut.
Lactobacillus is the most abundant microorganism in the vagina (though more than 50 different microbes live there).
Experts' opinions vary on probiotics for vaginal health, as many seek stronger evidence to confirm that they work.
Why Do People Use Vaginal Probiotics?
People may turn to vaginal probiotics because of two common problems:
Bacterial yeast infection.A fungus called candida normally lives in your vagina. But when it grows too much, it can lead to a yeast infection. You might notice itchiness and discharge that looks like cottage cheese. Some evidence suggests vaginal and oral probiotics can help alongside traditional medications, But probiotics won't help with recurrent yeast infections, says Caroline M. Mitchell, MD, an associate professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.
Bacterial vaginosis (BV). This occurs when harmful bacteria outnumber healthy bacteria. The infection causes a fishy smell and a gray-greenish discharge, especially after your period or after you have sex. BV is the most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age and is linked to bad outcomes such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Mitchell said that the lactobacillus strain Lactobacillus Crispatus may be beneficial.
Inserting probiotics containing L. Crispatus can help prevent recurrent bacterial vaginosis or shift a bacterial community to be more ideal, Mitchell says.
"There are definitely products on the market over the counter that do not have that species, and I would be less confident about them," Mitchell advises.
"People with recurrent UTI may benefit [from probiotics] though this is a much more theoretical idea, and there isn't strong data to say for sure it would be helpful," Mitchell adds
Antibiotic and antifungal medications are effective treatments for these infections. Some people take a probiotic instead of, or along with, these treatments.
Benefits of Vaginal Probiotics
Probiotics may help maintain a stable vaginal microbiome and can boost immune defense against infections and disease.
Research shows that probiotic use holds promise for digestive problems such as antibiotic-resistant diarrhea and ulcerative colitis, and may support healthy cholesterol levels and lower the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Some research shows that probiotics may help prevent cervical cancer, for example. The STI human papillomavirus (HPV) can lower the amount of lactobacillus and raise the number of abnormal microbes. This causes HPV to activate, which may lead to cervical cancer. Probiotics may be able to rebalance the microbiome and destroy HPV so cancer doesn't get a chance to develop at all.
Current evidence shows that probiotics can also treat genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), which is also known as vulvovaginal atrophy or atrophic vaginitis. This happens during menopause when estrogen levels fall and lactobacillus declines in number, while anaerobic bacteria, such as gardnerella and prevotella, make cervical cells prone to cancer. Estrogen therapy is a currently approved treatment, but some research shows that adding probiotics can ease symptoms such as vaginal dryness and pain during sex.
Side Effects and Risks
The FDA doesn't regulate probiotics that are sold as dietary supplements, so you can't be sure what you're getting. Stronger research can confirm the safety profile of probiotics. Some scientists say vaginal probiotic supplements may have some harmful effects, including:
- Infections
- Unlisted ingredients that could pose health risks
- Unsafe substances made by probiotic microorganisms
According to the National Institutes of Health, probiotics are unlikely to cause harm in healthy people, and side effects are usually minor. Your risk of harmful side effects is higher if you have a serious illness or problems with your immune system.
Talk to Your Doctor
Ask your doctor if you should try a probiotic to treat vaginal symptoms or to maintain a healthy vaginal microbiome. See if they suggest any specific strains to support your health.
Takeaways
Research generally shows that probiotic supplements and foods may be helpful to maintain optimal vaginal microbiome.
Caroline Mitchell, MD, associate professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, says she's excited about live biotherapeutic products in the pipeline. “These are essentially probiotics that are going through the rigorous FDA process to become a prescription medication,” she explains.
“I think this is important because these products will be held to a higher standard and should hopefully give us a more robust and well-supported answer about what type of product will be the most helpful for people trying to promote vaginal Lactobacilli,” Mitchell adds.
Vaginal Probiotics FAQs
What are the best vaginal probiotics?
Lactobacillus strains are studied most, because this microbe is the most common in the vaginal microbiome.
Why do cardiologists warn against probiotics?
There’s not a lot of research on probiotics for cardiovascular health. One study found that Bifidobacterium Lactis and Lactobacillus Rhamnosus may help to reduce blood pressure. Some research indicates there are other positive impacts from taking probiotics, but more conclusive studies are needed.
What happens when you start taking women's probiotics?
If you’re taking it for a purpose, like to help an infection go away, you should see the infection resolve if the probiotic is indeed working. If you’re taking a vaginal probiotic preventatively, you may not see any improvements or you may notice you don’t get as many infections.
Can probiotics make BV go away?
Several studies show that probiotics can treat BV and stop it from coming back. More solid research is needed.
Can you take vaginal probiotics while pregnant?
Generally, yes, but be sure to ask your doctor. Some research indicates that an off-balance vaginal microbiome is a risk factor for preterm birth, so maintaining a healthy vaginal microbiome may be beneficial.
Can vaginal probiotics treat yeast infections?
Some people opt for a probiotic to restore the proper balance of good bacteria in the vagina if they have a yeast infection. Lactobacillus Rhamnosus may help treat yeast infections, according to some research. This can be alone or in addition to an antifungal medication that stops yeast overgrowth.
