Bacterial vaginosis is the most common cause of vaginal discharge. It develops when there is a change in the bacteria in the vagina. In women with this condition, the number of lactobacilli, which are normally found in the vagina, is reduced. Acidophilus is a species of bacteria that belongs to the genus lactobacillus.
What Is Lactobacillus Acidophilus?
When Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria decrease in the vagina, other "bad" bacteria can multiply and cause an increased discharge and odor. The reintroduction of lactobacillus acidophilus is the most effective probiotic treatment for bacterial vaginosis, according to the the Mayo Clinic.
Why Treat With Lactobacillus Acidophilus?
Because bacterial vaginosis is caused by a deficiency in Lactobacillus bacteria, supplying the bacteria to the vagina will restore a balance. It is a matter of cause and effect: Not enough of the right bacteria leads to bacterial vaginosis, and having enough of the right bacteria remedies the problem.
How Lactobacillus Acidophilus Works
Lactobacillus acidophilus has the ability to suppress disease-causing bacteria and treat overgrowth of bad bacteria in areas of the body where a balance must be maintained, such as the vagina. According to the Mayo Clinic, Lactobacillus acidophilus is generally considered to be beneficial, because it produces anti-microbial substances including acidolin, acidophilin, lactocidin and bacteriocin. These substances are helpful in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis.
How Does Someone Use Lactobacilli?
Lactobacillus acidophilus can be used in suppository form or taken orally via diet or supplements. Yogurt with live active cultures is a good source of Lactobacillus acidophilus. This will increase the body's "good" bacteria, decreasing symptoms of Bacterial vaginosis. When taken orally, capsules containing 1 to 10 billion viable Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria are recommended. Lactobacillus acidophilus can be found over the counter in the vitamin section at any pharmacy or grocery store.
How to Use Lactobacillus Suppository
Lactobacillus acidophilus can be used as a vaginal suppository. The capsules containing 10 million to 1 billion colony-forming units should be used. The capsule is inserted vaginally one to two times per day. The suppositories introduce the Lactobacillus acidophilus directly into the vaginal canal, increasing the "good" bacteria.
If you've tried to treat bacterial vaginosis yourself for two weeks and symptoms are still present, see your doctor.
