Probiotics in Women's health: help for BV and UTIs

New research shows a different strain of probiotics is needed to specifically colonize the vaginal tract

Probiotics have recieved a lot of positive press – the healthy gut microorganisms used to promote healthy digestion. Many yogurt commercials advertise their unique strain of probiotic. The main species used for healthy digestion has been the Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium , and S. boulardii types (1,2).

Interestingly, some newer research has shown that a different strain of probiotics are needed to specifically colonize the vaginal tract. Studies show that the strain L. rhamnosus GR-1 and L. reuteri RC-14 actually normalize the vaginal ecology within 28-60 days of treatment (3). On the other hand, Lactobacillus GG, which has been well studied in the treatment of acute diarrhea, has had little benefit in colonizing the vagina (4).

This is relevant to those suffering from bacterial vaginosis (BV), a type of vaginitis. Several studies have shown that supplementing with these 2 species-specific strains orally cures BV (5,6). This is a great alternative since the conventional treatment with Flagyl typically has terrible side effects. It probably would not be a stretch to supplement with this strain for chronic vaginal yeast infections as well.

Furthermore, L. rhamnosus GR-1 and L. reuteri RC-14 strains have shown a reduction in urinary tract infections (UTIs). When administered vaginally once weekly for one year, women reported reduction from 6 infections per year (mean rate) down to 1.6 infections per year in one study (7). This strain of probiotic would be a good addition to cranberry capsules and D-mannose powder for women struggling with chronic UTIs.

If you have further questions on this article or topic or need help with this issue please call our office or send us an email. 604.737.0012 or info@springseternal.com

P.S. If you would like to know where to get the safest and most effective forms of these strains please call our office and speak to Dr. Nari.

References:

1. Szajewska H, et al. Probiotics in the preventio of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in children: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Pediatr. 2006; 149 (3);367-372
2. Zanello G, et al. Saccharomyces boulardii effects on gastrointestinal diseases. Curr Issues Mol Biol. 2008 Sep 8;11(1):47-58.
3. Cadieux P, Burton J, Gardiner G, et al. Lactobacillus strains and vaginal ecology. JAMA 2002; 287:1940-1941
4. Colodner R, Edelstein H, et al. Vaginal colonization by orally administered Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. Isr Med Assoc J. 2003; 5 (11): 767-9
5. Reid G, AW Bruce, N Fraser, et al. Oral probiotics can resolve urogenital infections. FEMS Immunol. Med. Microbiol. 2001; 30:49-52
6. Reid G, Charbonneau D, et al. Oral use of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and L. fermentum RC-14 significantly alters vaginal flora: randomized, placebo-controlled trial in 64 healthy women. FEMS Immunol. Med. Microbial. 2003; 35:131-134
7. Reid G, Bruce AW, et al. Installation of Lactobacillus and stimulation of indigenous organisms to prevent recurrence of urinary tract infections. Microecol. Ther. 1995;23:32-45