The gut microbiota and the vaginal microbiota are two distinct but deeply interconnected ecosystems. A genuine biological dialogue is established between them, which helps to shape physiological, immunological, and metabolic homeostasis throughout the different stages of a woman's life.
This balance influences key processes for women, such as hormone modulation (particularly estrogen), menstrual cycle regularity, fertility, and defense against infections in the urogenital area.
Taking care of women's well-being therefore means acting on both microbiomes through a balanced diet, a healthy lifestyle, and the intake of specific probiotics that can support intestinal balance and, at the same time, exert a targeted and local actionon the vaginal environment.
In this article, we will look at what vaginal probiotics are, how they work, and what role they play in defending the vaginal environment against intimate infections.
The dialogue between the gut and the vaginal environment
The intestine is a veritable reservoir of beneficial microorganisms and functional metabolites. When it is in balance, it becomes the primary source of lactobacilli, the predominant species of vaginal microbiota, which is essential for counteracting the proliferation of pathogens.
On the contrary, intestinal dysbiosis can trigger a systemic pro-inflammatory response that also affects the vaginal area, leading to uncomfortable symptoms such as itching, burning, and odor, and increasing susceptibility to recurrent infections such as candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis.
What are vaginal probiotics?
The term"vaginal probiotics"refers to selected lactic acid bacteria with specific beneficial functions for the female reproductive system, often belonging to the Lactobacillus family.The purpose of vaginal probiotics is to support the balance of the vaginal microbiota, promoting physiological conditions (in particular, a healthy vaginal pH) and a protective barrier against pathogenic microorganisms.
As they have no side effects, they can be taken daily and are particularly recommended in cases of urogenital infections. Vaginal lactic acid bacteria are suitable for all age groups, both as a preventive measure and for the treatment or reduction of recurrent cystitis, candidiasis, or bacterial vaginosis.
Vaginal probiotics are also recommended during pregnancy to modulate the newborn's microbiota, and during menopause, when the microbiota tends to become depleted physiologically and, due to hormonal imbalance, intimate disorders such as dryness and itching become more frequent.
What are vaginal probiotics used for?
Vaginal probiotics not only have the task of arriving alive and active in the intestine, but also, by migrating to the vaginal environment, of performing a specific beneficial function for the female reproductive system.
Within the Lactobacillus family, there are strains capable of protecting and defending the vaginal mucosa from the aggression of pathogenic microorganisms, repopulating the vaginal microbiota, and restoring its physiological pH, reducing the incidence of intimate disorders and discomfort.
In particular, the purpose of vaginal lactic acid bacteria is to:
- Supporting vaginal flora balance: they help repopulate the vaginal microbiota and restore/maintain physiological pH.
- Act as a protective barrier: some strains adhere to mucous membranes and hinder the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms thanks to their antimicrobial activity.
- Preventing and reducing recurrence: useful "from a preventive perspective" and for reducing the recurrence of disorders such as cystitis, candidiasis, and bacterial vaginosis.
- Help reduce systemic pro-inflammatory conditions that can also affect the vagina.
What types are there and in what form can they be taken?
There are two main types of vaginal probiotics, depending on how they are taken: topical/local action and oral.
Lactic acid bacteria for topical use, permitted only in medical devices, which may represent a solution for targeted local action, to be performed under medical advice in response to an acute phase of infection.
The oral intake of specially selected probiotic supplements, on the other hand, represents an effective, physiological, and more versatile strategy for women's well-being: they fit perfectly into the daily routine and allow intervention not only when the disorder is present, but also as a preventive measure.
These microorganisms act primarily by rebalancing the intestinal microbiota and reducing inflammation. Thanks to their ability to survive gastrointestinal transit and reach the urogenital tract, they also contribute to the rapid restoration of vaginal balance.
An integrated approach that works from within, promoting lasting well-being that is not limited to treating symptoms alone.
Synbio Gin – Probiotic-based dietary supplement for comprehensive vaginal wellness
Synbio Gin isSynbiotec's dietary supplement containing selected vaginal probiotics that can pass through the intestinal tract and effectively reach the vaginal environment, restoringthe physiological balance of its microbiota.
The probiotic strains contained in Synbio Gin (Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus IMC 501® and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei IMC 502®) help maintain the correct vaginal pH, adhere to the mucous membranes, and hinder the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms thanks to their marked and proven antimicrobial activity.
The action of vaginal lactic acid bacteria is enhanced by the presence of cranberry, known for its role in supporting urogenital health. Its bioactive components help limit the adhesion of pathogens to mucosal surfaces, promoting an environment less conducive to the development of infections and supporting the protective action of lactobacilli.
This synergy not only restores balance to the microbiota, but also reduces local symptoms such as itching, burning, and intimate discomfort, improving intimate comfort and preventing the recurrence of these problems.
The result is comprehensive support for women's intimate well-being, starting with the gut and translating into effective, natural protection of the vaginal balance.
Are vaginal lactic acid bacteria also effective for candida and intimate infections?
Yes, vaginal probiotics are effective in combating candida and vaginal infections because:
- help create a more balanced vaginal environment that is less conducive to the proliferation of pathogens;
- can help restore the balance of the vaginal microbiota and physiological pH by adhering to the mucous membranes and hindering the growth of pathogenic microorganisms;
- This can result in a reduction in local symptoms (itching, burning, intimate discomfort) and a decrease in the recurrence of recurring disorders including candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis, and cystitis.
Is it possible or recommended to use them during menopause?
Yes, vaginal probiotics are also recommended during menopause, when the microbiota tends to become depleted physiologically and, due to hormonal imbalance, intimate disorders such as dryness and itching become more frequent.
The underlying idea remains that of supporting the balance of the vaginal microbiota (and, if used orally, also the intestinal microbiota), to improve intimate comfort and combat the recurrence of discomfort and infections.
