What exactly are vaporous probiotics?
Probiotics are “good” bacteria that help maintain a healthy balance of microbes in your body. By primarily encouraging the growth of Lactobacillus, the predominant healthy bacteria in the vagina, vaginal probiotics specifically aim to support the balance of the flora in the vagina.
The Potential Advantages of Using Probiotics in the Vagina
- Preventing or Managing Infections:
- Bacterial vaginosis (BV): Some studies suggest probiotics can help restore healthy vaginal flora and reduce recurrence.
- Yeast infections: May help prevent overgrowth of Candida by maintaining an acidic pH.
- UTIs: While evidence is mixed, a healthy vaginal microbiome may reduce UTI risk.
- Restoring Balance After Antibiotics:
- Antibiotics can eradicate both beneficial and pathogenic bacteria. Probiotics might help restore balance.
- Improved Vaginal pH:
- The pH of a healthy vagina is around 3.8–4.5. This is supported by lactobacilli, which hinder the growth of harmful bacteria.
When to Exercise Caution
- Not all probiotics are equal: Most general probiotics are made for gut health, not the vagina. Look for strains like Lactobacillus rhamnosus or Lactobacillus reuteri that are backed by studies for vaginal use.
- Limited regulations: Supplements are not tightly regulated, so their quality can vary.
- Underlying issues: If you’re having recurring infections, it’s best to see a doctor rather than self-treat with probiotics.
- Side effects: Some people complain of irritation, especially when probiotics are inserted through the vagina.
How Are They Put to Use?
- Orally (capsules/pills): Taken by mouth and may still reach the vagina via the gut-vagina axis.
- Vaginally (suppositories or capsules): Inserted directly, potentially delivering quicker results.
The Conclusion
You might benefit from vaginal probiotics if you:
- Have recurrent BV or yeast infections.
- Are on antibiotics and want to protect your vaginal flora.
- Have discussed it with your healthcare provider and are using a product specifically designed for vaginal health.
