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Probiotics for Vaginal Health

Written by Dr. Michael Ruscio, DC on June 10, 2025

Written by Dr. Michael Ruscio, DC on June 10, 2025 — Reviewed by Hilary Watts

• Vaginal Microbiota 101|
• What Causes Vaginal Imbalance?|
• Signs of a Vaginal Imbalance|
• Probiotic Benefits|
• How to Use Probiotics for Vaginal Health|
• Foods for Vaginal Health|

With all the talk about how probiotics help your digestive health and immune system, you might think that’s all they’re good for. But there’s even more good news—probiotics can be a key support for your vaginal health as well.

The uncomfortable symptoms of yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, or urinary tract infections can be caused by an imbalance in your vaginal flora. Supporting your good bacteria with probiotics can provide vaginal health benefits for these conditions.

Vaginal Microbiota 101

Just like your gut, your vagina hosts a community of microbes—the vaginal microbiota, which includes mostly healthy bacteria, but also a small number of yeasts, and even parasites 1. 

The vaginal microbiota is naturally less diverse than the gut microbiota, and your ethnicity and where you live may partially determine the main microbes that make up your vaginal microbiome 2 3. For example, although high levels of Lactobacillus bacteria in the vagina are often viewed as the ideal for vaginal health, many healthy women naturally have lower levels of these bacteria 3. Researchers have a lot more work to do to explain the diversity of the vaginal microbiota across different populations. 

What we do know is that Lactobacillus bacteria produce lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide, which help maintain the acidic pH in the vagina. In a healthy vaginal ecology, the acidic pH levels and bacteria populations help prevent urinary tract infections (UTI), yeast infections, bacterial infections, sexually transmitted diseases, vaginal discharge, and odor. 

However, when this delicate balance is disrupted, several issues can arise, including:

• Bacterial vaginosis — A common condition caused by an overgrowth of certain bacteria, such as Gardnerella, which can lead to symptoms like a fishy odor, unusual discharge, and irritation
  
• UTIs — When bacteria from the vaginal area spread to the urinary tract, often causing painful urination, frequent urges to urinate, discomfort in the lower abdomen, and even incontinence
  
• Recurrent yeast infections — Typically caused by an overgrowth of Candida, resulting in itching, thick white discharge, and redness around the vulva

Vaginal dysbiosis (imbalanced bacteria in the vagina) is also linked to serious female reproductive health issues, including 1:

• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
• Infertility and miscarriage
• Uterine fibroids
• Intrauterine adhesions
• Menstrual disorders
• Increased susceptibility to sexually transmitted diseases like human papillomavirus (HPV) 

What Causes Vaginal Imbalance?

Your vaginal environment tends to be pretty stable, but a few things can push it over the edge. Some of the most common reasons for a change in your vaginal microbiome or pH balance include:

• Antibiotic use  4
• Use of irritating or scented hygiene products like soaps, body wash, douche, etc. 4 5 6
• Hormonal contraceptives 7
• Poor hygiene 5 6
• Semen exposure 4 8
• Wearing underwear or other clothing made from non-breathable or synthetic fabric 5
• Natural pH and tissue changes due to menopause and the menstrual cycle 7
• Vaginal changes due to pregnancy 7
• Smoking 7
• Stress 7 9

Additionally, recent studies have found a link between nutrient-deficient diets and disruptions to the vaginal microbiome 10 11. 

Symptoms of Vaginal Imbalance

Vaginal imbalances often come with noticeable symptoms. Common signs include 1:

• Vaginal itching
• Change in amount or color of vaginal discharge
• Unpleasant odors
• Vulvovaginal swelling, or vaginitis
• Pain or burning during urination
• Pain or discomfort during intercourse

It’s best to check with your gynecology specialist or doctor if you have any new or concerning symptoms. 

Probiotics Benefits for Your Vagina

Research shows that probiotics, when taken by mouth or as a vaginal suppository (which I’ll cover below), may:

• Reduce symptoms of vaginal Candida (yeast infection), like itching burning, and discharge 12
• Help clear yeast infections and prevent them from coming back 13
• Help clear bacterial vaginosis (BV) and prevent it from reoccurring 13
• Help make standard UTI treatments work better 14

Because probiotics generally have a very low incidence of side effects, using them is generally considered safe. Additionally, probiotics have been shown to boost your health in other areas, like weight loss and mental health, as well as providing additional unique benefits for women’s health, like increased fertility. 

How to Use Probiotics for Vaginal Health

You may be wondering what the best method is of getting probiotic benefits to the vagina. Probiotic suppositories are an option. However, you don’t have to go that route to see benefits. Oral probiotics can help repopulate your vagina with beneficial bacteria, leading to a healthier vaginal pH and increased protection from infections. 

With so many probiotic formulas available online—many marketed specifically for vaginal health—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But it’s actually pretty simple. There are three main categories of probiotics: 

• Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species
• Saccharomyces boulardii 
• Soil-based (Bacillus) species 

Most vaginal probiotic products contain either Lactobacillus, Saccharomyces, or Bifidobacterium species. Current research shows that Lactobacillus strains may be the most effective for preventing bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections like Candida 12 13, whereas Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus strains appear to be more beneficial for urinary tract infections 14. 

Saccharomyces may still offer some antifungal benefits for yeast infections, but the evidence is stronger for Lactobacillus in this area. That said, research is ongoing, and other probiotic strains could turn out to be just as effective—or even more so—as we learn more.

To avoid getting too far in the weeds with strain specificity, I recommend a probiotic that includes each probiotic category. That way, you can ensure you get the broadest range of benefits. Remember, probiotics have a litany of benefits that go beyond vaginal health. 

Foods May Support The Vaginal Microbiome

Just like diet helps shape the gut microbiome, the food you eat can influence the vaginal microbiome. I see this pan out in the clinic, and recent studies also support the link between diet and vaginal health. 

For example, women who eat more refined carbohydrates, fried foods, fatty meats, and sweetened beverages may be at higher risk for bacterial vaginosis 11. 

Another study confirmed that sugary foods and refined carbohydrates (high glycemic foods) were linked to BV, while eating a high-fiber diet was linked to 88% lower odds of getting BV 15! 

Based on available research, we know that dietary fiber and colorful vegetables and fruits may support vaginal health and female reproductive health 11 15 16. Eating a nutrient-dense diet, like the Mediterranean diet or Paleo diet may help support your vaginal microbiome, especially when combined with probiotics. 

And if you are someone who is susceptible to recurrent yeast infections, you may want to check out my free Candida Guide, designed to support those with Candida overgrowth.    

The Bottom Line

To rebalance your vaginal microbiome, it makes sense to use the same approach you would for your gut. Including probiotics for your vaginal health is a good, safe bet to help keep your vaginal microbiome healthy and happy. And because the diet is vital for shaping the gut and vaginal microbiomes, finding a nutrient-dense diet that meets your needs is key when working to improve vaginal health. 

If you need help navigating diet changes and improving your vaginal health, reach out to us at the clinic or shop my recommended probiotics.

The Ruscio Institute has developed a range of high-quality formulations to help our clients and audience. If you’re interested in learning more about these products, please click here. Note that there are many other options available, and we encourage you to research which products may be right for you. The information on DrRuscio.com is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.