A woman’s intimate area has an acidic pH that helps keep the microorganisms that naturally inhabit it and are known as normal vaginal flora in balance. It is the body’s best defense against bacteria or viruses that alter the balance of the vaginal area, therefore, it must be supported to remain healthy. Due to external factors, sometimes the area can be altered, and that means that infections will appear, therefore, it is best to provide supplementation, to give a plus to our body’s immune system. In this article we are going to talk about probiotics for vaginal candidiasis.
What is vaginal candidiasis?
Candida _ spp is the genus of single-celled fungi that causes candidiasis, an opportunistic infection that mainly affects people who have low immunity or who have taken antibiotics. One of the newest and most natural alternatives to protect against candidiasis is by stimulating the defenses and using probiotics to protect ourselves.
There are candida in many of us and that does not mean that they cause infections. In fact, it is estimated that between 30 and 45% of people have candida in their mouth, and it is also common to find this fungus in the digestive system and the urogenital tract.
It is an infection when an imbalance occurs between the amount of Candida fungus albicans and the rest of the microorganisms that live in certain moist areas of the skin. When the area is the woman’s intimate area, candidiasis can occur. Up to 75% of women experience one episode of vaginal yeast infection in their lifetime and 40-45% will have 2 or more.
Main causes and symptoms of vaginal candidiasis
Causes
- Changes in vaginal pH
- Hormonal changes
- Changes in the bacterial flora
- Decreased immune response
Symptoms
- Pruritus (itching) and genital burning
- Vulvar redness
- Discomfort when urinating
- Pain or discomfort during intercourse
- Clumpy whitish vaginal discharge
What are probiotics and how can they be applied in the field of intimate health?
Probiotics are live microorganisms that, taken in sufficient quantities, provide health benefits. All bacteria and fungi found in the vaginal microbiota must be in balance. If we take care of the vaginal microbiota , we will have good intimate health.
The probiotics used to combat vaginal infections are mainly lactobacilli, which have the function of recovering the vaginal microbiota and the body’s defense mechanisms, helping to reduce relapses and recovering proper vaginal functioning.
Therefore, probiotics play a very important role in combating vaginal imbalances. One of its functions is to stop the growth of bad bacteria and fungi, which cause infections, in addition to metabolizing glucose and producing lactic acid, a substance that maintains acidic vaginal pH, which acts as a protector.
Taking all of the above into account, it is also essential to maintain good intimate hygiene care, wear appropriate, loose-fitting clothing, and follow a balanced diet.
Types of probiotics : oral vs non-oral
Many of the scientific studies that use the oral route have given optimal results; while with the vaginal route the results are mixed. The oral route is better considered because the vaginal route is difficult to dose and guarantee absorption. Furthermore, the infection usually begins or ends in the intestine, so the oral route is optimal to guarantee correct protection. Previously published studies have shown that after ingesting probiotics , an enrichment of lactobacilli occurs, restoring and maintaining the vaginal microbiota in good condition. The body is responsible for balancing the microbiota with correct intake.
Vaginal candidiasis treatment: How do oral probiotics work?
The use of probiotics together with antifungal or antifungal drugs can be an effective tandem to treat recurrent infections (relapses). It has been shown that the use of specific Lactobacillus creates and maintains the vaginal biofilm , which is like a protective layer of the vaginal mucosa, making it difficult for Candida to persist and thus preventing recurrences.
Lactobacilli are natural defenses that protect us against external aggressions. The strains of lactobacilli that have been the subject of clinical studies, and are effective against C.albicans , are the following:
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus Lcr35
- Lactobacillus plantarum
- Lactobacillus gasseri
- Lactobacillus reuteri
- Lactobacillus crispatus
Oral Probiotic Supplementation
The duration of supplementation with oral probiotics to rebalance the vaginal microbiota will depend on whether it is used as an adjuvant to an antifungal treatment or if it is used to increase protection against reinfections. In the first case it would be approximately 10 days and in the second case it varies depending on each woman, but supplements of 1 to 3 months have been analyzed with optimal results. In certain cases, probiotic supplementation for 3 to 6 months has been studied without adverse effects.
Conclusions on the Role of Probiotics for Candidiasis
Lactobacilli are probiotic bacteria that colonize, recover and maintain the microbiota normal vulvovaginal . The oral route is better considered. Probiotics along with antifungal drugs can be effective as a treatment for candidiasis recurrences.
It is very important to choose high-quality lactobacilli that ensure: live microorganisms, in sufficient quantity, resistant to gastric pH, with high colonization capacity, to ensure that they reach the vulvovaginal area viable . To guarantee the health of the microbiota, it is important to add prebiotics, which will nourish the lactobacilli so that they can perform their function.
At Vitae we care about your health and that is why we try to offer the best of us, providing valuable ideas for your daily life. Many times, to achieve complete well-being, supplementation is necessary, such as vaginal probiotics , to avoid those annoying infections in the intimate area.
Vitae solution
ImmunoVita is a natural food supplement formulated from latest generation yeast beta-glucans to increase defenses, strengthening the immune system naturally. It is composed of beta-glucans , vitamin D3, vitamin B6 and Zinc, ingredients that contribute to the normal functioning of the immune system, helps reduce tiredness and fatigue and protect cells against oxidative damage.
Vulbiotic is a food supplement based on Lactobacillus rhamnosus , Lactobacillus crispatus and Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) that contribute to restoring the vaginal microbiome , favoring the balance of the vaginal microbiota and its role as a natural barrier against genitourinary infections.
