The importance of probiotics and the maintenance of the “good” bacteria in the body is essential in many health areas. The microorganisms that inhabit the vagina can affect pregnancy and other health outcomes.
But improving the vaginal microbiome may not be as simple as taking probiotics. Experts shared recent study results at the 38th annual meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE).
They found that treatment with vaginal probiotic capsules among women with unfavorable vaginal microbiomas did not improve the vaginal flora more than a placebo.
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences notes that “[t] he microbiome is the collection of all microbes, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses and their genes, that naturally live on our bodies and inside us.”
People’s microbiomes play a crucial role in many areas of health. The vaginal microbiome refers to all microorganisms in the vagina. The composition of the vaginal microbiome may affect the risk of gynecological cancers.
It can also affect the risk of sexually transmitted infections. Finally, it can also affect conception and pregnancy. The microorganism Lactobacillus typically contributes to a healthy vaginal microbiome and helps protect the body.
Physicians should consider vaginal health and how to improve it, including for those seeking infertility treatment such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).
A healthy vaginal microbiome can increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy. But how to best enhance vaginal microbiomes can be more complicated than just using vaginal probiotics.
The study in question was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study that allows for great objectivity and helps eliminate the risk of bias. Researchers included 74 participants. Participants had all been referred for IVF and had unfavorable vaginal microbiomas.
Researchers divided the participants into two groups: one received placebo and the other received vaginal probiotic capsules containing Lactobacillus. The researchers reassessed the participants’ vaginal microbiomas after completing their treatment and after having their next menstrual cycle.
The study authors found no significant differences between the control and intervention groups. However, more than one-third (34.2%) of all participants experienced improvements in vaginal microbiome quality within 1-3 months, regardless of whether they received a probiotic or placebo.
Yasser Diab, a consulting gynecologist and obstetrician at the Cadogan Clinic who was not involved in this study, told Medical News Today that “[t] he was no significant difference between the two groups – the lactobacilli group [and] the placebo group.”
“The intervention did not cover all strains of lactobacilli involved in influencing fertility outcomes. More detailed studies are needed to establish therapeutic strategies to improve fertility treatment outcomes from interventions that address the vaginal microbiome,” he pointed out.
Research author Dr. Ida Enberg Jepson commented that she and her colleagues were surprised by the results and that specific probiotic treatments might not be as effective as they had hoped.
“The study indicates that ‘rush to probiotics’ should be gently curbed. We found that the use of a specific probiotic containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus gasseri did not improve an (asymptomatic) unfavorable vaginal microbiota in infertile women.”
When sharing the results of the study, its authors noted a few limitations. First of all, the vaginal probiotic capsules did not contain all the strains of Lactobacilli that could affect fertility results. They also noted that their broad categorization of low, medium, and high vaginal microbiome profiles may have masked subtle changes.
The study does not rule out the importance of vaginal health. However, it opens up questions about how to best address vaginal health, especially when working towards optimal vaginal microbiomes before infertility treatments.
Dr. Jepson noted a few more areas for potential further research:
“Suggestions for new research could be to explore different Lactobacilli strains or to study vaginal microbiotate transplantation from women with normal vaginal microbiota. Furthermore, it would be interesting to investigate whether it is possible to achieve a higher pregnancy rate if we postpone IVF treatment in patients with an unfavorable vaginal microbiota until a spontaneous improvement is seen within the next 1-3 months, as this study suggests. ”
Results may further influence future recommendations prior to IVF. Dr. Jepson explained that “[we] saw a spontaneous improvement in patients with an unfavorable vaginal microbiota, primarily with a low profile, over 1-3 months. This suggests that an idea for patients with an unfavorable vaginal microbiota could be to delay IVF treatment until spontaneous recovery. “
Should a woman take a probiotic daily?
Probiotics can ward off vaginal yeast infections, urogenital infections and bacterial vaginosis by keeping the vaginal microbiome in balance, Fasig says. See the article : The Tragedy to Insulin Costs in the United States, 2017-18. Studies have also shown that ingestion of Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus fermentum strains ($ 24, Amazon) daily can positively improve vaginal flora.
What are the dangers of taking probiotics? Possible harmful effects of probiotics include infections, production of harmful substances by the probiotic microorganisms and the transfer of antibiotic resistance genes from probiotic microorganisms to other microorganisms in the digestive tract.
What does a probiotic do for a woman?
There are so many valid reasons why a high quality probiotic is a good thing – especially for women. They can increase energy levels, improve digestive health, help fight fatigue and stress by reducing cortisol levels and reducing symptoms of diseases such as autoimmune diseases (which disproportionately affect women).
What are the signs you need probiotics?
The three most common signs that you need probiotics are if: To see also : The number of health professionals entering substance use and mental health programs is increasing.
- You have taken antibiotics and need to balance the bacteria in your system.
- You experience that you are constantly getting sick.
- You feel bloated, uncomfortable or have skin problems.
Can long term use of probiotics be harmful?
The long-term use of probiotics is safe and well-accepted and can be an effective method of preventing pouchitis. Read also : Mayor Scott provides an update on the 9-1-1 Diversion Behavioral Health pilot program and plans for expansion.
Is there a downside to taking probiotics?
Probiotics are safe for the majority of the population, but side effects can occur. The most common side effects are a temporary increase in gas, bloating, constipation and thirst. Some people may also react poorly to ingredients used in probiotic supplements or to naturally occurring amines in probiotic foods.
What are the disadvantages of taking probiotics? They may trigger allergic reactions and may also cause mild stomach upset, diarrhea or flatulence (gas fits) and bloating for the first few days after starting to take them. There are certain people who need to exercise caution when using probiotic supplements. There is a risk of infection in some people.
Is Taking probiotics everyday okay?
A common question about probiotics is whether it is ok to take probiotic supplements every day. Although there may be a few exceptions to this rule, the general answer is yes, it is safe and usually recommended to take them daily. It is important to understand that probiotics are a natural supplement and not a medicine.
Who should not take probiotics?
Some reports have linked probiotics to serious infections and other side effects. The people who are most likely to get problems are those with immune system problems, people who have had surgery and others who are critically ill. Do not take probiotics if you have any of these problems.
Can probiotics cause more harm than good?
New research in the journal Cell Host & Microbiome suggests that probiotics can be harmful under certain conditions due to their ability to develop once in the gut. Share on Pinterest For some people, probiotics can do more harm than good. Probiotics are living microorganisms that play a key role in the function of the gut.
What foods to avoid when you have BV?
& quot; Processed foods, such as packaged sweets, popcorn, smoked meats, dairy products, and dried fruits, can affect your immune system, and if your immune system is suppressed by your nutrition, it can cause bacteria to populate the area, causing itching, infections, including bacterial vaginosis, & quot; says Dr. Posina.
What should I eat if I have BV? So take a look at this list of five foods for your vagina to treat BV:
- Kefir. Kefir is a healthy, fermented food with a consistency comparable to drinkable yogurt. …
- Garlic. …
- Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons. …
- Salmon. …
- Cranberries.
What foods throw off your pH balance?
Smelly food: When eaten in excess, foods like garlic, asparagus, onions and broccoli can make you taste or smell a bit funky as they can throw your pH balance off the hook.
What causes BV to flare up?
The five main sexual triggers for BV debut identified by women were sex with a regular female partner, sex with a regular male partner, sex with a new male or female partner, sex with an uncircumcised male partner, and condom-free sex with a male partner.
