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May, 2024
June, 2024
Learn why you should start your probiotics journey with Bio-K+
Our scientifically proven formulas are designed to support your unique health journey
The vaginal microbiome is the community of bacteria in the vagina, central to vaginal and reproductive health. This page covers the science, disruptors, and how probiotics interact.
The vaginal microbiome is the ecosystem of live microorganisms, primarily bacteria, that inhabit the vagina and influence vaginal, reproductive, and overall health. Unlike the gut microbiome, a healthy vaginal microbiome is predominantly dominated by one or a few Lactobacillus species, a low-diversity state associated with good vaginal health in research. The vaginal microbiome can shift rapidly in response to internal and external factors. Some shifts are temporary and self-correcting; others can progress to persistent imbalance.
Research has identified five major community state types (CSTs) in the vaginal microbiome. Four are dominated by a single Lactobacillus species: L. crispatus, L. iners, L. gasseri, and L. jensenii. The fifth is characterized by lower Lactobacillus levels and higher anaerobic bacteria, associated with greater susceptibility to vaginal dysbiosis. L. crispatus is considered the most stable and protective species. These are research-based observations and cannot reliably predict any individual's microbiome outcomes.
A variety of factors confirmed in published research can shift the vaginal microbiome away from Lactobacillus dominance: antibiotic use, hormonal changes across the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause, scented intimate hygiene products, douching, and unprotected sexual activity. When Lactobacillus levels decline, the vaginal environment becomes less acidic; a rising vaginal pH creates conditions in which other bacterial species can grow more freely. Some shifts are temporary and naturally self-correcting; others progress to persistent imbalance.
Lactobacillus species maintain vaginal health through several key mechanisms. They ferment glycogen from the vaginal epithelium to produce lactic acid, keeping vaginal pH at or below 4.5; an environment in which most pathogenic bacteria struggle to survive. Some strains also produce hydrogen peroxide and bacteriocins that inhibit vaginal pathogens. Lactobacillus strains adhere to the vaginal epithelium, displacing pathogenic organisms. A vaginal pH above 4.5 is associated with a higher likelihood of vaginal dysbiosis.
Research has confirmed that oral probiotic strains originally isolated from the female urogenital tract can travel through the gastrointestinal system and ascend to colonize the vagina. Strains isolated from the urogenital environment are more likely to colonize via the oral route. Bio-K+ Women's Health Capsules contain Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GR-1™ and Limosilactobacillus reuteri RC-14™, approved by Health Canada to help restore and maintain healthy vaginal flora and reduce yeast and bacteria on vaginal surfaces.
In Canada, probiotic supplements are regulated as Natural Health Products and must hold an approved NPN reviewed for safety and quality. Health Canada authorizes two claims for GR-1™/RC-14™: to help restore and maintain healthy vaginal flora, and to reduce yeast and bacteria on vaginal surfaces. No Canadian probiotic holds an approved claim to prevent or treat BV. Bio-K+ Women's Health Capsules carry a valid NPN and only Health Canada-authorized claims.
Strain origin matters: look for strains originally isolated from the female urogenital tract, as these are more likely to colonize the vaginal environment. Require full strain designations with alphanumeric codes; a generic "Lactobacillus blend" cannot be matched to research. Confirm CFU is guaranteed until expiry, not at manufacture. Look for a valid Health Canada NPN. Bio-K+ Women's Health Capsules contain GR-1™ and RC-14™, 2 billion CFU guaranteed until expiry.
The vaginal microbiome is the community of microorganisms, primarily bacteria, that live in the vagina. In women of reproductive age, a healthy vaginal microbiome is typically dominated by one or a few Lactobacillus species. Unlike the gut microbiome, the vaginal microbiome is most stable when low in diversity but high in Lactobacillus. This dominance is associated with a lower vaginal pH and greater resistance to harmful bacteria, according to research.
Research has identified several Lactobacillus species in healthy vaginal microbiomes: L. crispatus, L. iners, L. gasseri, and L. jensenii are the most studied. L. crispatus is considered the most stable and protective. Each produces lactic acid, helping maintain the acidic vaginal pH associated with good vaginal health. The specific Lactobacillus profile varies between individuals and can shift over time.
Oral Lactobacillus probiotics containing strains originally isolated from the female urogenital tract can travel through the gut and ascend to colonize the vaginal environment. This oral-to-vaginal pathway is confirmed in published research. Once present, these strains produce lactic acid, contributing to a healthy vaginal pH, and may compete with less desirable bacteria. Strain specificity matters, as not all probiotic strains colonize the vaginal tract equally.
Research confirms several factors can disrupt vaginal microbiome balance: antibiotic use, hormonal fluctuations across the menstrual cycle and menopause, scented intimate hygiene products, douching, smoking, and unprotected sexual activity. When Lactobacillus levels decline, vaginal pH rises, creating conditions that allow anaerobic bacteria to grow more easily. Many disruptions are temporary and self-correcting; persistent imbalance may require medical attention. Consult a healthcare provider if you are experiencing symptoms.
Look for strains originally isolated from the female urogenital tract with full alphanumeric designations, a valid Health Canada NPN, and CFU guaranteed until the best-before or expiry date. Bio-K+ Women's Health Capsules (GR-1™/RC-14™) carry an approved NPN and are authorized to help restore and maintain healthy vaginal flora and reduce yeast and bacteria on vaginal surfaces. Always consult a healthcare provider for personal vaginal health guidance.
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