Probiotics are live microorganisms such as bacteria, yeasts or parasites that provide beneficial effects for their host, restoring a balance between friendly and harmful bacteria throughout the body. Vaginal problems can be particularly troublesome for women, and probiotics can enhance vaginal health by maintaining proper microbial balance.
Vaginal Infections
Merck Manual reports that vaginal infections account for more than 10 million doctor visits each year. A vaginal infection is the inflammation of the vagina, which results in discharge, vaginal odor and itching. A women's vagina is a strictly controlled environment in which there are a variety of bacterial strains and constantly changing hormones. When this balance is disrupted by hormones, antibiotics, sexual intercourse, stress or contraceptive use, vaginitis can occur.
Types of Vaginal Infections
There are three common causes of vaginal infections. Bacterial vaginosis is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria, which in turn disrupts the delicate pH balance of the vaginal environment. This typically results in a thin white or gray cloudy discharge and itching or irritation. The reoccurrence of bacterial vaginosis is common. A yeast infection occurs when a change in pH causes an overabundance of yeast growth. Yeast infections result in thick, white, clumpy discharge; moderate to severe itching and burning; and redness and swelling of the genital area. Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by a parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis. This infection targets the urinary and genital tract and can affect both men and women. Symptoms include a greenish yellow, frothy discharge; itching and soreness; and pain during urination.
Favorable Conditions
The vaginal environment is a tightly controlled ecosystem in which bacteria make it too acidic for harmful microorganisms to grow. However, under certain conditions, this ecosystem is thrown out of balance and these harmful microorganisms are more likely to cause infection. A reduction in the pH level of the vagina allows for the growth of microorganisms that cause infection. In addition, protective bacteria that normally live in the vagina decrease. Another cause of infection is poor hygiene. The number of bacteria increases, making conditions favorable for infection when the urogenital area is not kept clean. Tight, nonabsorbent underwear traps moisture, which also encourages the growth of bacteria and yeast. This also can result in irritation, cracks or sores, which provide adequate access for bacterial and yeast infections.
Probiotic Treatment
Antibiotics and other traditional treatments are not considered effective for all vaginal infections, and most bacteria and yeast are highly resistant. Therefore, vaginal infections might be recurrent and not easily treated. Probiotics, however, are effective in restoring the bacterial balance within the microflora of the urogenital tract. Consuming probiotic-rich yogurt or using probiotic suppositories are effective in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections and urinary tract infections.
Future Treatment Option
Vaginal infections can be uncomfortable, embarrassing and frustrating. As probiotics are found naturally in the vaginal environment, they appear to offer a new, inexpensive and effective method for self-treatment of such infections. Recent studies evaluating the effectiveness of probiotics for vaginal health among women have shown positive results. Probiotics might soon be a treatment option in all vaginal health care issues.
References
- Merck Manual: Women's Health --- Vaginal Infections
- Randolph-Macon College: Vaginal Infections
- Harvard Medical School: Health Benefits of Taking Probiotics
- "Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Infectious Diseases"; Vaginal Microbiota and the Use of Probiotics; Sarah Cribby et al.; July 2008.
- "Medscape"; Probiotics in Female Urogenital Healthcare: The Prospective Role of the Commensal Vaginal Microbiota; Gregor Reid et al.; February 2004.
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