Probiotics for women's vaginal health to prevent cystitis and thrush

Most women suffer with thrush, cystitis and/or bacterial vaginosis (BV) at some point in their life. But a simple food supplement can prevent all of these – it’s the wise way to get intimate, we reckon…

 

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Rather than reaching for the Canesten to treat your cystitis or thrush, the secret to both treating and preventing problems ‘down there’ is to address the underlying causes of your vaginal issue. It’s all about having a good balance of friendly bacteria in your vagina – as soon as there’s an imbalance you’re more likely to get a vaginal flare-up.

Having a good balance of friendly bacteria in your vagina is just as crucial as keeping your gut flora in fine fettle. And just as there are probiotics that can protect and sustain your gut, taking a high-quality probiotic specifically for women’s intimate health can encourage this good balance of friendly bacteria, help to establish healthy pH levels and prevent infections.

It’s essential to pick a strain of probiotics chosen specifically for this purpose, though, rather than just any old probiotic. Two specific probiotic strains, Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1, are well documented for women’s intimate health, with over 30 years of scientific evidence. Trials have revealed their ability to help prevent and treat common intimate health conditions, including thrush, cystitis and bacterial vaginosis (BV). Once colonised in the vagina, these probiotics will help to prevent pathogens such as candida and E.coli from overgrowing.

 

OptiBac probiotics for women, specifically proven to help boost women's intimate floraProbiotics for women’s intimate health

L. reuteri RC-14 and L. rhamnosus GR-1 have been shown to:

  • reduce recovery times for thrush, cystitis and BV
  • prevent recurrence
  • address the underlying causes of these intimate health problems, rather than simply addressing the symptoms

The standard treatments for thrush, cystitis and BV do not replenish the natural microflora in your vagina (in fact, antibiotics destroy the good bacteria in our bits), and this can of course lead to recurrence of your problem. Plus FYI: bacterial vaginosis (BV) affects one in three women but is commonly misdiagnosed as thrush.

 

Other tips on preventing thrush, cystitis and BV

  • Wear cotton underwear and avoid high-fitting clothes round your bits
  • Avoid yeast (eg in bread and wine)
  • Eat anti-fungal foods such as garlic
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Pee before and after sex
  • Avoid soaps and scented products for your vaginal area as they alter the pH and microflora balance
  • Be aware that the Pill can upset the balance of intimate flora
  • Cut down on sugar which can feed the growth of yeast and bad bacteria
  • Avoid perfumed sanitary products
  • Reduce laundry detergent or swap to a natural one
  • Keep your midriff warm (eg by wearing a haramaki, Japanese for clothes that cover the stomach and pelvic area)

Optibac Probiotics for Women contain 2.3 billion live cultures (of L. reuteri RC-14 and L. rhamnosus), which are proven to survive digestion to reach and colonise the vagina. Suitable in pregnancy and menopause, they are vegan and cost £18.99 for 30 capsules (one month’s supply).  Every pack purchased supports Womankind, the global movement that campaigns that the rights of all women are respected, valued and realised. Pop in any time to buy or you can order from our online shop

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