Vaginal health affects your overall health. The term “vaginal health” encompasses a wide range of factors, from gender to fertility to general hygiene and more.
A healthy vagina maintains a proper pH and is free of infections. Fortunately, there are several ways to ensure vaginal health, including taking supplements.
Researchers are studying a variety of supplements for vaginal health, and some appear to be more promising than others. These supplements contain vitamins, minerals, and other important nutrients.
This article describes the use of supplements to support vaginal health, including scientific evidence and specific examples. We’ll also look at the causes of vaginal microbiome imbalance, how nutrient deficiencies affect vaginal health, and when to see your health care provider.
Getty Images/Olga Lorenko
Why do people use supplements to support vaginal health?
Just like your gut, your vagina has a microbiome made up of beneficial microorganisms that help keep you healthy.
The vaginal flora (bacteria) mainly consists of: lactic acid bacteria seed. The main job of these and other bacterial species found in the vagina is to produce antibacterial compounds that fight off potentially harmful substances.
However, in some cases, the vaginal microbiome can become imbalanced.
An imbalance in the vaginal microbiome allows harmful bacteria and other organisms to grow and can lead to bacterial vaginosis (BV), yeast infections, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), urinary tract infections (UTIs), and decreased fertility. may cause a decline.
Some people rely on nutritional supplements to maintain a healthy vaginal microbiome.
There is some evidence that certain supplements are beneficial for vaginal health. In most cases, these supplements are thought to help restore the vaginal microbiome and prevent infections and other problems.
Please note that dietary supplements are never a substitute for standard care for vaginal conditions (or any other condition). Instead, nutritional supplements may act as a complementary treatment for vaginal health.
Learn more about the science behind popular supplements for vaginal health below.
probiotics
Probiotics are commonly prescribed for gastrointestinal disorders, but may also be beneficial for vaginal health.
Probiotics are “good” bacteria found in certain foods and supplements that may improve the balance of bacteria in your digestive and reproductive tracts.
According to one review, using probiotic supplements may support the vaginal microbiome and improve immune defenses. Various studies have found that probiotics play a role in the treatment of BV and vaginal atrophy. There is also some evidence that the use of probiotics may slow the progression of cervical cancer.
When it comes to how to use probiotics for vaginal health, it may be best to take them orally. Both suppositories and oral probiotics are considered effective, but oral probiotics may provide additional benefits to the gut microbiome.
zinc
Zinc is a trace mineral essential for many aspects of health, including cell growth, hormonal regulation, and reproduction. Research shows that zinc protects the reproductive system by acting as an antioxidant.
External use of zinc may improve vaginal dryness and other symptoms associated with menopause.
In a small pilot study, women with certain menopausal symptoms, such as vaginal dryness, burning, itching, and pain, used a moisturizing gel containing zinc for two weeks. After using zinc gel, participants experienced improvement in these symptoms, with the most notable improvement occurring in vaginal dryness.
Further research is needed to determine whether zinc can be used in other ways to promote vaginal health.
vitamin E
Vitamin E is one of the four fat-soluble vitamins. It also acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells and tissues from damage.
Various studies have shown the possible benefits of vitamin E for vaginal changes associated with menopause. However, researchers believe that vitamin E is best used as a complementary treatment. For example, vitamin E combined with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may reduce vaginal atrophy, a common symptom of menopause.
Compared to a placebo, vitamin E suppositories have been found to significantly improve vaginal symptoms of menopause. However, it is worth noting that more information is needed about the dosage and safety of vitamin E for vaginal health.
vitamin D
Like vitamin E, vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that may help with certain vaginal health conditions.
According to one study, insufficient or deficient levels of vitamin D can increase the risk of BV. In this study, women with BV were compared with healthy controls. Researchers found that women with BV were more likely to have lower levels of vitamin D in their blood compared to controls.
Vitamin D is also being studied for its potential role in menopause.
A review of available research shows that vitamin D may affect vaginal pH, improve vaginal symptoms, prevent vaginal infections, and enhance sexual function in postmenopausal women. got it. Both topical and oral vitamin D supplements have been shown to benefit vaginal health.
However, not all studies on vitamin D supplements for vaginal health have found positive or consistent results. Further research needs to be done.
vitamin C
Vitamin C is often considered an alternative treatment for BV and other vaginal health issues. However, there is little recent research to support these claims.
A 2013 study compared the effects of vitamin C to a placebo in women with recurrent BV. Participants used either vitamin C tablets in suppository form or a placebo tablet for 6 consecutive days per month for 6 months. Those who used vitamin C tablets had significantly lower rates of BV recurrence than those who used placebo tablets.
Vitamin C itself is acidic. Therefore, vitamin C is thought to prevent BV by lowering vaginal pH, a role normally given to vaginal flora in healthy conditions.
Little additional research has been conducted on vitamin C and its effects on vaginal health. We need the latest research.
fish oil
Fish oil supplements, a common source of essential omega-3 fatty acids, have been used to treat a variety of vaginal health issues.
One study compared the effects of fish oil supplements on vaginal health to probiotics and a placebo in pregnant women. Compared to a placebo, participants who used fish oil supplements throughout their pregnancy had fewer potentially harmful bacteria in their vaginal microbiomes. Fish oil has also been shown to improve the vaginal microbiome when combined with probiotics.
It has been claimed that fish oil and omega-3 fatty acid supplements may also improve vaginal dryness. However, this claim is rarely supported by research.
Further research is needed to better understand how fish oil affects vaginal health.
What does a healthy vaginal pH level mean?
Vaginal pH determines whether your vagina is acidic, alkaline, or neutral.
For women of childbearing age, normal vaginal pH ranges from 3.8 to 5.0 and is slightly acidic. When a woman enters menopause, vaginal pH levels tend to rise slightly.
Causes that affect the vaginal microbiome
The vaginal microbiome can change for a variety of reasons. While some changes are normal, microbiome imbalances can lead to BV, yeast infections, or other problems.
The vaginal microbiome naturally changes during hormonal fluctuations. These include puberty, menstrual cycles, menopause, and pregnancy.
Vaginal microbiome imbalances can also be the result of unprotected sex, antibiotic use, or vaginal douching.
When your vaginal pH and microbiome drop, you may notice itching, burning, unusual vaginal discharge, and unusual odors.
Can vitamin deficiencies cause vaginal problems?
Certain vitamin deficiencies can cause problems with vaginal health.
Some evidence points to vitamin D deficiency as a possible cause of BV and other vaginal health problems. One study found that women with low vitamin D levels were more likely to develop BV.
Other studies have found a link between lower vitamin D levels and worsening of menopausal symptoms, including menopause-related heart disease.
Deficiencies in additional vitamins, minerals, and nutrients can also affect vaginal health. However, there is no solid evidence that further deficiencies lead to vaginal problems.
To ensure vaginal health, it is best to eat a balanced diet with all the necessary nutrients.
When should you see a medical professional?
Some vaginal problems may require you to see a health care provider.
It’s important to be aware of potential signs and symptoms that something is wrong with your vaginal health. Knowing these signs and symptoms is just one way to keep your vagina healthy.
Signs of vaginal problems may include:
- abnormal discharge
- severe itching
- pain during intercourse
- swelling and pain
- Fishy smell
- burning sensation
- redness
- pain when urinating
Some of these symptoms may come and go, but severe or persistent ones should be checked. You should also contact your health care provider if you know you have had a sexually transmitted disease or if your fever spikes or you develop sores or blisters on your vagina.
Your health care provider will evaluate your symptoms and recommend a treatment plan. Treatment may include medication, home care, or various alternative therapies.
summary
Vaginal health is an important part of your overall health, and it all starts with your vaginal microbiome.
When your vaginal microbiome is out of balance, you increase your risk of infections and other problems. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to keep your microbiome healthy, including supplements.
Research shows that certain supplements may support the vaginal microbiome and other aspects of vaginal health. However, supplements should only be used as complementary treatment and under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
If you are interested in using supplements for vaginal health or have symptoms of a vaginal condition, please consult your health care provider.
