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Has constant itching and irritation in your vagina turned your life topsy-turvy? Well, it’s time to reverse its effects with probiotics, then! Now, do not look so alarmed and wonder why your vagina needs probiotics. Like how these friendly bacteria support your gut and ease your digestive troubles, they can make you feel good down there.
The vagina is a delicate and complex part of a woman's body, often overlooked until something goes wrong. Imagine the discomfort and pain you must endure just because you didn’t give it the much-needed care! But no worries! Probiotics for vaginal health are your go-to solution. Come, let’s unfold the secrets to a healthy vagina with probiotics!
The vaginal microbiome
Did you think your gut is the only place where microorganisms reside? Your vagina is also home to thousands of microorganisms, and they work together to keep your vaginal environment balanced and healthy. Like how an imbalance of gut microbes can cause digestive issues like gas, bloating, diarrhoea, etc., disruption in your vaginal microbiome can lead to various problems.
So, how do you know you have a healthy vaginal environment? It largely depends on the presence and absence of certain types of bacteria, especially the Lactobacillus species. A lack of sufficient lactobacillus strains and an overgrowth of other harmful microbes leads to an imbalance, causing various vaginal infections, including UTIs and bacterial vaginosis. The following are some of the reasons why you might face this imbalance in your vagina:
- Hormonal changes
- Lack of proper hygiene
- Unprotected sex
- Menstruation
- Medications
- Diet
If you notice unusual discharge or itchiness in your vagina, it might be a sign of an infection, and now you know an imbalance could be its root cause. Are you eager to learn how probiotics for vaginal health work? But shouldn’t you be aware of the common infections you might encounter due to vaginal imbalance? Let’s check them out first!
Infections caused due to vaginal imbalance
Do you feel a burning sensation while passing urine? Chances are you might’ve contracted a vaginal infection. When the delicate balance of bacteria in your vagina is disrupted, it can create an environment ripe for infections to thrive. Well, probiotics for vaginal health might be your lifesaver, as they help restore balance to your vagina. Let's explore some of the most common vaginal infections caused by an imbalance of microbes.
Bacterial vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis, or BV, affects you if you’re of childbearing age. Even though there’s no scientific explanation as to why this infection occurs, you can assume that vaginal imbalance could be the potential reason. When you have BV, your vaginal microbiome shows a rise in harmful bacteria like Gardnerella vaginalis than the beneficial Lactobacillus species. You’re most likely to catch this infection if you engage in the following activities:
- Have unprotected sex with new or multiple partners
- Use soap, water, or scented products to clean the inside of the vagina.
- Innate absence of Lactobacillus bacterial strains
As the vagina is your intimate body part, you might be tempted to keep it clean always. But what you may not know is that the vagina has a self-cleansing property, and using soap or other scented products might disrupt its pH balance. Watch out for the following symptoms of bacterial vaginosis:
- Foul-smelling discharge
- Off-white, grey, or green colour discharge
- Vaginal itching
Although some mild cases of BV might resolve without intervention, medical treatment with antibiotics is often necessary to manage symptoms and prevent complications. You can also consider taking probiotics for vaginal health. Probiotics containing Lactobacillus strains like L. crispatus show promise in restoring the natural balance and preventing recurrence.
Yeast infection
Another problem caused by vaginal imbalance is a yeast infection. It occurs when a particular fungus called Candida albicans grows more than the beneficial bacteria. This fungus is naturally present in your vagina and does not cause harm unless it outnumbers the good bacteria. Usually, good bacteria check the growth of this fungus, but vaginal imbalance can turn the plates over. The following conditions might trigger yeast infection:
- Antibiotic use
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Weakened immune system
- Hormonal changes
- Pregnancy
As these different health conditions disrupt the vaginal imbalance, you stand the risk of going down with a yeast infection. It’s better to start treatment if you identify any of the following symptoms:
- A thick, white discharge with the texture of cottage cheese
- Swelling and redness of the vagina and the vulva
- An itchy sensation in the vagina and vulva
- Intense pain while urinating
- Tiny cuts/cracks on the skin of the vulva
If you have a yeast infection, you get an antifungal medication in the form of creams, ointments, or oral tablets. In rare cases, doctors recommend taking probiotics, especially those with Lactobacillus rhamnosus strains to balance the vaginal microbiota.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
UTIs are not new to you, right? You might have battled this condition now and then. It occurs when harmful bacteria enter your urinary tract through the urethra and multiply in the bladder, causing an infection. Though urinary tract infections are not caused by the same pathogens that cause vaginal infections, having a healthy vaginal environment makes all the difference.
Women are at more risk for contracting UTIs as they have shorter urethra. Here are some of the common reasons why UTIs occur:
- Unprotected sex
- Certain birth control methods
- Weakened immune system
- Blockages in the urinary tract
- Use of catheter
- Poor hygiene
How do you know if you’re having a UTI? Sometimes, symptoms are not so evident; only when you reach the final stage do you realise you have a urinary infection. Look for the following symptoms if you suspect UTI:
- Burning sensation during urination
- Cloudy urine
- Difficulty in passing urine
- Urge to urinate but only pass small amounts
Doctors usually recommend antibiotics for treating UTIs. However, taking probiotics can be effective if you want a more wholesome solution to prevent UTIs. Lactobacillus strains like reuteri and acidophilus help maintain urinary tract health.
Did you know that at least 55% of postmenopausal women experience recurrent UTIs? Our expert from The Good Bug explains why this happens and how probiotics can reduce the risk. Watch the video below to learn more.
Now, enough with the talk of probiotics for vaginal health. How do they restore balance in your vagina? Let’s understand the science behind it!
Role of probiotics in restoring vaginal health
You're probably hearing about probiotics for vaginal health for the first time. Just like your gut, your vagina has a unique microbiome, where a delicate balance of bacteria keeps things healthy. When this balance is disrupted, it can lead to infections and discomfort. Here’s where probiotics come in. These beneficial bacteria can help restore the balance of your vaginal microbiome, providing a range of benefits for your overall health.
If you’re wondering how probiotics work their magic in supporting vaginal health, you can find the answers below:
- Competitive adhesion: Lactobacilli, the friendly bacteria in probiotics, produce hydrogen peroxide and compete with harmful bacteria for space to adhere to the vaginal walls. This process, called competitive exclusion, helps maintain a healthy balance and prevents vaginal infections.
- A pH-perfect environment: A slightly acidic vaginal pH is essential for keeping harmful bacteria at bay. Lactobacillus produces lactic acid, which helps create acidity that minimises pathogen colonisation and fortifies the vaginal epithelium. This ensures a balanced microbiome that paves the way for better reproductive health and reduced infection rates.
- Defence against invaders: These beneficial bacteria possess the capability to produce antibacterial substances such as hydrogen peroxide, further strengthening the vaginal environment against pathogenic invasions. They modulate the immune response to enhance the activity of monocytes and macrophages, vital to the body's natural defence mechanisms. This symbiosis creates a self-regulating, robust vaginal microbiome that is both a preventative and protective medium against infections.
Do you now realise probiotics for vaginal health don’t just keep pathogens at bay but play a vital role in the larger context of reproductive health? If you’re keen to take a proactive step towards better health, The Good Bug is an ideal place to start with its exclusive collection of probiotics and prebiotics.
Are you looking for specific probiotic strains for vaginal health? Read on to identify the most effective ones!
Probiotics for vaginal health and their health implications
When it comes to probiotics and their health benefits, focusing on specific strains is crucial. Different strains of probiotics can have varied effects on the body, underscoring the importance of selecting the right ones for specific health goals. In the realm of vaginal health, the strains that stand out include the following:
- Lactobacillus crispatus: Lactobacillus crispatus is celebrated for its ability to adhere strongly to the vaginal epithelium, making it an effective ally in both treating and preventing bacterial vaginosis (BV). This strain's strong adhesion properties create a barrier against harmful pathogens, reducing the risk of infection.
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus: Lactobacillus rhamnosus, especially the GR-1 strain, plays a significant role in reducing infection recurrence and maintaining a balanced microbiome. This strain can potentially mitigate the risks associated with such viral infections by fostering a healthy microbiome environment.
Can you include probiotics into your routine as you wish? Like any other supplement, integrating probiotics into one's routine requires careful consideration of strains and delivery methods. Though probiotics for vaginal health are generally considered low-risk, it's advisable to consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially for those with pre-existing health conditions.
Not all probiotics are formulated for vaginal health, so choosing products with specific Lactobacillus strains is essential. Since probiotics are not FDA-regulated, opting for clinically-backed or well-researched probiotics, like those offered by The Good Bug, ensures safety and efficacy.
So, are you ready to say goodbye to vaginal discomfort and hello to a healthier, happier you? Probiotics for vaginal health can be a game-changer when it comes to restoring the balance. By supporting the growth of beneficial bacteria, probiotics can help prevent infections, reduce symptoms, and improve your overall well-being.
Take the first step towards a healthier vagina with The Good Bug. Our expert team is here to guide you. Book a free consultation and prepare to experience the difference probiotics bring to your life!
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9366906/
https://academic.oup.com/femspd/article/doi/10.1093/femspd/ftad012/7191835
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9863863/
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/probiotics-for-vaginal-health
https://www.webmd.com/women/vaginal-probiotics
https://www.healthline.com/health/vaginal-health/probiotic-vaginal-health
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/should-you-use-probiotics-for-your-vagina-2019122718592
