The best probiotics for women, recommended by health experts
What is the best probiotic for women?
There are lots of targeted probiotic supplements for women that work to prevent and treat intimate health concerns. For a hard-working daily supplement, Smart Strains probiotic comes highly recommended. Backed by a great deal of research, it contains lactoferrin for full vaginal support.
For combating the effects of dryness, along with microbiome imbalances, Canesten's canesbiotics has a solution with added B2. If cystitis and UTIs are an issue, the added D-Mannose in the VJJ supplements might help. For an affordable option, Optibac offers a good preventative option, and Bio-Kult's candea gut supplement is recommended for pregnancy.
When should I take a probiotic?
Dr Rossi says: 'If you are over 12 years old, take a probiotic at the first sign of any changes in your vaginal microbiome. If you're on an antibiotic or antifungal treatment, take daily alongside this treatment for the duration of the course and continue for at least 3 months after treatment has ended.'
Are vaginal probiotics safe to take?
Yes, they are safe, but not everyone gets on well with them. You might want to try changing your diet first and adjusting habits and lifestyle to see if it's possible to balance your microbiome and reduce symptoms that way.
What's not advised is seeking out or trying online remedies or relying on TikTok for vaginal health tips – unless they're coming from a qualified medical professional's account.
Online 'remedies' for vaginal health range from the questionable to the actively harmful: apple cider vinegar baths, inserting raw garlic cloves or a cucumber, vaginal steaming, self-administered boric acid, or applying natural yoghurt directly to the vulva.
'Trends like apple cider vinegar baths can irritate the delicate vaginal tissues and disrupt the pH, leading to more harm than good,' says Dr Raizada. Garlic can cause chemical burns when used raw, while steaming carries risks of burns and infection. There's no evidence to suggest that cucumbers do anything beneficial, and foreign objects can increase infection risk.
'Some find applying natural yoghurt to the vulva soothing, but while yoghurt contains probiotics, it doesn't necessarily introduce the right strains,' she adds. Boric acid can be effective in certain cases, but only under medical supervision – misuse can be dangerous.
What are the best natural remedies?
The most effective preventive steps are surprisingly simple. Wash with water only, avoiding fragranced products. Choose cotton underwear and change out of damp clothes quickly. Manage stress to keep your immune system resilient. Eat a diet rich in prebiotic fibre and fermented probiotic foods.
Above all, seek help early. Recurrent UTIs, thrush, bacterial vaginosis or painful sex are not conditions to silently endure. 'If you notice unusual symptoms such as unusual discharge or itching, see your GP for a proper check,' says Dr Raizada.
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