Probiotics for Vaginal Health and UTI?

The top reason why people consume probiotics is to support their gut health. But when it comes to women's biology, the gut is only one-third of the equation.

Do you know that besides primarily aiding in the digestive system, some probiotics can help with the health of your vagina and urinary tract infection (UTI)? That is, if the probiotic has Lactobacillus.

Some Lactobacillus strains that can help with vaginal health include:
> Lactobacillus acidophilus
> Lactobacillus rhamnosus
> Lactobacillus gasseri
> Lactobacillus crispatus
> Lactobacillus jensenii
> Lactobacillus reuteri


Lactobacillus rhamnosus, the most researched probiotic, has been found to be beneficial in the prevention of yeast infection. Research shows that Lactobacillus rhamnosus kills bacteria and yeast in the vagina. It can restore the urogenital flora in individuals with a history of BV, yeast vaginitis or urinary tract infections (UTIs).

In your vagina and urinary tract, Lactobacillus prevents pathogens from colonizing the area. It acts like a bodyguard, shielding you from infection and disease. Certain strains of Lactobacillus also produce lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide. This creates an acidic environment in your vagina and urinary tract that makes it harder for harmful bacteria to grow.

There are around 500 different strains of probiotics. When it comes to promoting the overall health of your vagina and preventing UTI, you would want to look for Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus rhamnosus strains in your probiotics.

Source(s): clevelandclinic, utiva, healthline