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The Best Probiotics For Bacterial Vaginosis

Healthy gut flora is not just crucial for digestion without bloating and gas [1]. It plays a key role in women’s health, from fending off vaginal diseases to keeping us safe from urinary infections.

But not all “Women’s Probiotics” really are the best option for women. Our experts at Vitamin Guide explain what to look for in the best probiotics for women - and it’s often NOT a case of choosing a pink label with the word “women” on it! We also review the top 5 probiotics for women on the market.  

A Good Women’s Probiotic? How to Choose Wisely

There are 2 must-have bacteria for women

L. Rhamnosus and L. Reuteri are ideal probiotics for women's vaginal health have unique properties and ability to maintain and restore a healthy balance of the vaginal microbiome. Both these lactobacilli also help maintain a low vaginal pH by producing lactic acid, Inhibit the growth of thrush and bacteria that cause BV and stimulate the immune system in the vagina.

• Lactobacillus Rhamnosus produces biosurfactants to prevent infections by stopping harmful bacteria from sticking to the vaginal walls
• Lactobacillus Reuteri produces reuterin which inhibits the growth of harmful pathogens.

Choose extra defence against thrush and BV

Lactobacillus Plantarum can help treat bacterial vaginosis by restoring the balance of bacteria in the vagina. It can prevent thrush infections by attaching to vaginal cells and reducing the ability of Candida albicans. Studies have shown that L. plantarum can improve bone health markers in menopausal women.

Strength In Numbers

You need at least 30 billion live bacteria a day (called CFU on supplement bottles). You need at least 10 different strains - they won’t all be specific to women’s health, but you need that variety for them to form a balanced microbiome in your gut, support digestion and give bloating relief.

Look for a prebiotic that will help the probiotics establish themselves. Dried cranberry extract is a popular one in women’s probiotics, but actually inulin, chicory or FOS (fructooligosaccharides) are equally good prebiotics.

Insist on prebiotics too for women

Magnesium Complex Zinc + D3
by Bettervits

The Science Behind Probiotics for Women: What Sets Them Apart?

Women need probiotic bacteria specifically tailored for their unique biological needs due to the interplay between the gut microbiome and several key aspects of women's health.

Vaginal Health - Infection-free and smelling fresh

The vaginal microbiome is distinct from the gut microbiome and relies heavily on Lactobacillus strains, particularly Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus reuteri. These strains produce lactic acid, which helps maintain an acidic pH in the vagina, creating a protective barrier against harmful bacteria and yeast. This balance reduces the risk of common issues such as bacterial vaginosis (BV), yeast infections, and urinary tract infections (UTIs).

In healthy women of reproductive age, Lactobacilli species typically make up the majority of the vaginal microbiota, ranging from 70 to 90% [2]. After Lactobacillus reuteri and rhamnosus,the lactobacillus strains crispatus, gasseri, iners, jensenii, and fermentum appear to be the most beneficial for vaginal health.

Bladder Defences - Preventing UTIs 

Women are more prone to UTIs due to the shorter length of the urethra, which makes it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder. Probiotic strains can help by outcompeting harmful bacteria like E. coli (which causes 9 out of 10 urinary infections) and promoting a healthy urinary microbiome.

Bloating Relief - Better gut and digestive health

Women are much more prone to bloating than men. Women are also more likely to suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome and other bowel problems. Experts think this is partly down to sex hormones, and partly because women’s reproductive organs are located inside the lower abdomen, which can make them more vulnerable to abdominal pain [3]. Women also process stress differently from men – producing hormones that can affect digestion [4].

Hormones - Weathering the hormone storms

Hormonal changes, such as those during menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, or while using hormonal contraceptives, can disrupt the microbiome. Targeted women’s probiotics can support the microbiome's resilience during these changes, improving overall health.

Immune Function and Skin Health

Probiotics also strengthen the immune system by enhancing gut health, which is critical for overall well-being. Additionally, some probiotics can improve skin conditions by reducing inflammation and balancing gut bacteria.

Magnesium Complex Zinc + D3
by Bettervits

The Women’s Probiotics Checklist

Choose

✅ 1 - CHOOSE targeted strains for women

A high-quality women’s probiotic should contain Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus reuteri which dominate the vaginal microbiome and help to reduce recurrence of UTIs.

Don’t forget to support your gut health too! You need at least 10-12 different strains to promote a diverse microbiome [6]. Key strains to look for include Lactobacillus (e.g., L. acidophilus, L. rhamnosus), Bifidobacterium (e.g., B. longum, B. bifidum) and Saccharomyces boulardii for yeast balance.

✅ 2 - CHOOSE at least 10 strains of bacteria

✅ 3 - CHOOSE a high CFU count over 30 billion

A supplement with at least 30 billion CFUs (Colony Forming Units) per serving will ensure sufficient numbers of live bacteria to colonise the gut effectively [6].

✅ 4 - CHOOSE gastro-resistant capsules to protect the bacteria from stomach acid

Choose a supplement with enteric-coated or gastro-resistant capsules to protect bacteria from stomach acid, ensuring they reach the intestines alive.

✅ 5 - CHOOSE added prebiotics to nurture live colonies in the gut

Prebiotics act as food for probiotics. An ideal women’s prebiotic is cranberry extract, or inulin or FOS (fructooligosaccharides) to nourish the probiotic bacteria and help them thrive in your gut.

Avoid

❌ 1 - AVOID probiotics with unnecessary additives

This helps to make sure you get a pure, potent dose of beneficial bacteria without unnecessary ingredients that may cause allergies, tummy upset, or reduce the effectiveness of the probiotics. Plus, it enhances absorption.

Look for a product that guarantees CFU count through to the expiry date, not just at the time of manufacture.

❌ 2 - AVOID probiotics without a clear expiry date and CFU guarantee

❌ 3 - AVOID probiotics that need to be refrigerated

If a probiotic supplement needs to be refrigerated to stay alive, then just a short time at the wrong temperature could mean you are taking a useless product of dead bacteria. Failures of temperature control at points in the supply chain happen all too often, making fragile refrigerated probiotics a bad buying choice.

❌ 4 - AVOID single strain formulas

Avoid probiotics with only one or two strains unless recommended by a health practitioner, as they cannot provide broad-spectrum benefits [7] and could unbalance your microbiome.

Probiotic Live Cultures*

by Swallow

✅ 15 different strains
✅ Lactobacillus Reuteri for women
✅ Lactobacillus Rhamnosus for women
✅ High dose - 35 billion live bacteria
✅ Contains prebiotic inulin
✅ Gastro-resistant capsules
✅ Contains Lactospore® Bacillus Coagulans that resists stomach acid
✅ Vegan & dairy free 

PROS

CONS

❌ Not the cheapest option
❌ Only available online

Advanced Bio Cultures Complex*

by VitaBright

✅ 17 different strains
✅ Lactobacillus Reuteri for women
✅ Lactobacillus Rhamnosus for women
✅ High dose - 45 billion live bacteria
✅ Contains prebiotic inulin
✅ Vegan & dairy free

PROS

CONS

❌ Not gastro-resistant capsule shell
❌ Stock sometimes runs out through high demand
❌ Capsules contain some bulking agents

Intimate Flora for Women

by Free Soul

✅ Lactobacillus Rhamnosus for women
✅ Lactobacillus Reuteri for women
✅ Good prebiotic blend
✅ Well-researched strains of bacteria

PROS

CONS

❌ Only 4 strains of bacteria
❌ CFU count below 30 billion
❌ Contains sulphur dioxide

Magnesium Comp. with Zinc + D3

by Bettervits

✅ Easily absorbed with 3 types of chelated magnesium
✅ Added zinc and vitamin D3 to increase absorption

PROS

CONS

❌ Less than the NHS recommended magnesium dose (225 mg)
❌ Contains some additives including bulking agent

Vitaflora

by Wellgard

✅ Lactobacillus Rhamnosus for women
✅ Well-researched strains of bacteria
✅ Vegan & dairy free

PROS

CONS

❌ No Lactobacillus Reuteri for women
❌ Slightly low dose - 20 billion live bacteria per capsule
❌ Only 3 bacteria strains
❌ Capsules contain additives including maltodextrin
❌ No prebiotic added

Intimate Flora for Women

by Optibac

✅ Lactobacillus Rhamnosus for women
✅ Lactobacillus Reuteri for women
✅ Well-researched strains of vaginal bacteria

PROS

CONS

❌ Only 3 strains of bacteria
❌ CFU count only 2.5 billion
❌ No prebiotics
❌ Contains additives

Ariel Kaur Maan Registered Nutritionist® (BANT RN)

Ariel has extensive clinical and supplement expertise. She specialises in guiding clients through optimal health strategies and utilising high-quality supplements to help them gain optimal health. 

Magnesium Complex Zinc + D3
by Bettervits

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ADVERTISING DISCLAIMER: This website is funded by its audience. The content provided is neither a news article nor an independent review.
This comparison and ranking are sponsored by theswallowco & vitabright. For further details, please refer to our