Most of us have grown up thinking that all kinds of bacteria are bad. If you get any kind of bacterial infection, you get an antibiotic. If you eat raw cookie dough, you can end up really sick with salmonella (definitely a nasty bacteria!). Lots of bacteria is in fact bad, but there are also good types of bacteria.
So what’s good about bacteria for vaginal health?
A vagina actually has several different types of bacteria living in it at one time, which help to keep you healthy down there. Our own Dr. Anthony Agrios recently spoke to Health magazine about bacteria and how different strands “live in harmony to maintain the vagina’s acidic pH levels.”
If that balance is thrown off, you may have problems with recurring yeast infections or urinary tract infections (UTIs) and can be more susceptible to developing STDs.
How do probiotics support vaginal health?
Probiotics come into play particularly when there’s an imbalance of bacteria because they can help to restore the balance. One of the most important probiotic strains is lactobacillus because it’s the one your vagina needs to keep a balanced pH level.
Dr. Agrios suggests that taking probiotics can help keep yeast at bay, and they are especially beneficial when taking antibiotics to help replenish the good bacteria in your gut and vagina.
If you have questions or concerns about your vaginal health, talk to your doctor to see if adding a probiotic would be beneficial.
The gynecologists at All About Women care about your overall health and your vaginal health. If you have recurring problems with vaginal infections, make an appointment to talk with one of our skilled Florida doctors today.