Choosing The Right Probiotic For Vaginal Health
To make sure that you are making an educated choice, you should consult with a healthcare professional when choosing a probiotic. Because there are several types of probiotics on the market, it is important to conduct thorough research before deciding which brand and formula is right for you. Probiotics are available in different forms, including capsules, tablets, powders, and liquids.
As a general tip, when selecting a vaginal health probiotic choose one that contains Lactobacillus, which helps maintain the vaginal pH balance and prevents yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and urinary tract infections.
The Top 3 Vaginal Probiotics
The female body has more than 1 trillion bacteria, and by now it well known that they help with many important functions such as digestion, stomach health and vaginal wellness. Having a healthy balance of bacteria keeps your vaginal pH balanced, fights against urinary tract infections (UTIs), yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis (BV), and keeps you smelling and feeling fresh and clean.
We polled numerous vaginal health experts (OB/GYNs) and this is the list of our top three probiotics for vaginal health.
Top 3 Recommended Vaginal Probiotics
- Pro-Fem by HPD Rx $26.99 (30 capsules)
- RenewLife Ultimate Flora Probiotics $73.79 (60 capsules)
- Bonafide Clairvee $51.30 (15 capsules)
*prices as of the publishing of this article.
Pro-Fem was developed by OB/GYNs specifically for Vaginal Health. Includes patented GR-1 and RC-14 which are clinically proven to promote pH and yeast balance, and urinary tract health. Works in 7 Days.
About Pro-Fem:
- Supports natural vaginal health and contains a minimum guarantee of 5 billion viable cells at time of consumption.
- Taken orally once daily.
- Clinically proven to help balance pH.
- One of the most clinically tested formulas with GR-1 and RC-14.
- Reliable formula to address supporting eliminating UTIs, BV, Yeast Infections, and vaginal odor.
- Gluten free, soy free, non-GMO, vegetarian, and shelf stable – so no refrigeration is needed.
RenewLife Health & Wellness Ultimate Flora Probiotic
About RenewLife:
- Formulated by probiotics experts with years of experience.
- Contains 12 strainsof probiotics and 90 Billion CFUs
- Non-GMO, gluten; dairy and soy free
Bonafide Clairvee designed to help with vaginal itching, discharge due to fluctuations with hormones
About Bonafide:
- Targeted on supporting women as they go through perimenopause and menopause
- A natural, hormone free and safe probiotic formula
- Recommended to take 15 days in a row in a month
Vaginal Health Probiotics FAQ
How many probiotics should a woman take?
The appropriate dosage of probiotics is different based on the individual’s specific needs. Therefore, you need to speak to your doctor to get tailored advice for your specific needs.
How to lower the risk of probiotic-induced gas and bloating
In case you are experiencing digestive symptoms after the intake of probiotics, ingest them with food or reduce the dosage.
What is Candidiasis?
Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans in the vagina, mouth, or skin. Probiotics that contain Lactobacillus can prevent and treat candidiasis by regulating the vaginal pH balance and keeping the number of Candida albicans under the normal range. However, if symptoms of candidiasis occur, you need to consult with a healthcare expert.
What causes Candidiasis?
Candidiasis is caused by the overgrowth of Candida albicans, which can occur when the body’s pH balance gets disrupted. It can also develop when the immune system is compromised. The use of antibiotics can increase the risk of candidiasis by killing off both beneficial and harmful bacteria.
How do I know if I have Candidiasis?
Candidiasis presents with a number of signs and symptoms, including a burning and itching sensation in the vagina, as well as a thick white discharge. You should seek professional help for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
How is Candidiasis treated?
Antifungal medications, available as creams, tablets, or suppositories, are effective in addressing candidiasis. Vaginal probiotics can also help by restoring the balance of good bacteria.
How can I prevent Candidiasis?
Preventing candidiasis is possible through several measures, such as avoiding douching, wearing loose-fitting clothing and cotton underwear, and practicing good hygiene. You should also avoid wearing wet clothes or bathing suits for extended periods.
How long will it take my vaginal probiotics to start working?
The time needed for probiotics to start working varies depending on your individual traits and the condition you have. Some may notice changes within a few days or weeks, while others may need to take the supplements for months before any improvement. For this reason, ensure that you are taking probiotics as instructed to see any results.
When selecting a probiotic supplement, it is essential to choose a product that contains live and active cultures. Additionally, the product should be tested for purity and safety.
How long does it take for probiotics to work for BV?
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common condition that affects women, causing unpleasant symptoms like vaginal odor, discharge, and itching. Probiotics are a natural way to improve vaginal health and they can prevent and treat BV. Probiotics for BV typically start working within a few days, but it may take up to four weeks for the full effect to be seen. Some people may need to take them for several months before they see any changes.
What are Foods with rich probiotics content?
Many foods out there contain large quantities of probiotics. On top of this list, we can find the following foods:
- Yogurt
- Miso soup
- Tempeh
- Kimchi
- Sauerkraut
Yogurt is one of the best sources of probiotics that improve vaginal health. Yogurt contains live and active cultures that can restore the good bacteria in the body. Make sure to choose a yogurt that is plain and unsweetened for optimal benefits.
Another great source of probiotics is Sauerkraut, which is a fermented cabbage dish that’s rich in live and active cultures that promotes a healthy balance in the body.
Kimchi is a Korean dish made from fermented cabbage. It is rich in probiotics and other nutrients that can improve vaginal health.
Can I get enough probiotics through food?
Most people don’t get enough probiotics in their daily diet. So, while eating a diet rich in probiotics may increase your chances for better health, taking probiotics for vaginal health as a supplement will reduce your risks of vaginal health problems.
Why take probiotics for vaginal health?
Taking probiotics can promote vaginal health in a variety of ways, including:
- Preventing and treating vaginal infections (e.g., bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections)
- Mitigating the clinical presentation of vaginal infections
- Balancing the bacteria in your vagina
- Maintaining good vaginal health
When should you take probiotics to promote vaginal health?
If you’re experiencing a vaginal infection, consider taking probiotics. These supplements can help prevent and treat these problems, as well as maintain good vaginal health.
Will any probiotics help with vaginal health?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question – It all depends on the woman’s physiological characteristics and the type of probiotic that’s taken. However, the majority probiotics will restore the balance of good and bad microorganisms in your vagina. Eventually, this will improve the symptoms of vaginal infections.
What are the side effects of probiotics on vaginal health?
Probiotics are generally safe for most people. However, some people may experience side effects, such as:
- Gas
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
Takeaway Message
Probiotics are effective supplements that can significantly improve the composition of the vaginal flora. It will also prevent several vaginal infections that arise from disrupted bacterial balance. We hope that this article managed to highlight the role of probiotics in vaginal health and the management of bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections and odor.
