Allowing for women’s health Probiotics for Vaginal Health, it’s as crucial to have a healthy vaginal microbiome as it is to have for any other part of the body. One popular method of achieving this balance is through the aid of probiotics for vagina health. These friendly bacteria promote general health and help ward off typical problems like yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are living microorganisms, primarily bacteria and yeasts, which provide beneficial effects to the health of the host, when ingested in sufficient quantities. Most people associate them with digestive health, but some of these little bugs are essential for keeping your vagina healthy as well.
Like our gut, the vagina has its own microbiome — an intricate community of bacteria that help keep it healthy. The primary member of a healthy vaginal microbiome is Lactobacillus, which helps maintain a slightly acidic vaginal pH (ideally between pH 3.8 and 4.5) — which is less hospitable to harmful pathogens.
How Do Probiotics Benefit Your Vaginal Health?
Introducing probiotics for vaginal health can help return the naturally occurring bacteria back to their intended levels within the vaginal ecosystem, especially after this microbial balance has been disturbed by taking antibiotics, hormonal fluctuations, or other illnesses.
Key benefits include:
- Infections:- Probiotic strains, such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus reuteri, can inhibit harmful bacteria and yeasts from colonising, helping to prevent infections such as BV and thrush.
- Balances pH:- The good kind of bacteria in our vagina make an acid that keeps bad bacteria from growing, and when you kill it and/or throw off that pH, bad bacteria can go wild.
- Minimize re-infection:- Probiotics can also help prevent recurrent infections, something that many women struggle with.
Sources of Vaginal Probiotics
Probiotics come in a number of formats:
- Oral supplements:- Capsules that contain selected strains to promote vaginal health.
- Vaginal suppositories:- Are applied directly to the vagina to introduce probiotics at the source.
- Fermented foods:- Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut and kimchi all contain natural probiotics, but they don’t always come with a particular focus on your vaginal health.
Make sure it’s based on clinical studies and that it has these specific kinds of bugs to support vaginal flora.
Lifestyle Tips for Improved Vaginal Health
In addition to consuming probiotics, small acts you can do daily that contribute to a healthy vaginal ecosystem include:
- Opt for breathable, cotton underwear.
- Do not douche or apply irritating soaps to vaginal area.
- Keep yourself properly hydrated and follow a balanced diet filled with fiber.
- The best hygiene and safe sex is the best defense against whatever.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it safe to take probiotics for vaginal health?
A: Yes, for most people probiotics are safe to take. But you should get cleared by a healthcare provider before you start taking any supplement, especially if you have other health conditions.
Q: How long does it take for a probiotic to work for vaginal health?
A: Results will vary, though, with many women seeing results when they use the product regularly after 1-2 weeks.
Q: Is it O.K. to take probiotics every day?
A: It is generally safe to use every day, as it maintains a healthy balance of bacteria which is particularly important during and after taking antibiotic medications.
Q: Can probiotics help with odor or discharge?
A: Yes, probiotics can correct the balance of bacteria in your vagina to help avoid conditions like symptomatic odor and discharge that may result from an imbalance or certain infections.
Q: Do I need a prescription for vaginal probiotics?
A: No, the majority of the probiotic supplements are available over the counter. But first, you may want to ask your doctor which one to get.
Final Thought
Introducing a daily probiotic to support vaginal health into your daily wellness routine is a simple, easy and powerful way to create balance, nourish the good and reduce the bad to help maintain vaginal health. By choosing the right probiotic, as well as healthy habits, you can take steps toward keeping a balanced vaginal microbiome and feeling your best, every day.
