PROBIOTICS FOR VAGINAL HEALTH

Vaginal thrush is a common condition that is caused by an overgrowth of a fungus that naturally lives in your vagina, called Candida Albicans. This overgrowth can trigger irritation, inflammation, itching, and painful discharge. Many experiences vaginal thrush sometime during their lifetime, and some will suffer from recurrent episodes.

Many have candida in their vagina without it causing any problems, but thrush can develop if the natural balance of micro-organisms in the vagina is disrupted and candida multiplies. That is more likely to happen if you:

    1. are in your twenties and thirties – thrush is less common if you haven't started your period yet or if you’ve been through menopause.
    2. are pregnant.
    3. use different types of hormonal birth control
    4. use douches or vaginal deodorants
    5. have a weakened immune system
    6. have sex when you're not fully aroused or you're worried it may hurt – this can lead to vaginal dryness and tightness during sex, which can trigger thrush.
    7. have recently taken antibiotics.

If you regularly experience yeast infections or experience side effects from traditional antifungal medications, probiotics may be useful for you since it can help restore the bacteria-yeast balance. Your body is home to trillions of microbes, including fungi, bacteria, and viruses. The human microbiome is the name given to these microbes. Collectively, they form an ecosystem. These tiny organisms are harmless and live in colonies. Many of these microbes are a type of bacteria called Lactobacilli. These bacteria help keep the vagina healthy and free of infection.

The vaginal microbiome is unique and differs from the oral and gut microbiome. A healthy vaginal microbiome should be dominant in the bacteria, Lactobacilli. Lactobacilli can exert many protective effects to promote a healthy vaginal tract and reduce the risk of infections. When their levels are depleted, an imbalance may occur and opportunistic pathogens such as Candida Albicans can thrive. 

Probiotics are a collection of microorganisms that have health benefits for your body. Some of the most common probiotics are a type of bacteria called Lactobacillus. The vaginal microbiota naturally contains Lactobacilli. It helps to prevent Candida and other bacteria from growing out of control.

DUSK Probiotic is a carefully made vaginal pH balancing cream - made from 100% natural ingredients and clinically tested. DUSK Probiotic is a lightweight formula made from moisturizing lactic acid bacteria. Easy to use to maintain the natural barrier. It’s a moisturizing lactic acid bacterium that can also be used as preventive care.

It’s important to say that you’re the expert on your own vagina. But diagnosing vaginal infections can be tricky, and you may want to have a doctor check it out. If you have not encountered vaginal thrush before, or have not previously tried to use probiotics as a treatment option, we urge you to speak to your doctor or gynaecologist first.

This article was last updated on 17th of June 2021.

NOTES AND REFERENCES:
Battling a Yeast Infection with Probiotics (s.d.): Greatist.
https://greatist.com/health/yeast-infection-probiotics 
Can probiotics treat a yeast infection? (s.d.): Healthline.
https://www.healthline.com/health/yeast-infection-probiotics#TOC_TITLE_HDR_1
Probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14 exhibit strong antifungal effects against vulvovaginal candidiasis-causing Candida glabrata isolates. (s.d.): Society for Applied Microbiology.
https://sfamjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jam.12772
Vaginal thrush: The in’s the outs and the things to do in-between. (s.d.): The Pharmacy Guild of Australia. https://www.guild.org.au/news-events/blog/2017/vaginal-thrush.-the-ins-the-outs-and-the-things-to-do-in-between
What are probiotics: These live microorganisms can have health benefits. (s.d.). Chr. Hansen.
https://www.chr-hansen.com/en/human-health-and-probiotics/our-science/what-are-probiotics