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Vaginal probiotics are used in gynecology to improve the condition of the mucosa and prevent infections. The composition of vaginal probiotics includes strains of bacteria that heal and protect the vaginal mucosa. A popular ingredient in vaginal probiotics are lactobacilli. How do vaginal probiotics work?
The ingredients of vaginal probiotics are primarily intended to maintain the correct pH in the vagina, which will reduce the risk of developing an infection. Vaginal probiotics are safe and support the natural environment of the vagina. Vaginal probiotics are recommended i.a. pregnant women, menopausal women and sexually active women.
Vaginal probiotic – characteristics
Vaginal probiotics are preparations containing specially selected microorganisms that are intended to support the proper functioning of the body and help maintain the natural bacterial flora. Thanks to them, it is possible to maintain the biological balance of the vaginal flora.
Most vaginal probiotics have healing and protective properties. They mostly contain lactobacilli. They play an important role in maintaining the health of the genital and urinary tract, thus preventing, among others, bacterial and fungal infections of the vagina.
Vaginal probiotic – effectiveness
Vaginal probiotics are effective and owe it especially to one ingredient. The most popular ingredient in vaginal probiotics is lactobacilli. They use adherence, i.e. the ability of bacterial cells to attach to the epithelium in the genital and urinary tract. They prevent pathogenic pathogens from colonizing the genital tract.
Uric acid sticks help to produce lactic acid, which helps to maintain the naturally occurring slightly acidic environment of the vagina. It is hostile to fungi and pathogenic bacteria. In addition, they ensure the maintenance of the correct pH in the vagina, i.e. approx. 3,5-4,5.
Lactobacilli also produce hydrogen peroxide and, for example, the enzyme bacteriocin. Hydrogen peroxide causes the so-called oxygen shock, damaging bacterial cells, and bacteriocin inhibits the growth and multiplication of pathogens.
Vaginal probiotics – indications
The indication for the use of vaginal probiotics is:
- antibiotic therapy that disturbs the bacterial microflora of the vagina, which may increase the risk of another infection;
- reducing the concentration of lactobacilli – it happens to every woman, especially women who start intercourse, or who often change partners;
- vaginal irrigation – frequent vaginal irrigation destroys the natural protective barrier of the vagina;
- menstruation – exfoliated uterine epithelium is a breeding ground for bacteria, therefore vaginal probiotics will help to take care of the natural bacterial flora;
- the period of pregnancy and puerperium;
- menopause – reduced estrogen levels lead to atrophy of the vaginal mucosa, which, together with poor hydration, increases the risk of infection.
Before use, read the leaflet, which contains indications, contraindications, data on side effects and dosage as well as information on the use of the medicinal product, or consult your doctor or pharmacist, as each drug used improperly is a threat to your life or health.