Probiotics for Yeast Infection Prevention and Vaginal Treatment

Vaginal yeast infections affect more than 75% of women at some point in their lives.

Of these, more than 40% report recurrence and another 7% live with chronic episodes of yeast overgrowth.

Yeast infections are sometimes referred to as yeast vaginitis but should not be confused with bacterial vaginitis.

Yeast infections are caused by a fungal agent, most commonly candida albicans, which are naturally found in the vaginal area at low levels.

Preliminary results on probiotics for yeast infection suggest that using two different species of Lactobacillus, in conjunction with an antifungal treatment, results in significantly fewer symptoms than when treating with an antifungal medication by itself.

Probiotics

Digestive Supplement

Gut Health

Digestion

Immune Function

How It Works:

• Supports a healthy immune system & microflora
• Promotes digestion & nutrient absoprtion
• Combats pathogenic bacteria; Improves metabolism

Dosage:

Between 1 - 10 Billion CFUs per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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Probiotics for Yeast Infection

Yeast infection occurs as the result of a disturbance in the natural healthy balance of microflora throughout the vaginal area.

This can occur due to a number of reasons, some of which are dietary changes, prolonged stress, antibiotic treatment or illness.

The result of candida overgrowth is inflammation of the mucosa in the vaginal area combined with a thick, whitish vaginal discharge and vaginal irritation.

Maintaining the microbiota through regular probiotic supplementation is useful if yeast infections are recurrent.

Also, women who are taking a course of antibiotics may benefit by taking probiotics as a prophylactic measure against yeast overgrowth because antibiotic medications kill-off of both good and bad microorganisms.

Once an overgrowth has occurred, a combination of Lactobacillus reuteri and Lactobacillus rhamnosus in addition to an antifungal medication has been shown in clinical studies to provide significantly better outcomes.

For example, one study with 68 women who were experiencing vaginal yeast infections was done over a 28-day period. The women were divided into two separate groups: one group was given fluconazole plus a placebo, while the other group was given fluconazole plus L. reuteri and L. rhamnosus.

The group treated with the probiotic supplements showed more than a 75% decrease in vaginal discharge and yeast levels over the group treated with just the antifungal medication.

Although researchers do not know all the mechanisms of action involved, one way lactobacillus bacteria help to rid the vaginal area of the unhealthy yeast is by creating and maintaining a slightly more acidic environment.

The yeast is unable to survive in high enough numbers to continue to dominate the space used for colonization. As long as the healthy microbes are in the majority, the area becomes hostile to infectious agents.

In addition to L. rhamnosus and L. reuteri, it may also prove beneficial to add dietary enzyme supplements, such as amylase and lactase. It is thought these may help weaken the cell walls of the yeast microbes.

Additional Benefits of Probiotics

Inoculating the vagina through supplementation with probiotics to inhibit yeast overgrowth is common for women who experience recurrent vaginal yeast infections.

Many probiotic formulas which have been especially designed for females will include other beneficial bacteria to complement the lactobacillus strains used against yeast. Common inclusions are L. Acidophilus, B. Infantis, to name just a few.

Regular supplementation with probiotics, for yeast infection and for general well-being, can offer many health benefits. For example, the gut microflora has been shown to have a direct influence on immune function.

In fact, more than 50% of the immune system is found within the GI tract. Keeping the microbial balance right in the stomach, intestine and colon can help an individual fight off pathogenic bacterial agents which cause illness like Salmonella and E. coli.

Also, research shows that maintaining a healthy gut flora promotes proper immune response and timing, resulting in fewer incidences of common viruses and bacterial infections.

Using Probiotics for Yeast Infections

Healthy women adding probiotics to their daily health regimen as a preventative measure should consider a women’s formula with 5-10 billion active cells, collectively.

For those experiencing yeast infections, supplementation with 10-20 billion colony-forming units should be sufficient.

Continue with this dose at least three days after the yeast infection has subsided. At that time, reduce dose to 5-10 billion CFU.

Probiotics for yeast infection are available in suppository and oral forms. These can be taken together, though it is important not to exceed the maximum combined dose.

A majority of women can take probiotics without any side effects whatsoever.

Those who do experience side effects most often report mild bloating or abdominal discomfort which usually subsides with continued use.

Individuals on immunosuppressant medications or whose immune system may be compromised should first talk with their personal physician about probiotic use before beginning a regimen.

In Review

Millions of women around the world experience yeast infection every day. Many women prefer to use natural remedies when they are available.

Studies show that the use of L. reuteri and L. rhamnosus in conjunction with fluconazole, are effective helpers in the treatment of vaginal yeast infection caused by candida albicans.

Probiotics for yeast infection can be found in most health food stores and online.

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