For Women Probiotics

Recommended use

• For best results take 1 capsule daily, preferably with breakfast
• May be increased to 2 capsules per day if desired or professionally directed.
• For those unable to swallow capsules, open and mix contents with cool food/drinks.
• Do not exceed recommended daily dosage.
• Can be taken intensively or on an ongoing basis (daily) For Women can safely be taken alongside other supplements in the Optibac range.
• Suitable from 4 years onwards

Storage instructions

• For best results, do not remove desiccant sachet from the glass jar and close lid firmly after each use.
• Store in a cool, dry place below 25°C and out of direct sunlight. For maximum potency, can be refrigerated after opening.

Customer questions

All questions answered by probiotic experts Dr Kate Stephens PhD (Food and Microbial Sciences) BSc(Hons) Medical Microbiology and Kerry Beeson BSc (Nut. Med.) Nutritional Therapist.

What are women’s probiotics?

For most health issues, gender isn’t a consideration in probiotic research, so you don’t need to worry about this when choosing your supplement. However, there are several probiotic strains that have been researched specifically in people with vaginas, such as Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14^® and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1^®, and Lactobacillus paracasei F-19^®, which can be found in For Women. These have been specifically researched for the support of vaginal and urinary tract health issues*. Otherwise, probiotics are not gender-specific and can be taken by anyone who feels they may benefit.

Why are women’s probiotics good for you?

Women’s probiotics are particularly good for the support of the vaginal flora, even when taken orally¹. A healthy vagina typically contains strains of Lactobacilli bacteria which produce lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide and other substances, all of which help to keep the pH balance in the vagina at an optimum pH of 4.5 (slightly acidic).

How do I choose the best probiotic for women?

The best women’s probiotic supplements contain strains which have been specifically researched in women, and where the billions count is based on the dosages used in gold standard clinical trials. For Women contains 2.5 billion live probiotic cultures per capsule – and strains in this product have been used in numerous research studies^2-4  in which a standard dose of one to two capsules per day was found to offer benefits for a variety of vaginal health issues*.

How long does it take for women’s probiotics to work?

Even when taken orally, strains in For Women have been proven to reach the vagina alive. Research suggests that they can reach the vaginal tract in 3-4 days and begin to colonize, and they have been shown in clinical trials⁵ to be present in the vagina after just one week.

When is the best time to take probiotics for women?

Even though probiotics produce lactic acid and prefer a slightly acidic environment, getting through the harsh stomach environment can be challenging for these delicate live cultures. Ideally, it’s best to take your probiotic supplement at mealtimes (specifically breakfast time), as the stomach’s gastric acidity is naturally at pH 4 or above, and the food further helps to buffer the acid, and assist the passage of the probiotics into the gut. However, if you forget to take them with breakfast, just take with another meal or snack.

How long should I take women’s probiotics for?

This really depends on your circumstances and response to the probiotic. For Women comes in three different sizes, one of which is a seven-day intensive course during which two capsules are taken over seven consecutive days for the support of occasional vaginal health issues*. However, most women love the confidence that taking a daily vaginal probiotic can provide. Optibac For Women is safe and recommended for long-term daily use.

Are women’s probiotics safe during pregnancy?

It is perfectly safe to take For Women for vaginal support during pregnancy; however, pregnant women may like to consider taking our specific pregnancy probiotics, ‘For pregnancy’, which contains strains researched specifically for all-round digestive and vaginal health support in pregnancy*.

Who exactly can take this supplement?

It's for anyone who feels they can benefit. This supplement is designed to complement the natural vaginal flora and whilst called For Women, we acknowledge it may also be appropriate and helpful for trans men or non-binary people. Please contact us if unsure which supplement to take - we're here to help!

Safety

Probiotics are not recommended for those with serious medical conditions e.g. those who are severely immunosuppressed, have pancreatitis, are in the ICU, have melaena, have a central venous catheter, short bowel syndrome, or patients with open wounds following major surgery; unless under a doctor's care. Keep out of reach of children.

This is a dietary supplement and is not intended to prevent, treat or diagnose any medical conditions. Dietary supplements should not be used as a substitute for a healthy diet and lifestyle. If you are taking any medications or have a serious medical condition, consult a doctor before use. Optibac supplements will not cause dependency and may be used on an ongoing basis.

References

1. Morelli L, Zonenenschain D, Del Piano M, Cognein P. Utilization of the intestinal tract as a delivery system for urogenital probiotics. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2004;38(6 Suppl). doi:10.1097/01.mcg.0000128938.32835.98
2. Martinez RCR, Franceschini SA, Patta MC, et al. Improved treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis with flXXXXXXole plus probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14. Lett Appl Microbiol. 2009;48(3):269-274. doi:10.1111/j.1472-765X.2008.02477.x
3. Martinez RCR, Franceschini SA, Patta MC, et al. Improved cure of bacterial vaginosis with single dose of tiXXXXXole (2 g), Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1, and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Can J Microbiol. 2009;55(2):133-138. doi:10.1139/W08-102
4. Beerepoot MAJ, Ter Riet G, Nys S, et al. Lactobacilli vs antibiotics to prevent urinary tract infections: A randomized, double-blind, noninferiority trial in postmenopausal women. Arch Intern Med. 2012;172(9):704-712. doi:10.1001/archinternmed.2012.777
5. Anukam K.C. et al., (2006), ‘Augmentation of antimicrobial met*******ole therapy of bacterial vaginosis with oral probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14: randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial’. Microbes Infect. 8(6): 1450-4.

Ingredients 

Probiotic blend: Lactobacillus paracasei F-19^®, Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14^®, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1^®; maltodextrin (non-GMO), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, vegetable magnesium stearate

Each capsule guarantees 2.5 billion CFU.

Suitability

• Vegetarian
• Vegan
• Dairy free
• Suitable during pregnancy
• Suitable during breastfeeding
• Suitable in menopause
• Gluten free
• Yeast free
• Soy free
• GMO free
• No added sugars
• Free from artificial flavorings, colorings and preservatives
• No chemicals and parabens

Customer questions

All questions answered by probiotic experts Dr Kate Stephens PhD (Food and Microbial Sciences) BSc(Hons) Medical Microbiology and Kerry Beeson BSc (Nut. Med.) Nutritional Therapist.

Is For Women dairy free and vegan?

Yes, For Women is a dairy free and vegan supplement. This means it’s one of the best probiotics for women with lactose intolerance or a milk allergy.

Following the taxonomic updates issued by a global team of scientists and published in April 2020, which look more closely at the Lactobacillus genus, a reclassification has been advised for the L. paracasei, L. rhamnosus and L. reuteri species. The active ingredients in For Women may therefore also now be referred to as Lacticaseibacillus paracasei F-19^®, Limosilactobacillus reuteri RC-14^® and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GR-1^®.

Customer reviews

• This product is a game-changer. I have battled for years with problems and only wish I had known about this early. Thank you so much!

  Antonia - 22nd April 2022

• Thanks 🙏 so much . This is amazing product. I used to had UTI and many times in the year . Since i found this product for women , I don’t have any more problems. Will buy more to maintain the women health 🥰

  Loan La - 8th April 2022

• Great product for intimate health! Would definitely recommend!

  Jessica - 24th February 2022

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USA Shipping

Coronavirus Update

We ship all USA orders from our warehouse in Hampshire in the UK. Due to the ongoing global pandemic many US, European and Worldwide postal routes are seeing increased transit times. Delivery times provided on this site are therefore a guide and not a guarantee. Express Services largely remain unaffected however these routes are typically subject to local tax and duties at customs.

USA standard shipping: $4.99

International postal order - typically deatched and delivered within 5-10 working days.
Free standard shipping on orders over $100.

USA express shipping: $6.99

We use DHL and orders are typically dispatched and delivered within 2-5 working days.

Good to know

• We'll send you an email to confirm once your parcel has been dispatched.
• For delivery queries, please email enquiries@optibacprobiotics.com. 
• We are unable to ship orders to PO boxes.
• Product prices on this website are always shown in US dollars (USD $) and exclude tax - tax is not applicable as orders are fulfilled from the UK.

Worldwide Delivery

• We deliver to more than 50 countries.
• Shipping is charged at cost - please note that duties may apply.
• Please allow 3-7 working days for delivery within Europe and 5-12 days to all other destinations. Includes order tracking.  
• If you are located within the United Kingdom or Europe, we recommended switching to our UK website.
• International deliveries might currently take a little longer due to the global coronavirus situation. Please refer to the webpage of our international delivery provider DHL to confirm the number of days it takes to receive your order and whether they currently ship to your country.
• Most international delivery prices are dependent on the size and weight of your order and where it is being sent. You'll be shown the final price of shipping in the checkout, before payment, once we have your address and order details.
• Long distance shipping and short-term exposure to high temperatures will not compromise the viability of our products. Customers living in very hot countries should store the products out of direct sunlight and refrigerate if the option is available.

For more details regarding international orders, currency conversion and applicable tax for orders outside the USA, please take a look at our delivery FAQ.