For Women Probiotics

Most probiotics are suitable for all genders. However, some strains such as Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14®*, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1®*, and Lactobacillus paracasei F-19®, survive to reach the vaginal flora and prefer to colonise there. These strains have been specifically researched(1,2,3) for the support of vaginal health and urinary tract issues*and are regarded as specific vaginal probiotics. They can be found in Optibac Probiotics For Women supplement.

References
(1). 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 (2). 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 (3). 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
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Women's live cultures supplements, such as Optibac Probiotics For Women, contain vaginal live cultures which complement the natural vaginal flora and support vaginal health*. They aren't harmful for men but are most appropriate and helpful for cis women, trans men, or non-binary people with a vagina.

Taken orally, vaginal probiotics, such as those in Optibac Probiotics For Women, are proven to reach the vagina alive in 3-4 days and to colonise in the vaginal flora in one week. Once there, what do women's live cultures do for women? Lactobacilli bacteria in the vaginal flora produce lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide, which help to keep the all-important pH balance in the vagina at an optimum pH of 4.5 (slightly acidic).(1,2). This reduces the risk of imbalance leading to vaginal health issues.

Reference
(1). 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.(2). 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
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This depends on individual preference. Some women take a seven-day intensive course whenever they need support for vaginal health issues, but most women feel more confident when taking vaginal live cultures daily. OptibacProbiotics For Women comes in three sizes: 7 days, 30 days, and 90 days, but is designed for long-term daily use to support the vaginal flora. Take with food, ideally breakfast, when stomach acidity is closer to neutral.

The live probiotic cultures in Optibac For Women prefer to live in the vaginal flora, but other friendly bacteria strains prefer to live in the gut. This is why many people choose to take a digestive supplement, such as Optibac Probiotics Every Day, alongside their vaginal probiotics so that they have all-round support for their gut and vaginal flora.