What Science Says About Probiotics and Vaginal Health

Often referred to as nature’s good guys, probiotics are microorganisms that fight infections and disease. They’re natural in the human body, but at the same time, they can also be taken as supplements if you struggle with them.

Normally, probiotics are used for gut health. However, there are also vaginal or urinary probiotics, just to name a few options. Studies confirm these friendly bacteria naturally dominate a healthy vaginal microbiome. Now, what does a vaginal probiotic do? What kind of benefits do these probiotics have? Here’s what you should know.

What Does a Vaginal Probiotic Do?

Vaginal health probiotics work in a few different ways to keep the genital area safe.

First, they maintain the pH at the right level by creating more lactic acid. There are more strains responsible for this, but mainly the Lactobacillus one. This keeps pH around 3.5-4.5, ideal for protection. The environment is slightly acidic, but the pH is still low enough to prevent harmful bacteria from thriving.

Furthermore, probiotics will also produce more protective elements in the vaginal area. Bacteriocins are among them, let alone hydrogen peroxide. Both substances will prevent the growth of harmful bacteria in the long run. These compounds act like natural shields, backed by lab studies on lactobacilli.

Probiotics tend to colonize vaginal walls and establish themselves there. They absorb nutrients, but they also occupy the whole area, so harmful bacteria have no room to grow.

On top of all these, they keep the immune system under control, so they help your body fight all sorts of infections.

But vaginal health isn’t all about maintenance. Unexpected situations and issues may still arise. So, what does a vaginal probiotic do to handle such things?

Preventing Infections

You don’t need to wait until you have an infection in order to start taking probiotics. In fact, it might be a better idea to actually prevent such problems by starting supplementation early.

Some of the most common infections of the vaginal area include VVC (Vulvovaginal Candidiasis) and BV (Bacterial Vaginosis). Yeast infections are also quite problematic.

Maintaining a healthy pH in the vaginal area can prevent such infections. As healthy bacteria can crowd on vaginal walls, pathogenic bacteria will be pushed out. With a healthy microbiome, most infections will be pushed out before they can aggravate and become an issue.

Support with Antibiotics

Probiotics are highly recommended after taking antibiotics too. However, it’s worth discussing it with your doctor. When you’re given antibiotics (regardless of the problem), your microbiome is likely to be affected as well.

Sometimes, you might be able to take probiotics at the same time too, only to maintain the microbiome. But then, the doctor may also advise against the combination. If you’re advised to wait, you can usually start taking probiotics after the antibiotic treatment is over. A 2-week gap often works best for recovery.

On the other hand, when taken together, probiotics may enhance the effects of antibiotics and prevent the recurrence of different issues.

More Than Just Vaginal Health

So, what does a vaginal probiotic do? Vaginal probiotics are inserted into the vagina and operate locally. Oral probiotics may have more ingredients and benefits, yet it depends on what you need. Both forms improve flora, with oral ones reaching via the gut-vagina axis. The good news is that vaginal probiotics also help with surrounding systems.

Particular strains are also known to help with urinary tract infections. Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus reuteri can prevent and help against all sorts of UTIs.

Keeping Everything in Balance

Probiotics maintain microbiomes in balance. That’s why you should take the recommended daily dose. Exaggerating can also have negative consequences. Normally, you need between one and 10 billion CFUs a day. Start low to let your body adjust smoothly. If you’re not sure, ask your doctor.

All in all, probiotics maintain the balance of your vaginal microflora, which is directly responsible for your vaginal health. It also helps restore it in case it’s been affected by your lifestyle or an infection.

Support During Menopause

Probiotics are most commonly associated with younger women, yet this isn’t a general rule. In fact, probiotics are just as helpful (and actually recommended) to women struggling with postmenopausal symptoms. They ease dryness and irritation from shifting hormones.

For example, the genitourinary syndrome is one of the most common issues in women after menopause, especially since the levels of estrogen also drop. Taking probiotics can keep the symptoms under control and relieve discomfort.

Probiotics won’t help you overcome these challenges completely. Instead, you’ll be able to manage them and keep discomfort under control.

A Boost for Fertility

While there are no scientific studies to prove it, it’s not really rocket science. Probiotics promote a healthy vaginal tract. This means fertility is significantly improved. On the same note, an unhealthy tract will also lead to a series of problems. Some trials link them to higher pregnancy rates in IVF.

It’s an indirect effect on a woman’s fertility because it promotes a healthy environment.

In the end, what does a vaginal probiotic do? As you can see, the effects on one’s health are extremely diversified and cover a wide range of supportive actions. Overall, everything’s related to vaginal health, whether in general or during or after specific treatments or infections.