You’ve probably heard about probiotics being beneficial for your gut health. But what you may be surprised to learn is that there are also probiotics that can improve your vaginal health.
The idea behind these two types of probiotics is quite similar. Both the gut and the vagina contain a variety of bacteria. Normally, the body maintains healthy bacteria levels on its own. But when those levels are thrown off, probiotics help to restore balance.
It’s important to note that the types of probiotics recommended for gut health won’t work for improving vaginal health. If you think you may be able to benefit from vaginal probiotics, check out this guide to learn more about how they work and when you should take them.
What Are Vaginal Probiotics?
Vaginal probiotics contain probiotic strains which help to balance the bacterial flora in your vagina. Usually, your body maintains this balance naturally, creating a vaginal pH that is acidic. When that pH level shifts due to various health concerns or new bacteria being introduced to the vagina, probiotics can help get it back on track by bringing in more beneficial bacteria.
Types of Vaginal Probiotics
Probiotics for the vagina usually come in the form of a pill or a suppository. Pills can be taken orally, and suppositories come as capsules that need to be directly inserted in the vagina with an applicator.
Who Should Take Probiotics for Vaginal Health?
When your bacterial flora in your vagina is disrupted, your immune system has more difficulty fighting off inflammation and infection. This can lead to a number of gynecological issues, including:
- Bacterial vaginosis (BV): BV is a common type of vaginal infection that occurs when harmful bacteria out number the beneficial bacteria in the vagina. It is often accompanied by symptoms like thin white or gray vaginal discharge, a fishy vaginal odor, burning during urination, and vaginal itching.
- Yeast infections: This type of infection occurs when a certain type of fungus grows out of control. It usually leads to symptoms like thick, white vaginal discharge, redness and swelling of the vulva, burning during urination or intercourse, and vaginal itching, irritation, or pain.
- Vaginal odor: While subtle vaginal odors are completely natural, a strong, unpleasant, and persistent vaginal odor may indicate an imbalance in bacterial flora.
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs): A UTI occurs when there is a bacterial infection in any part of the urinary system. It typically causes a strong, persistent urge to urinate and a burning sensation while peeing
Taking probiotics may help to alleviate the symptoms and discomfort that these conditions cause by rebalancing your vaginal bacterial flora. Introducing the healthy bacteria in probiotics can help to fight against the harmful organisms which are growing out of control. Vaginal probiotics may also be recommended for people who experience frequent recurrences of gynecological conditions.
What to Do if You Have Vaginal Symptoms
Issues like BV, yeast infections, UTIs, and vaginal odor can produce unpleasant or bothersome symptoms. If these symptoms are concerning, make an appointment with your healthcare provider. Physical exams and vaginal fluid samples can help to determine the cause of the symptoms. You can also take over-the-counter vaginal probiotics, but if you do, be sure to inform your doctor if you make an appointment to have your vaginal symptoms checked out.
Be careful to avoid any at-home remedies that include “cleansing” the vagina in any way. Products such as douches should be avoided since they can contribute to further disruptions to your vaginal bacterial flora. You should also avoid using any scented soaps or products in or around the vagina since these can be harmful as well. In general, your vagina is capable of cleansing itself and you should only use warm water and gentle, unscented soap on the vulva for personal hygiene purposes.
Which Vaginal Probiotics Should I Take?
There are many probiotic products for vaginal health available today, but only certain ones are capable of producing the results you want. It’s important to choose products which are backed up by scientific research and clinical studies.
Currently, there are two specific strains of probiotics which have been found to be the most beneficial: GR-1 and RC-14. The effects of these strains are backed by over 25 years of research and 27 human clinical studies. Pro-Fem contains both of these strains which have been shown to colonize and protect the vaginal tract. This oral supplement has been developed by a board-certified OBGYN and women’s health expert and is vegetarian, non-GMO, soy-free, and gluten free. Taking one capsule of Pro-Fem per day helps to support natural vaginal health.
