Probiotic needs differ for men and women, particularly when it concerns the urogenital system.
Bacteria and yeast prefer environments which are moist and dark, making the vaginal area a prime target for overgrowth if the body’s microflora becomes disrupted.
Probiotics can help to prevent infections and correct imbalances once they occur. Vaginal probiotics are available in both suppository and oral forms.
Often, women use a combination of the two during an active infection, and then revert to using only oral vaginal probiotics in their daily health regimen as a preventative measure.



- Supports a healthy immune system & microflora
- Promotes digestion & nutrient absoprtion
- Combats pathogenic bacteria; Improves metabolism
Vaginal Probiotics
Related Topics
- What are Probiotics?
- Probiotic Benefits
- Best Probiotic Strains
- Probiotic Side Effects
- Probiotic Supplements
- Probiotic Foods
- Best Probiotic Yogurt
- Probiotics for Children
- Probiotics for Women
- Yeast Infections
- What are Prebotics?
- Lactobacillus Acidophilus
- Lactobacillus Bulgaricus
- Lactobacillus Rhamnosus
- Bifidobacterium Bifidum
- Bifidobacterium Infantis
- Bifidus Regularis
Both yeast and bacteria can cause havoc for women in the vaginal region.
The infections caused by these two different microorganisms respond differently to vaginal probiotics, so care must be taken to select the right healthy bacterial organisms known to reduce or eliminate symptoms of infection.
Choosing between vaginal inserts or oral medication is often a matter of preference, though some women report faster results through the use of vaginal suppository.
Bacterial vaginosis occurs due to a bacterial imbalance commonly associated with the bacteria Gardnerella vaginalis, Prevotella species, Mobiluncus species, Peptostreptococcus species, and Mycoplasma hominis.
This imbalance occurs often due to migration of unhealthy bacteria found around the rectal area. It is only a short distance to move across the perineum and into the vaginal area. This is not due to poor hygiene, but instead due to unhealthy bacteria within our gut microflora.
Once the bacteria have migrated, colonization can take place quickly. The end result is bacterial vaginosis.
Yeast infections, on the other hand, are simply an overgrowth of the yeast (fungi) which is found normally on the vagina, but in much lower levels. Candida albicans is the primary culprit in yeast infections.
This overgrowth occurs due to various types of disturbances in the balance of healthy vaginal flora. One common cause of yeast infection is treatment with antibiotics.
These potent bacterial killers are unable to discriminate between pathogenic and probiotic bacteria, thus they target all bacteria they encounter and kill them off. This creates a void in which vaginal yeast quickly moves to fill.
Other disruptions include illness, prolonged stress, spermicides and douching.
Preventing Vaginosis and Yeast Infections
Both bacterial vaginosis and yeast infection tend to do better with supplements containing lactic-acid forming bacteria (LABs). Many pathogenic (bad) bacteria and yeast are unable to survive or thrive in an environment with low pH levels.
LABs raise acidity and lower pH which is thought to inhibit the harmful microbes from colonizing and dominating.
Although there isn’t sufficient evidence that probiotics are able to “cure” a yeast infection on their own, there are conclusive studies showing significant improvements in patients taking Lactobacillus reuteri and Lactobacillus rhamnosus in conjunction with an antifungal medication like fluconazole.
Benefits of Probiotics for Women
Daily supplementation with vaginal probiotics can prove beneficial in a myriad of ways. Special formulas, blended specifically to accommodate a woman’s needs, proffer an array of symbiotic probiotics which benefit not only the urogenital system, but also the entire human biome.
The gastrointestinal tract is home to nearly 4 pounds of microorganisms and plays a significant role in the body’s immune function and response.
The balance of the microflora throughout the entire biome is aided when supplementing with vaginal probiotics. These beneficial bacteria are not stationary and do not live indefinitely in the body, so restoration and support for the helpful microbes is an important part of maintaining health and wellness.
Buying Vaginal Probiotics
Vaginal probiotics are simple to use and can be taken in conjunction with antimicrobial and antifungal medications.
Types of vaginal probiotics include suppositories which may be purchased in capsule or pearl form, as well as standard pills, tablets or capsules designed to be taken orally.
During an episode of vaginosis or yeast infection, recommended dosage is usually between 10-20 billion CFUs daily. This dose should be maintained at least three days past the date symptoms have resolved.
If adding vaginal probiotics to a daily health regimen, 5-10 billion CFUs are recommended. If using a formula blended especially to meet the needs of a woman, the collective CFU may be higher.
Side Effects
Probiotics are safe for a majority of women, though pregnant or nursing mothers should talk to their personal physician before beginning any new health regimen.
People whose immune system may be compromised should not take probiotics. Rare instances of bacteria infecting artificial heart valves have been reported.
Vaginal probiotics are usually composed of blends using Lactobacillus reuteri and Lactobacillus rhamnosus as the primary components. They are readily found in capsule, pill, powder and vaginal suppository forms.
Vaginal probiotics work to kill bacteria and yeast by producing lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide, both of which lower pH in the vaginal and urogenital area.
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Article last updated on: April 27th, 2018 by Nootriment