A yeast infection occurs when there is an overgrowth of fungus in the vagina. The probiotic supplement Lactobacillus acidophilus, or L. acidophilus, may be effective in the prevention of yeast infection, although there is less evidence for its use once an infection has already set in. The amount of L. acidophilus you use will depend on whether you use it internally or externally.
Vaginal Yeast Infections
Vaginal yeast infections are caused by the fungus Candida albicans, and they are usually characterized by unusual discharge that may be watery or clumpy and white, pain with urination and intercourse, and swelling, itchiness and pain in the vulva and vagina. Yeast overgrowth is usually caused by a stress to the immune system or a disruption of the bacterial balance in the area. Stress, illness, pregnancy, hormonal changes, eating excessive sugar and medications like steroids and antibiotics can all raise your risk of yeast infection. However, other conditions, such as bacterial vaginosis, have similar symptoms. See your doctor for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Lactobacillus Acidophilus and Yeast Infections
Lactobacillus acidophilus is a subtype of the Lactobacillus family of probiotics, or the friendly type of bacteria. It can be found in supplement form as powder, capsule or tablet, as liquid or in enriched milk. These supplements usually need to be refrigerated to maintain their potency. Good food sources of L. acidophilus include yogurt and fermented soy products like miso and tempeh. This healthy bacteria can help restore the function of good bacteria in the body while creating conditions that are inhospitable to bad bacteria. Scientific evidence is conflicting on the effectiveness of L. acidophilus against yeast infections.
Supplement Use and Dose
The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends eating yogurt with live cultures or taking an L. acidophilus supplement during a course of antibiotics to keep vaginal bacteria healthy while the antibiotic does its work. This may help protect the area against yeast overgrowth. Your dose may vary depending on the manufacturer's instructions, but aim for a daily supplement with 1 to 2 billion live organisms. Alternatively, you may eat 8 oz. of plain yogurt with live active cultures daily.
External Use and Dose
Medline Plus of the National Institutes for Health points out that L. acidophilus may be more effective against yeast infections when taken as a vaginal suppository. Insert a suppository designed for this purpose containing 1 billion live cultures directly into the vagina twice daily for a week. This may not be enough to cure your yeast infection by itself, however. Ask your doctor whether he recommends conventional medical treatment, probiotic suppositories or both.
