What do vaginal probiotics do?
Ask the doctor
Q. I’ve heard probiotics can improve gut health, but what do vaginal probiotics do?
A. Both the gut and the vagina house thousands of types of microbes, including “bad” bacteria that can cause problems and “good” bacteria that maintain healthy conditions. Probiotics are live microorganisms that may help support a healthier microbiome.
Available as oral pills and powders, as well as suppositories meant to be inserted into the vagina, vaginal probiotics are often advertised as making women feel “cleaner” or healthier. Some ads even claim these products can prevent or treat yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, or urinary tract infections. But while it’s possible that probiotics might help maintain a stable vaginal microbiome, and perhaps boost our defense against infections, there’s no strong evidence proving they actually do this. It’s also important to note that the FDA doesn’t regulate probiotics sold as dietary supplements, so there’s no guarantee that a product contains what it says it does.
The vagina typically does a fine job of regulating its own diverse mix of naturally occurring bacteria and other organisms. Vaginal probiotics, therefore, just aren’t necessary. If you notice any unusual or bothersome vaginal symptoms, talk to your doctor.
Image: © Drypsiak/Getty Images
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
