Probiotics Just for Women

A healthy balance of vaginal flora can support gynecological health.^1-3

Unhealthy flora, on the other hand, can increase risk of vaginal bacterial, yeast, and sexually transmitted infections and may influence fertility outcomes.²

Approximately 29% of U.S girls and women aged 14–49 suffer from bacterial vaginosis (imbalance of good and harmful bacteria in the vagina).²

Researchers have identified two specific strains of probiotics that can help improve vaginal health.

One strain helps balance the vaginal microbiome by out-populating the unhealthy microorganisms that can cause infections and discomfort.^3-6

A second strain has been found to reduce common gastrointestinal disturbances, enhance immune function, and defend against various infectious agents.^7-10

Together, these two probiotics can help support women's vaginal, gastrointestinal, and immune health.

The Importance of Vaginal Microbe Balance

A healthy vaginal microbiome is characterized by the dominance of Lactobacillus species.³ These bacteria produce lactic acid, which reduces pathogen invasion, blocks the spread of harmful organisms, and assists with a well-balanced vaginal environment and microbiome.^1-3

When there is a decrease in Lactobacillus species in the vagina, harmful pathogens can outnumber healthy microflora. This is known as vaginal dysbiosis, and it can lead to yeast infections, bacterial infections, increased risk for sexually transmitted infections, and fertility problems.^2,3

Woman of all ages can suffer from a common condition, bacterial vaginosis (imbalance of good and harmful bacteria in the vagina). Many women will have no symptoms with this condition, but those who do could experience abnormal vaginal discharge, "fishy" odor, burning with urination, and vaginal itching and irritation.¹¹

In standard medical practice bacterial vaginosis is treated with antibiotics. The dysbiosis also increases risk of developing pelvic inflammatory disease, an infection of the upper reproductive tract that, left untreated, can cause fertility problems.

Microbial risk factors for pelvic inflammatory disease include sexually transmitted infections and bacterial vaginosis.²

Recurrences of these infections are common.^12-14

Recurrent yeast infections of the vagina (candidiasis) affect about 138 million women globally, mostly aged 25-34, every year.¹² At the current rate of recurrence, the repeated yeast infections are expected to affect 158 million women worldwide by 2030.¹²

Maintaining a vaginal microbiota dominated by Lactobacillus could protect against these common infections and prevent reinfections.^2-4

A Healthy Vaginal Microbiome

Lactobacillus plantarum is prevalent in a healthy vaginal microbiome. Research has shown that these beneficial bacteria can adhere to vaginal tissue and hinder the growth of Candida yeast, responsible for most yeast infections.^4,15,16

L. plantarum may provide protection by blocking the growth of other vaginal pathogens.¹⁶ In a cell study on vaginal epithelial cells, four strains of L. plantarum, isolated from yogurt, were found to have antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, and Gardnerella vaginalis (which may cause bacterial vaginosis).^17,18  

Cell studies also demonstrated that a species of Lactobacillus plantarum, P17630, was also able to adhere to the vaginal wall.^15,19 It was observed that L. plantarum P17630 adheres to vaginal epithelial cells and significantly inhibits the adhesion of C. albicans in a competitive manner. This action may help better colonization of the vagina with protective strains thus providing protection to the vagina.¹⁹

Clinical studies in women also showed impressive benefits from oral L. plantarum P17630 intake as follows:^4,5,15,16

• L. plantarum P17630 colonization of the vagina was associated with an improvement in the vaginal microbiome.
• There was significant improvement in Lactobacillary grade scores, which evaluate healthy Lactobacillus levels in the vagina.
• Women prone to recurrent yeast infections experienced a significant reduction of symptoms, including redness and swelling.

What You Need to Know

Probiotic Support for Women’s Health

• As in the gut, vaginal health is dependent on a healthy balance of bacteria to protect it from pathogens, infections, and other disorders.
• Lactobacillus plantarum P17630, taken orally, can adhere to the vaginal wall where it improves vaginal health and reduces the growth of organisms that cause yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis.
• Another Lactobacillus strain, L. helveticus L10, has been shown to reduce common gastrointestinal disturbances, enhance immune function, and defend against various infectious agents.
• A blend of these strains of Lactobacillus bacteria can help women improve their vaginal, gastrointestinal, and immune health, and enhance overall wellness.

Supporting Gut and Immune Function

Probiotics also assist with the common gastrointestinal and immune issues.^4,20,21

According to a study, 73% of women experience at least one gastrointestinal symptom, most commonly abdominal pain, and diarrhea, before or during menstruation.²² 

Women also have higher rates of irritable bowel syndrome than men. Symptoms include diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain.^23,24

L. helveticus, another Lactobacillus species, has been found to inhibit pathogens that can colonize in the gastrointestinal tract and vagina.^6,25 It can also enhance immune function by reducing inflammation.^26,27

In preclinical studies, L. helveticus has been shown to:

• Inhibit overgrowth of harmful Listeria, Candida, and E. coli bacteria,^8,28,29
• Reduce production of pro-inflammatory mediators, including several related to chronic inflammation, autoimmune disease, and cancer in the gut,^30,31
• Increase an immune-balancing and anti-inflammatory mediator (interleukin-10) believed to help prevent inflammatory bowel disease,⁹
• Promote interferon and IgA antibodies, which support immune health and fight gut infections,³¹ and
• Reduce gastrointestinal inflammation and markers of systemic inflammation and oxidative stress.³⁰

Participants in a clinical study reported the beneficial effects on health after taking the probiotic, with significant improvement in average scores of gastrointestinal symptoms including diarrhea, constipation, crampy abdominal pains, and flatulence.³²

L. helveticus L10 has also been shown to improve immune function in human trials with regular subjects, and with fatigued, elite athletes.^7,10,33

Elite athletes often experience a depletion in immunity related to their intense training. But L. helveticus L10 promotes protective antibodies to ward off gastrointestinal pathogens and support respiratory health.^7,10,33

A combination of L. helveticus and L. plantarum can help support women’s vaginal, gastrointestinal, and immune health.

Summary

Maintaining a healthy balance of Lactobacillus plantarum species supports vaginal health and protects against bacterial and yeast infections, sexually transmitted infections, and fertility issues.

Lactobacillus plantarum P17630 has been shown to prevent harmful bacteria and yeast from adhering to the vagina, and decrease the risk for vaginal infections.

Lactobacillus helveticus L10 was shown to improve immune function and decrease gastrointestinal problems such as cramps, diarrhea, and constipation.

Together, these probiotic strains provide women with comprehensive gynecological, immune, and digestive support.

If you have any questions on the scientific content of this article, please call a Life Extension Wellness Specialist at: 1-866-864-3027.

References

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