THE VAGINAL MICROBIOME AND WOMEN’S HEALTH.
PROBIOTICS AND WOMEN’S HEALTH
Probiotics are living microorganisms that, when consumed, play an important role in maintaining a healthy body. They help to support the gut. Here in the gut, various types of bacteria coexist.
In a healthy body, there is a delicate balance between good and harmful bacteria. This balance can be disrupted by factors such as medications or illnesses. When that happens, it can lead to situations ranging from digestive discomfort to chronic disease..
Probiotics help to restore the harmony in our gut. By replenishing the good bacteria, probiotics help to reestablish the balance and promote good health. This can aid in preventing and treating certain illnesses associated with imbalanced gut bacteria.
By incorporating probiotics into our diet, we can support our overall well-being and maintain a healthier gut and an active lifestyle.
The Vaginal Community.
Similar to the gut, the vagina is host to many types of bacteria that play critical roles in its overall health and function. Lactobacillus has the largest role, and contributes many strains to the vagina’s microbial ecosystem.
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 disease.. Probiotics help to prevent and restore this imbalance by promoting a favourable flora, especially when they contain one or more Lactobacillus strains.
Probiotics and Cervical Cancer
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. HPV impacts the balance in the vaginal microbiome, which leads to the growth of precancerous lesions and the occurrence of cervical cancer.
Probiotics, specifically those with strains of Lactobacilli, may have an impact on cervical cancer. Lactobacillus helps 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 growth.
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 cells. Some research suggests that having more Lactobacillus in the vagina is associated with a lower risk of cervical cancer.
Probiotics and Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an infection caused by an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina. The good bacteria (Lactobacillus) decreases, while harmful bacteria like Gardnerella and Prevotella proliferate. 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 rate.
Probiotics and Yeast Infections
Like BV, yeast infections are caused by a decreased number of good bacteria and an overgrowth of fungus, mainly Candida. 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 infections.
Probiotics and UTIs
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are the most common infections affecting women. They are most often caused by a type of bacteria called E. coli, and result in painful, frequent and sometimes bloody urination. 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. Coli. Studies show that consistently taking feminine probiotics actually lessens the number of UTI recurrences for some women.
Other Benefits
Apart 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
It is recommended that you consult your Primary Care Provider or a Pharmacist if you are experiencing symptoms relating to any of the infections mentioned, or any other illness. They can help ensure you are getting the right treatment, in addition to the right probiotic.
