What are yeast infection probiotics?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor I Vo Thi Thuy Trang - Digestive Endoscopy Doctor - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Da Nang International Hospital
Probiotics contain live yeast that is beneficial to human health, also seen as the immune system helping to prevent infection. How are probiotics used in yeast infections? The article will provide more information about this content.

1. What are probiotics?

Yeast infections occur when there is an overgrowth of the fungus Candida. There are many different strains of Candida, but Candida albicans is known as the most common cause of vaginal yeast infections.
Your body is home to trillions of microorganisms, including fungi, bacteria and viruses. These tiny organisms are harmless and live in colonies that coexist inside the human body forming the human microbiome. Candida is considered part of your normal microbiome, but sometimes the fungus can overgrow it, disrupting the body's normal microbiome, causing probiotic infections. yeast .
Probiotics are a collection of live microorganisms that benefit the health of your body. Some of the most common probiotics include Lactobacillus bacteria. The vaginal microbiome contains Lactobacillus bacteria naturally, and the role of Lactobacillus bacteria is to help prevent Candida and other bacteria from growing out of control.

2. Action of probiotics

Women have used yogurt, in its composition containing Lactobacillus, to treat yeast infections for centuries. Recent studies show that this approach works better than experts initially thought.
A study done on 129 pregnant women with yeast infections found that a mixture of honey, which has antibacterial properties, and yogurt had the same effect as traditional antifungal medication. Therefore, using a mixture of yogurt and honey provides better relief of symptoms, while antifungal drugs are only more effective in eliminating the fungus. Another study showed similar results in non-pregnant women.
Another study that used vaginal suppositories to prevent yeast infections found that a prescription anti-fungal medication - such as fluconazole (Diflucan) - was combined with a vaginal suppository. Probiotics make antifungal drugs more effective. The combination of antifungal medication also reduces the risk of the yeast infection returning. This suggests that probiotics can be very helpful for women who have recurrent yeast infections at least four times a year.
Despite the results obtained in the treatment of yeast infections from probiotics, much of the available research on the use of probiotics applied to the treatment of yeast infections is still relatively small. Therefore, it is difficult to draw any firm conclusions about the effectiveness of probiotics in the treatment of yeast infections. However, these studies also did not find any risks associated with using probiotics to treat yeast infections.
If you regularly suffer from yeast infections or experience side effects from traditional antifungal medications, then you can use probiotics, the bacterial ingredients in probiotic products can especially useful for your health condition.

3. How to test probiotics

Probiotics come in many forms of intestinal fermentation that you can use in different ways. You can find them in the form of capsules or suppositories that are used when you insert them into your vagina. When choosing a capsule or suppository, look for one that includes a list of bacteria that the drug's ingredients include. Most products will list probiotics based on the amount in each dose, and manufacturers often list Lactobacillus near the top.
For a more cost-effective option, you can also use yogurt, just make sure you choose one with a label that mentions live cultures and Lactobacillus. Yogurts with added sugar or flavoring should be avoided because yeast eats up sugar, so plain yogurt is best for yeast infections.

To use yogurt, remove a cotton pad from the applicator and fill the applicator with yogurt. Lie down while placing the applicator and drop all the yogurt into your vagina. Wait a few minutes before getting up to give the machine time to settle down.
As with other yeast infection creams, using yogurt will eventually start to leak out of your vagina. You may consider applying yogurt right before going to bed or when you are not standing for long periods of time. If you need to apply yogurt during the day or before an activity, you can use a panty liner or pad to protect your clothes from getting wet and add extra comfort while doing so.
You can also apply yogurt to the vulva, the outer part of the vagina, to relieve itching and burning.

4. Operating time

Studies involving the use of a mixture of yogurt and honey in the vagina show that the mixture takes about a week to work. Oral probiotics, on the other hand, can take one to four weeks to change the microbiome in your vagina. If you choose to take oral probiotics, you can still apply yogurt to your vulva to help control symptoms while you wait for oral probiotics to kick in.

5. Risks of using probiotics

Bad reactions to probiotics are extremely rare. These beneficial bacteria already exist in your body, so adding them usually doesn't carry any risks. However, if you have a weakened immune system due to an underlying medical condition or you're being treated for it, it's best to check with your doctor before taking any probiotic supplements. .
Also, keep in mind that you may experience mild side effects from taking probiotics such as gas and bloating.

6. When to see a doctor for a yeast infection?

If you have not had a yeast infection in the past, you should make an appointment with your doctor to confirm that you do not have another yeast-related illness. Symptoms of a yeast infection will often be similar to those of other illnesses, including many sexually transmitted diseases and bacterial vaginosis. Both of these factors can eventually cause fertility problems or pregnancy complications. So it is important to rule out these factors first. After having a few yeast infections, you're likely to get better at recognizing their symptoms.
You should also contact your doctor if you do not notice any improvement in your symptoms within 7 to 14 days. You may have a different type of bacterial infection or need a prescription antifungal medication, such as fluconazole.
To date, the number of studies on the association between probiotics in the treatment of fungi is still limited and further long-term follow-up studies are needed to confirm this beneficial association. Unless you have a weakened immune system, you shouldn't opt ​​for probiotics, especially if you notice side effects from traditional yeast infection treatments. use should be discontinued.
Currently, Vinmec has deployed the Basic Gynecological Examination and Screening Package. This package of tests can detect inflammatory diseases early, making treatment easy and inexpensive. When registering for the Basic Gynecological Examination and Screening Package, customers will receive:
Gynecological examination. Transvaginal ultrasound of the uterus and ovaries. Bilateral breast ultrasound. Tests such as: Treponema pallidum rapid test, Chlamydia rapid test, taking samples for cervical-vaginal cytology, bacterial staining (female vaginal fluid), HPV genotype PCR automated system, total analysis Automated urine collection.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

Reference source: healthline.com