Most "women's probiotics" are generic gut strains in pink packaging. For vaginal health, the strain matters more than the number on the front.
Why strains matter
A healthy vaginal microbiome is led by Lactobacillus, which produce lactic acid to keep your pH low and crowd out the things that cause trouble. Replenishing the right strains is the point of a vaginal probiotic, not just any probiotic.
The researched strains
- L. rhamnosus GR-1 and L. reuteri RC-14, the most-studied pair for feminine health (the Reid and Bruce research line), which colonize from the gut.
- L. crispatus, the species that dominates the healthiest vaginal microbiomes.
How to choose one
Flip the bottle over. Look for the named strains above, and a CFU count that is guaranteed through the expiration date, not just at manufacture, which is a number a lot of brands quietly avoid printing. We print both. Strain transparency is the whole point.
For recurrence, the probiotic pairs with boric acid as the reset, together as The Balance Kit. Learn more in why recurring BV keeps coming back.
References
- Iavazzo C, et al. Boric acid for recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis: the clinical evidence. J Womens Health. 2011.
- Reid G, Bruce AW. Probiotics to prevent urinary tract and vaginal infections: rationale and evidence (L. rhamnosus GR-1, L. reuteri RC-14).
- Ravel J, et al. Vaginal microbiome of reproductive-age women (Lactobacillus dominance). PNAS. 2011.
How we sourced this: written by the MeadowBalance team and checked against peer-reviewed research (see references). This article is educational and is not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Our products are intended for feminine hygiene and to support feminine health, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your health.