Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics 50Billion CFU x 30Caps

The Vaginal Microbiome

While we hear a lot about the gut microbiome and its impact on our health, the vaginal microbiome is not discussed as often. Like the gut, the vagina is host to many types of bacteria that play critical roles in its overall health and function. Among these, Lactobacillus has the largest role, and contributes many strains to the vaginal microbiome².

The various types of bacteria in the vaginal microbiome exist in a perfect balance, and can even regulate themselves if they become slightly imbalanced. However, if the imbalance goes too far, it can lead to gynecological diseases². Probiotics help to prevent and restore this imbalance by promoting a favourable flora, especially when they contain one or more Lactobacillus strains.

Some gynecological conditions that can be impacted by the use of probiotics for women include:

• HPV-related cervical cancer
• Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
• Yeast infections
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Probiotics and Cervical Cancer

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases worldwide³. HPV impacts the balance in the vaginal microbiome, which leads to the growth of precancerous lesions and the occurrence of cervical cancer².

Probiotics, specifically those with strains of Lactobacilli, may have an impact on cervical cancer. Lactobacillushelps to create a healthy environment in the vagina, preventing harmful bacteria from overgrowing and causing problems. It can also fight against cervical cancer cells by releasing substances that stop their growth². Probiotics can boost our immune system, helping our body fight against cancer. Recent studies have shown that certain types of probiotics can activate special immune cells that can recognize and destroy cancer cells². Some research suggests that having more Lactobacillus in the vagina is associated with a lower risk of cervical cancer².

Probiotics and Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an infection caused by an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina⁴. The good bacteria (Lactobacillus) decreases, while harmful bacteria like Gardnerella and Prevotella overgrow². BV is usually treated with antibiotics, but it often comes back and has unpleasant side effects, including a foul smell. Probiotics help restore the balance of bacteria in the vagina by increasing the number of good bacteria. Studies have shown that probiotics can reduce the recurrence of BV and improve the cure rate².

Probiotics and Yeast Infections

Like BV, yeast infections are caused by a decreased number of good bacteria and an overgrowth of fungus, mainly Candida⁵. This means they are also a result of an imbalance in the vaginal microbiome, and result in a white discharge that leads to itching and burning. As we know, probiotics aid in restoring a microbiome to its natural balance. Unsurprisingly then, studies show that probiotics, particularly those with the strains L. acidophilus and L. rhamnosus, can help prevent vaginal fungal infections⁵.

Probiotics and UTIs

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are the most common infections affecting women⁶. They are most often caused by a type of bacteria called E. coli, and result in painful, frequent and sometimes bloody urination⁷. UTIs are usually treated with antibiotics, but much like BV, they often recur. Women who suffer from recurring UTIs may benefit from the use of Lactobacillus-containing probiotics that help to restore the vaginal flora to a healthy balance, and prevent the overgrowth of harmful bacteria like E. coli⁷. Studies show that consistently taking feminine probiotics actually lessens the number of UTI recurrences for some women⁷.

Other Benefits of Probiotics for Women

Aside from improving the health of the vaginal microbiome, vaginal lining, and urinary tract, probiotics can help support women’s health in other ways. Probiotics can:

• Balance the gut microbiome and support digestive health
• Support the immune system

For example, Culturelle® Women’s Healthy Balance, formulated by women for women, has the only clinically proven blend of four Lactobacilli most commonly found in a balanced feminine microbiome plus the proven effective Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. Taken daily, it helps proactively support existing feminine, digestive and immune health.