While the word ''bacteria'' usually conjures up some negative images, some bacteria actually help promote health. These ''friendly'' bacteria, referred to as probiotics, live in areas of the body like the vagina and gastrointestinal tract. Using probiotic supplements have been touted to treat a range of conditions, including vaginal yeast infections.
Yeast Infections and ''Friendly'' Bacteria
Yeast infections result from excess growth of the yeast-like fungus Candida albicans. While this and many other nasty microbes reside in your body, they typically do not cause any harm. The ''good'' bacteria that reside in the vagina help keep the growth of these harmful organisms in check, but when you lack a healthy supply, Candida flourishes, resulting in a yeast infection. You might find you are particularly prone to yeast infections after finishing a course of antibiotics, which attack all types of bacteria, even the good kind. Because your body employs ''friendly'' bacteria to prevent excess Candida growth, it seems that using probiotic supplements might help treat and prevent yeast infections. Since probiotic supplements contain substances that naturally reside in your body, they appear to be a generally safe supplement to consume. However, consult your doctor before using any supplement.
Research
The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center reports mixed evidence on whether supplementing with probiotics helps treat and protect against yeast infections.
A Brazilian study published in the March 2009 issue of ''Letters in Applied Microbiology'' found that using Lactobacillus supplements in addition to fluconazole, a common treatment for vaginal yeast infections, resulted in less vaginal discharge and less yeast present in vaginal cultures, compared to the group just using the drug.
Another study, published in the September 2004 issue of the ''British Medical Journal'' tested whether taking probiotic supplements would help prevent antibiotic-induced yeast infections. The researchers found that women taking probiotics were not less likely to develop a yeast infection compared to the placebo group.
Dosage
The suggested dose necessary to inhibit the growth of candida varies. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends taking a Lactobacillus acidophilus supplement that supplies at least 1 to 2 billion organisms daily. The University of Michigan Health System notes research suggesting you might require anywhere from 1 billion to 10 billion units of acidophilus to curb Candida growth. Your doctor can suggest an appropriate dose.
Other Considerations
Many foods, particularly yogurt, have been fortified with probiotics, and you might also consider making these foods a regular part of your diet. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports you can put probiotic capsules or tablets directly into the vagina -- many brands have been formulated specifically as suppositories for this purpose.
References
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center; Acidophilus and Other Probiotics: May 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Lactobacillus Acidophilus; June 2009
- University of Michigan Health System; Probiotics; March 2010
- ''British Medical Journal''; Effect of Lactobacillus in Preventing Post-Antibiotic Vulvovaginal Candidiasis: A Randomised Controlled Trial; M. Pirotta, et al.; September 2004
- ''Letters in Applied Microbiology''; Improved Treatment of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis with Fluconazole Plus Probiotic Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus Reuteri RC-14; R.C. Martinez, et al.; March 2009
