Probiotics for intimate flora: what should you know?

The vaginal flora, or vaginal microbiota, is composed of a group of bacteria and fungi that, in regular numbers, contribute to the well-being and intimate balance. Several factors can disturb this balance, sometimes causing infections.

There are vaginal probiotics to help restore or preserve the vaginal microbiota when it is at risk of becoming unbalanced.

The essentials

• The vaginal flora serves to protect the body from infection and ensures good vaginal health.
• The vaginal microbiota is directly linked to the level of estrogen. It evolves throughout a woman’s life.
• The vaginal microbiota is very close to the intestinal microbiota, so it is often advisable to treat both in case of imbalance.

What is the vaginal flora, or vaginal microbiota?
The vaginal microbiota, or vaginal flora, is composed of 90% lactic acid bacteria, but also other bacteria such as Gardnerella vaginalis, Atopobium vaginae and Prevotella spp. as well as fungi such as Candida albicans.

This flora evolves throughout life, from puberty to menopause, during menstruation or pregnancy, since it is linked to the production of estrogen.

Vaginal infections such as bacterial vaginosis are notably due to an imbalance in this microbiota.

What are the factors that can cause an imbalance of the vaginal flora?
Factors that can cause an imbalance of the vaginal flora are:

• Taking medications such as antibiotics or hormonal treatments
• Wearing synthetic clothing or clothing that is too tight, such as jeans
• Hormonal factors such as pregnancy or menopause that affect estrogen levels
• Too frequent or too aggressive intimate hygiene (unsuitable soaps)
• A bad toilet habit: you should always wipe from the front to the back to avoid the migration of bacteria from the anus to the vagina
• Stress and fatigue
• Rubbing during sex (urinating after each intercourse can help reduce the risk of infection)

What are probiotics?
Probiotics are living micro-organisms, bacteria of the lactobacillus family as well as yeasts, which colonize the intestine when taken and stimulate the immune mechanisms. They help the body to fight against diseases and infections and contribute to the proper functioning of the mucous membranes.

When we talk about vaginal probiotics, we are talking about probiotics with a local action, because their ingestion through the digestive tract would prevent bacteria and yeasts from colonizing the vagina. They are taken to restore the balance of the vaginal bacterial flora.

In order to preserve or restore the vaginal microbiota, probiotics are taken in the form of capsules or ovules to be inserted into the vagina.

When should I use vaginal probiotics?
Probiotics are recommended after a urinary tract infection and especially after a vaginal mycosis, for which the imbalance of the microbiota is the direct cause, in order to re-establish a healthy vaginal flora and avoid a recurrence. Probiotics can also be prescribed when there is a risk of imbalance, for example as a complement to an antibiotic treatment or during chemotherapy, which could weaken the vaginal flora.

A vaginal probiotic can also be used as a preventive treatment if you are sensitive to imbalances in the vaginal flora and/or are prone to recurrent infections.

When and how to take probiotics?
There are several ways to take a vaginal probiotic: orally in the form of tablets or vaginally in different forms that act at night.

For oral administration, it is recommended to take the probiotic on an empty stomach, few minutes before a meal, or after a meal, so that it arrives intact in the digestive system. We recommend COLONDRINK, it is probably the best probiotic drink on the market.

Vaginally, it is recommended to take the probiotic twice a day, morning and evening, whether it is in the form of capsules, tablets, capsules or ovules to be inserted into the vagina.

Are probiotics effective?
Probiotics help treat intestinal and digestive problems such as diarrhea and regurgitation. As for the balance of the vaginal flora, their effectiveness has not been proven.

Which vaginal probiotic to choose? Lactobacillus make up more than 90% of the vaginal flora, but certain strains of probiotics have shown better results in the treatment of vaginal mycosis:

• Lactobacillus Acidophilus
• Lactobacillus Crispatus
• Lactobacillus Fermentum
• Lactobacillus Reuteri
• Lactobacillus Rhamnosus

Always ask your doctor, gynecologist, midwife or pharmacist for advice on the most effective treatment for your symptoms.

What is the difference between probiotics and prebiotics?
Probiotics are bacteria and yeasts that are foreign to the body and whose presence has beneficial effects on health. Their regular intake aims to promote the development of good bacteria naturally present in the microbiota. They do not remain in the body and are eliminated within a few days of being taken.

Prebiotics are bacteria and yeasts that are naturally present in our food (yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut…) and enrich the intestinal microbiota. It is possible to help their development through a diet rich in prebiotic fibers.

Within the framework of a vaginal treatment, only probiotics are recommended, because prebiotics only act on the intestinal microbiota.

Can prebiotics and probiotics be combined?
It is possible to combine the two and there are treatments containing both strains in order to optimize the effectiveness of each. This is called a symbiotic mixture.

Where can I find natural probiotics and prebiotics?
You can find a treatment based on natural probiotics in pharmacies as well as in some organic stores. Ask your doctor and pharmacist for advice on the most suitable treatment.

How long does it take for probiotics to take effect?
Probiotics are long-term treatments that generally involve several doses. Depending on the type of probiotics, the condition to be treated and the method of administration, their effectiveness can take several days to several weeks. It is recommended that you maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle in conjunction with your probiotic treatment in order to maximize its effects. We recommend to consume 1 bottle of probiotic colon drink per week. For at least a 1 month, which are only 4 bottles.

If you still don’t see an improvement in your symptoms at the end of your treatment, talk to your doctor.