Looking for help in Healing Bacterial Vaginosis? Check out this Probiotics for BV review for some tried and trusted ways to heal your BV now!
Probiotics for BV Review: The Ultimate Guide to Healing Bacterial Vaginosis.
I have lots of women in my functional medicine practice who have suffered with BV, short for Bacterial Vaginosis. Many have only been offered metronidazole, which can work, but doesn’t help get to the root of the problem.
Many of us have heard of probiotics to help our gut or even for yeast infections but can they really work for BV?
Yes, it turns out that probiotics are actually a very effective treatment for bacterial vaginosis. In fact, there is a lot of scientific evidence to support their use.
So I decided to write a review of the product to help my readers who are suffering with BV. Let’s dive in:
What is Bacterial vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis is a condition where the balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted. This can lead to unpleasant symptoms like itching, burning, and a strong fishy odor.
Bacterial vaginosis is the most common vaginal infection in women ages 15-44. But it can affect women of any age, even those who have never had sex.
If you think you may have bacterial vaginosis, it’s important to see a doctor. In some cases, BV can lead to more serious health problems if left untreated.
BV and perimenopause and menopause
Perimenopause and menopause are times when the body goes through hormonal changes. These changes can cause the vaginal tissues to become thinner and drier, and can also change the pH of the vagina. This can increase the risk of developing BV.
There are many options to help manage BV, including probiotics. If you are living with perimenopause or menopause, you may want to consider a probiotic specifically designed to help maintain healthy vaginal flora.
What probiotic strains help BV
Lactobacillus is the most common probiotic strain used to treat BV. That’s because it’s the dominant strain of bacteria in a healthy vagina. Lactobacillus helps maintain an acidic environment in the vagina, which makes it difficult for harmful bacteria to grow.
Here are some of the most common lactobacillus strains used in probiotics:
• Lactobacillus acidophilus
• Lactobacillus rhamnosus
• Lactobacillus fermentum
• Lactobacillus gasseri
• Lactobacillus reuteri
• Lactobacillus crispatus
It’s important to note that there are many different strains of lactobacillus, and not all of them are helpful in treating BV. In fact, some strains of lactobacillus can actually make BV worse. That’s why it’s important to choose a probiotic that contains the right strains of lactobacillus to help treat BV.
Venus Vital Probiotic by Happy Mammoth
Venus Vital Probiotic is a shelf-stable, multi-strain probiotic that contains 10 billion CFUs and 8 strains of probiotics. This probiotic is specifically formulated to support women’s gut health, but it’s also a great option for women who suffer from BV.
This probiotic is 100% vegan and non-GMO. The 6 strains of probiotics in this formula are: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus gasseri, and Lactobacillus crispatus.
This unique blend also contains Saccharomyces Boulardii. Saccharomyces Boulardii is a beneficial yeast strain that acts like a probiotic. It helps to reduce yeast that can cause vaginal itching, dryness and burning. It also helps to establish a healthy pH, which is essential for both fighting and preventing recurrent BV.
Let’s take a look at some of the other individual strains in this probiotic that set it apart from others:
- UREX is a trademarked blend of Lactobacillus reuteri and Lactobacillus rhamnosus, two very powerful strains of probiotics that have proven in clinical studies to improve vaginal pH, reduce the survival of harmful bacteria and yeast in the vagina, and boost good bacteria. This combo helps create a better bacterial balance for a healthier vaginal microbiome and urinary tract.
- Lactobacillus crispatus is a unique probiotic strain that can help reduce bacterial vaginosis and also reduce yeast infections and UTI’s in women.
- UAL g-05 Lactobacillus gasseri- This strain is an acid resistant probiotic strain that can also improve vaginal pH as well as boost gut health and survive the acidic environment of the gut. And bonus- it has also been linked helping with weight loss and reducing allergies!
- UAL a-01 Lactobacillus acidophilus is a well known and well studied probiotic strain that has shown over and over again its benefits in creating a healthy vaginal microbiome, as well as inhibiting yeast growth in the vagina. It aids in gut health, boosting the immune system, and reducing allergic symptoms.
- UAL p-05 Lactobacillus Plantarum is a powerhouse probiotic that has been thoroughly researched and has shown benefit in improving gut health, immune health, and helping those with IBS and IBD. But, you guessed it, it also helps BV. It can help kill off the the most common bacterial culprit for BV, the bacteria G. Vaginalis.
Venus Vital also contains cranberry extract which can help lower the risk of UTI’s in women and help prevent recurrent UTI’s. This probiotic is a great option for women who are looking to support their gut health and balance their vaginal flora. Save on Venus Vital by following this link!
Rephresh Probiotic
Rephresh Probiotic is a popular probiotic supplement that is specifically designed for women. It contains a high concentration of the beneficial Lactobacillus bacteria that can help to restore balance to the vaginal microbiome.
This supplement also contains a prebiotic that can help to nourish the beneficial bacteria in your gut. It is formulated to be taken orally, and it is not recommended to insert the capsules vaginally.
It contains lactobacillus reuteri and rhamnosus, different than the strains in Venus Vital, but still with similar benefits to the vaginal microbiome and to reducing BV symptoms.
Rephresh Probiotic can be a good option for women who want to support their overall vaginal health. It is also a great option for women who are prone to yeast infections. Note that it does contain gelatin, this is important to know for vegans, vegetarians, or those who prefer not to ingest gelatin.
- Balances yeast and bacteria to maintain feminine health, Just one capsule per day!, Clinically tested probiotic, #1 Trusted Brand, Gynecologist Recommended brand
- 2 packs of 30 capsules each for a total of 60 capsules
- Exposure to heat or sunlight may lead to melting/damage of product. Hence customers are expected to be available during the product delivery
Femdophillus by Jarrow
This is also an excellent probiotic to take if you are prone to recurrent BV. The basic version of this product contains 2 different strains of Lactobacillus and 5 billion CFU per capsule.
The strains in Femdophillus are the same as those in Rephresh, those being the very effective Lactobacillus reuteri and rhamnosus. I have found both Femdophillus and Rephresh to be very effective options for treating and preventing BV.
There is an even better option as it has 6 strains and 10 billion CFU or beneficial probiotics. These strains include L. Crispatus, Gasseri, Plantarum, Rhamnosus, and Jensenii, as well as the helpful Bifidobacterium Lactis. Bifidobacterium lactis can help maintain a healthy vaginal microbiome and also a healthy pH, and is a helpful supporter in vaginal health.
Femdophillus probiotic is also vegan and gluten-free, so it doesn’t contain gelatin like Rephresh does.
- Vaginal, Urinary Tract, Digestive and Immune Health support supplement*: Contains one 30 count bottle of Jarrow Formulas Fem-Dophilus Advanced Probiotics 10 Billion CFU Veggie Capsules for a 30-day supply
- Probiotic supplement with six science-backed strains to support vaginal, urinary tract, digestive and immune health*
- With 10 billion CFU per serving, these probiotic capsules also help with occasional abdominal discomfort and support digestive health and regularity*
- Suggested Use: Adults, take one capsule once a day with or without food, or as directed by your qualified healthcare professional
- These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration; this product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease
- PROP 65 WARNING: Cancer and Reproduction Harm - www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/food
Both Femdophillus and Rephresh are more affordable than Venus Vital but not quite as robust. So if you are on a budget you may want to start with one of these two. Alternatively, if you have had recurrent issues, and/or issues with UTI’s or Yeast Infections then Venus Vital is definitely the best product to start with.
Conclusion
I hope you found this review helpful!
I know that dealing with BV can be so frustrating and I hope this helps you find tools to help manage and balance the microbiome.
It’s also helpful to reduce sugar in your diet, eat fermented foods, and eat a high fiber, whole food based diet. Try to be sure to wear cotton underwear and avoid clothes that are constraining and very tight. Some women also find it helpful to urinate immediately after sex and use pH balanced wipes (I love these Honey pot unscented pH balanced wipes).
If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below!
Wishing you health and wellness!
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Femmenessence MacaLife Reviews: How can these products help in Perimenopause and Post-Menopause?
A Complete Guide: How Does Perimenopause Affect You?
Ultimate Guide: How to Stop Menopause Bloating
What No One Ever Tells you about UTI and Hormones
Dr. Shelley Meyer is a board-certified family physician and Institute of Functional Medicine-certified functional medicine physician, as well as a Registered Dietitian. She is passionate about helping women navigate the roller coaster of perimenopause and postmenopause. She has her own Functional Medicine Practice in Denver, Colorado.
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