Vaginal probiotics are given to improve the balance of the body's microbial flora. They can be taken prophylactically or for therapeutic purposes during bacterial and fungal infections. What are the benefits of using vaginal probiotics? When should you use them? How to choose the best preparation?

Vaginal probioticsare designed to increase the number of symbiotic microorganisms beneficial for the patient's body. These microorganisms play an important role in maintaining the physiological harmony of our body and protect against the attack of harmful bacteria and fungi. Increasingly, in recent years, there has been talk of beneficial intestinal microbes fighting for our physical and mental he alth. In the case of a woman's body, the balance of the vaginal microflora is no less important. Often, oral administration of probiotics is insufficient in patients struggling with gynecological problems. For this reason, vaginal preparations are worth recommending.

Vaginal probiotics - Lactobacillus bacteria

The growing interest of doctors and patients in probiotic preparations is related to the more and more frequent problem of post-antibiotic imbalances in the microbial flora. The consequence of such a condition may be recurrent intimate infections that are difficult to treat. The most important species of bacteria that are components of the normal microflora of vaginal secretions are lactobacilli, Lactobacillus spp … This group includes over 50 different species of bacteria.

These microorganisms should constitute about 96% of the microorganisms inhabiting the vagina. For this reason, lactobacilli are the basic ingredient of gynecological probiotics. An important role of bacteria from the Lactobacillus family is the production of lactic acid. As a result, their normal population maintains the acidic pH (3.6-4.5) of vaginal secretions.

Beneficial Lactobacillus also limit the proliferation of other bacteria that could potentially cause disease. The role of these symbiotic microorganisms does not end there, however. Lactic acid sticks produce special substances that ensure the maintenance of a proper urogenital ecosystem, such as:

  • protease inhibitors (block potentially harmfulsubstances),
  • bacteriocins (inhibit the multiplication of harmful bacteria)
  • immunomodulatory compounds (stimulate immune responses)

Vaginal probiotics - benefits of using

The action of vaginal probiotics is based on supporting the harmony of the microflora inhabiting the genitourinary system and inhibiting the development of infections. Scientific research shows that the use of probiotics is one of the elements of effective prevention of genitourinary tract infections.

This does not mean that the mere use of probiotics is a guarantee of intimate he alth. Adequate hygiene, diet and lifestyle are also essential. Clinical tests show that oral and vaginal administration of preparations containing Lactobacillus strains reduces the risk of recurrent vaginal fungal infections in patients.

Vaginal probiotics - how do they work?

Vaginal probiotics inhibit bacterial and fungal infections thanks to the activity of beneficial microorganisms contained in them. These microorganisms produce lactic and acetic acid, which helps to lower the pH of vaginal secretions. The acidic environment obtained in this way is unfavorable for the multiplication of pathogens causing diseases.

Additionally, the microorganisms contained in the probiotic produce hydrogen peroxide, which has the ability to kill harmful microorganisms. Probiotic bacteria also protect the genitourinary system by adhering to the epithelium lining the vagina, thus blocking its colonization by pathogens.

Vaginal probiotics - indications for use

The basic indication for the use of gynecological (vaginal) probiotics are disorders of the vaginal microflora, the consequence of which may be pathological conditions, such as:

  • bacterial vaginosis
  • vaginal mycosis
  • infection of the genitourinary system with bacteria transferred from the gastrointestinal tract

The composition of the vaginal microflora can change as a result of various factors. Antibiotic therapy is one of the most common causes of bacterial imbalance in our body. For this reason, probiotics are routinely recommended when taking antibiotics. Irregularities in the composition of the vaginal microflora can also be caused by:

  • hormonal changes
  • chemotherapy
  • radiotherapy
  • stress
  • frequent swimming pool
  • travel

Vaginal probiotics are recommended for the prevention of urogenital infections. This type of prophylaxis is recommended during treatment with drugs of a natureantibacterial, antifungal or anti-thrush.

The period of climacteric and puerperium are risky moments for the balance of mycloflora and are also an indication for the prophylactic use of vaginal probiotics.

What is a vaginal probiotic and an oral probiotic?

Vaginal probiotics work much faster than oral probiotics. The effect achieved is local. After the application of the preparation, a large number of probiotic bacteria are applied to a small surface of the epithelium lining the vagina. Vaginal administration of the probiotic is recommended when it is necessary to quickly restore the proper vaginal microflora.

Vaginal probiotics are available as:

  • tablets
  • globulek
  • capsules
  • suppositories
  • tampons - recommended during menstruation
  • gel - recommended for vaginal dryness and vaginal discomfort

What should you pay attention to when choosing a vaginal probiotic?

The composition of the probiotic should be adjusted to the microflora of the target population. This means that in different regions of the world, women have a slightly different microbiological composition of the vagina. In Poland, the most common are:

  • L. acidophilus
  • L. fermentum
  • L. plantarum
  • L. delbrueckii
  • L. rhamnosus

It is best to choose vaginal probiotics containing these bacteria. It is also worth paying attention to whether the effect of the preparation is confirmed by clinical trials. A good probiotic preparation should have information about bacterial strains on the packaging, in the form of a three-part name.

  • Intimate pH under control
  • Vaginitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
  • Bacterial vaginosis: symptoms, causes, treatment

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