Does your vagina really need a probiotic?

The marketing appears to be ahead of the science when it comes to vaginal probiotics.

Probiotics are everywhere these days, in drinks, pills, and powders, and marketers are suggesting that you need to take them not only for your gut — but also for your vagina.

Many women are heeding the message, says Dr. Caroline Mitchell, assistant professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology at Harvard Medical School. Vaginal probiotic supplements are hugely popular. This includes both probiotic pills and suppository capsules that are inserted into the vagina using an applicator.