You might have heard of the gut microbiome, but did you know that women also have a vaginal microbiome? In fact, taking probiotics for vaginal health might help to keep conditions such as bacterial vaginosis (BV), thrush or even urinary tract infections (UTIs) at bay.

It is worth noting that the vagina is a self-cleaning organ and you don’t need to use scented products or soaps to keep it clean, as these interrupt the vaginal microbiome and may damage it, giving infection an opportunity to get in. Allow your vagina to do what it does best and consult your doctor if you think you may have an infection. While probiotics can be useful to support general health, they will not cure you and you will most likely need medical intervention if you have developed a vaginal infection.

This being said, we’ve asked the experts how probiotics may support vaginal health. Our guide on probiotics for women also has extra information about how these ‘good’ bacteria can influence our health.

Interested in trying probiotic supplements, but not sure which product may be right for you? Our buying guide on best probiotics can help you choose the most appropriate product for your needs.

Related: Probiotics vs digestive enzymesRelated: Probiotics for Eczema: do they really work?

What is the vaginal microbiome?

The vaginal microbiome is the collection of microorganisms that live in the vagina and keep the environment of the vagina acidic. When infections like thrush, UTIs or BV are contracted, these can knock these populations out of whack and change the pH of the vagina, making it more susceptible to further infection. This is because a less acidic environment gives bad bacteria an opportunity to grow.

“The vaginal microbiome is distinct from other parts of the human microbiome, such as the gut microbiome,” explains Dr Nitu Bajekal, a gynecologist and women’s health expert. “The unique condition of the vagina ensures it is colonized by a few microbial species, usually lactobacilli and some others. “These species can use glycogen, which in turn is under the control of oestrogens, producing lactic acid, and they are responsible for acidifying the vaginal milieu, helping it withstand vaginal infections.

Dr Nitu Bajekal, MBBS, MD, DNB, FRCOGSocial Links Navigation

Consultant Gynaecologist

Dr Nitu Bajekal is a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist. Over the last 30 years of clinical practice, Dr Bajekal has developed special expertise in many areas, including endometriosis, PCOS and the menopause. She is skilled in advanced minimal access surgery, is trained in robotic surgery, vulval disease and cervical cancer screening.

“However, the composition of the vaginal microbes is only part of the story in maintaining a healthy vaginal environment and is dependent on other factors, such as age and physiological status of the vagina.” Genetics and ethnicity may also play a role.

“The vagina doesn’t need specific vitamins or supplements,” adds Bajekal. “It’s a part of the body that benefits best when harsh chemical-laden vaginal washes, soaps, perfumed toiletries and vaginal inserts of yogurt or garlic and supplements, even if advertised as natural, are avoided. Instead, eating a diverse and varied plant-based diet can really help the healthy vaginal microbiome flourish. Focus on adding more fruit, vegetables, beans, soya, herbs and spices, garlic, nuts and seeds, fermented foods and intact whole grains into your daily diet.”

Unprotected sex is another factor that can leave you open to infection, particularly if you don’t know your partner’s sexually transmitted infection (STI) status. It is advisable to urinate after sex to flush any misplaced bacteria from the urinary tract and lower your risk of developing a UTI. Even if your partner is STI-free, you may find that sexual activity spreads bacteria from around the anus to the vulva, so it’s important to ensure both you and your partner maintain good genital hygiene to avoid causing infection. Condoms and/or a dental dam are always a good idea.

Dr Deborah Lee, a sexual health specialist, says that several common vaginal infections are interrelated. “The vagina of a healthy female of reproductive age, contains a predominance of bacteria called lactobacilli, which as their name suggests, produce lactic acid, as well as hydrogen peroxide, and other antimicrobial peptides that kill other bacteria. The presence of these lactobacilli is crucial for keeping the growth of other organisms under control. Because of the lactic acid, the pH of the vagina is acidic, with a pH of 4.5 or below. There are three common gynecological conditions that are directly affected by the vaginal microbiome and they are all interrelated.”