Should You Take Probiotics For Vaginal Health?

When you hear about probiotics, you likely mostly think of gut health, digestion, or maybe even immunity and cognition. But do you think of vaginal health? Well, according to research, you should! Several studies have demonstrated that probiotics – specifically types of lactobacillus – adhere to vaginal and cervical epithelial cells, protecting them (and you) […] The post Should You Take Probiotics For Vaginal Health? appeared first on Purality Health® Liposomal Products.

Jun 22, 2023 - 20:00

Should You Take Probiotics For Vaginal Health?

When you hear about probiotics, you likely mostly think of gut health, digestion, or maybe even immunity and cognition.

But do you think of vaginal health?

Well, according to research, you should!

Several studies have demonstrated that probiotics – specifically types of lactobacillus – adhere to vaginal and cervical epithelial cells, protecting them (and you) from pathogens responsible for bacterial infections of the vaginal and urinary tract. [1]

So, while taking a probiotic can help with digestion and offer a range of other health benefits, doing so can also help support the health of your vagina.

Let’s learn more about bacteria in the vagina, along with how certain strains can help!

Vaginal flora

Just like your gut, your vagina contains a wide range of bacteria. This is called vaginal flora. And, also like your gut, you want the “good” bacteria (probiotics) to outweigh the bad bacteria, such as pathogens that can cause health conditions.

There are more than 50 different types of microbes living inside the vagina, with 95% of them being a type of Lactobacillus (such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus, or L. rhamnosus). [2]

With more and more research coming out indicating that this bacteria is integral to a healthy vagina, reproductive system, and more, scientists are looking into the connection between the gut microbiome and the vaginal flora.

Researchers believe that there’s a possibility of “crosstalk” between the gut and the vagina microbiota. This would be great for us, as it suggests taking a probiotic can help promote healthy bacteria within the vagina.

As you’ll see below, an imbalance in the vaginal flora can cause health conditions such as bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections.

These imbalances can be caused by:

Intercourse.
Changes in hormones.
Poor hygiene.
Having a menstrual cycle.

Let’s take a look at some conditions that may arise from an imbalance of good and bad bacteria within the vagina.

Bacterial vaginosis

A common vaginal infection, bacterial vaginosis (BV) happens when normal bacteria that live in your vagina overgrow, causing a bacterial imbalance along with changes in vaginal pH.

Symptoms may include:

Off-white, gray, or green discharge.
A “fishy” smell.

For some women, BV can go away on its own without treatment. But for others, an antibiotic treatment may be necessary to eliminate the infections.

Studies show that taking Lactobacillus strains of probiotics can help and even prevent BV. [3]

These types of probiotics have also been shown to prevent a recurrence of BV following infection, stopping it from coming back.

Yeast infections

A vaginal yeast infection is an uncomfortable condition that happens to more than one million women in the United States every year.

Symptoms may include:

Itchiness.
Thick, white discharge.
Redness or swelling.
Small cuts or cracks.

Typically, a vaginal yeast infection is treated with an antifungal medication that is specifically used to combat the overgrowth of yeast in the body.

But because it can survive acidic conditions in the human body, Lactobacillus rhamnosus has been found to be helpful in treating yeast infections. L. rhamnosus can kill bacteria and yeast in the vagina and restore healthy flora in those with a history of these vaginal infections. [1]

Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are very common in women. Due to an increased risk of bad bacteria forming within the vaginal flora, about 60% of women develop a UTI at some point in their life.

Symptoms may include:

Frequent and painful urination.
Discomfort in the lower abdomen.
Pelvic pressure.
Vaginal discharge.

A UTI is commonly caused by bad bacteria finding their way into the bladder. This can start from the vagina or even the gastrointestinal system.

Regardless of where it started, good probiotics can end it. Once again, Lactobacillus strains have been shown to prevent, reduce, and treat the occurrence of UTIs in women. [4]

Probiotics for vaginal health

As you can see, much of your vaginal health relies on the flora living within, just like your gut and digestion.

If this has inspired you to take better care of your vaginal health, then you’re in luck!

A whopping 95% percent of the bacteria in your vagina is of the Lactobacillus family. This includes Lactobacillus rhamnosus – or L. rhamnosus – the most well-researched probiotic strain out there.

You can protect yourself from infection and boost your vaginal health by increasing levels of L. rhamnosus. And since we now know that there’s “crosstalk” between the flora in your gut and vagina, you can do so with an oral form of L. rhamnosus.

Purality Health’s Micelle Liposomal L. Rhamnosus is the most highly absorbable probiotic on the market. Our sophisticated delivery method allows for the bacteria to be FULLY protected on its way to the gut so that it can serve you best and go to where it’s needed most – whether that’s the gut lining or the vagina.

Start protecting yourself from infections – click here to get your supply of delicious L. rhamnosus that your body can actually absorb and use!