If you're like most women, you know the symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection all too well -- the itching, the thick, white discharge and the vaginal sensitivity. Although there are a variety of antifungal treatments available over-the-counter that can combat these symptoms, such treatments can become expensive for women who experience recurrent vaginal yeast infections. In these cases, treatment with a probiotic called lactobacillus acidophilus -- or L. acidophilus -- may help control your symptoms. In fact, a 2006 review article published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy reports that treatment with lactobacilli may be an effective treatment for yeast infections. More intensive clinical research is necessary, however, to support this beneficial effect. Before taking any type of alternative medicine or natural supplement -- including L. acidophilus -- consult your medical provider.
How Acidophilus Works
In the human body, lactobacilli produce a substance called lactic acid, which helps keep a woman's vagina at a healthy, low pH level. The low pH environment prevents pathogens, such as Candida albicans -- the fungus responsible for causing a vaginal yeast infection -- from growing too much. If you have a vaginal yeast infection, using an oral or vaginal acidophilus supplement can help restore your vaginal pH to a normal level, thereby reducing the overgrowth of infection-causing fungus.
Recommended Dosage
Only a medical provider familiar with your medical history can recommend an appropriate dosage of acidophilus to treat your vaginal yeast infection. However, the website MedlinePlus recommends women use vaginally administered suppositories that contain 100 million to 1 billion colony-forming units -- abbreviated CFU -- of L. acidophilus twice daily for up to six days. Alternatively, women can take oral dietary supplements containing 1-2 billion CFU of L. acidophilus, according to the Mayo Clinic. Eating at least 8 oz. of yogurt with live active cultures each day may also help reduce or prevent yeast infection symptoms.
Potential Side Effects
Despite its beneficial effects against vaginal infections, L. acidophilus may cause side effects when used daily. Taking more than 1-2 billion CFU of L. acidophilus may cause stomach irritation, gas or diarrhea. Vaginal L. acidophilus applications may induce mild vaginal burning or irritation in some women. Although these side effects may be uncomfortable, they typically subside within a few hours of treatment. Talk with your doctor if you develop diarrhea that persists for longer than one to two days. The onset of diarrhea may indicate that you need to lower your daily dosage of L. acidophilus. Recurrent episodes of diarrhea may also increase your risk of losing vital electrolytes, which can lead to dehydration.
Warnings and Contraindications
If you are lactose intolerant, check the ingredient label for L. acidophilus supplements for the presence of dairy. Certain forms of this supplement may contain dairy, which can induce severe stomach upset symptoms in people with lactose intolerance. Avoid taking this supplement if you have a weak immune system due to other health problems or disease treatments, the Mayo Clinic. Poor immune system function may increase your risk of developing a bacterial infection following treatment with this supplement. Do not take this probiotic if you have intestinal damage, have undergone recent bowel surgery or have an artificial heart valve. These medical issues can also increase your likelihood of developing a serious infection after taking L. acidophilus. Due to the unknown safety of L. acidophilus during pregnancy, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid taking this probiotic.
References
- Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy: "Probiotics for Prevention of Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis: A Review"; M.E. Falagas, et al.; August 2006
- Future Microbiology: "Lactobacilli at the Front Line of Defense Against Vaginally Acquired Infections"; R.R. Spurbeck and C.G. Arvidson; May 2011
- MedlinePlus: Lactobacillus; March 5, 2011
- Mayo Clinic: Lactobacillus Acidophilius: Safety; April 1, 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Lactobacillus Acidophilus; June 22, 2009
- Women's Health: Vaginal Yeast Infections; Sept. 23, 2008
