Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSupplements for Vaginal HealthProbioticsZincVitamin EVitamin DVitamin CFish OilThe Vaginal MicrobiomeSeeing a Provider
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Supplements for Vaginal Health
Probiotics
Zinc
Vitamin E
Vitamin D
Vitamin C
Fish Oil
The Vaginal Microbiome
Seeing a Provider
Research suggests that a few vitamin, mineral, and other nutrient supplements may offer some benefit to the vaginal microbiome. This microbiome is made up of beneficial microorganisms that help maintain vaginal health. A healthyvagina, in turn, fosters overall health, from sex tofertilityto general well-being and more.
Some supplements may help maintain the balance of the vaginal microbiome. However, it’s important to check with your healthcare provider if you are experiencing any vaginal symptoms, like discharge, itching, or pain.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for third-party tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
Getty Images / Olga Rolenko
Why Do People Use Supplements to Support Vaginal Health?
Thevaginal flora(bacteria) is mostly comprised of theLactobacillusspecies. The main job of these and other bacteria species found in the vagina is to produce antimicrobial compounds that fight off potentially harmful substances.
Sometimes, however, the vaginal microbiome can become imbalanced.
An imbalance in the vaginal microbiome may allow the growth of harmful bacteria and other organisms that can result inbacterial vaginosis(BV), yeast infections,sexually transmitted infections(STIs),urinary tract infections(UTIs), and poor fertility.
To maintain a healthy vaginal microbiome, some people turn to dietary supplements.
There is some evidence that certain supplements are beneficial for vaginal health. For the most part, these supplements are thought to help restore the vaginal microbiome and prevent infections and other issues.
It should be noted that dietary supplements are never meant to replace standard care for vaginal conditions (or any condition). Instead, dietary supplements may act as a complementary treatment for vaginal health.
Probioticsare commonly prescribed for gastrointestinal disorders, but they 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 its immune defense. In various studies, probiotics have been found to play a role in treating BV andvaginal atrophy. There is also some evidence that probiotic use may slow the progression of cervical cancer.
When it comes to how to use probiotics for vaginal health, taking them orally may be best. While both suppositories and oral probiotics are thought to be effective, oral probiotics may provide an additional benefit to the gut microbiome.
When used externally, zinc may improve vaginal dryness and other symptoms associated withmenopause.
In a small pilot study, women with certain menopausal symptoms, like vaginal dryness, burning, itching, and pain, used a moisturizer gel that contained zinc for two weeks. After using the zinc gel, participants experienced improvements in these symptoms, with the most significant improvements occurring invaginal dryness.
More research is needed to determine if zinc can be used in other ways to promote vaginal health.
Vitamin Eis one of four fat-soluble vitamins. It also acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells and tissues from damage.
Various studies have shown possible benefits of vitamin E in vaginal changes associated with menopause. However, researchers believe vitamin E is best used as a complementary treatment. For example, when used alongsidehormone replacement therapy (HRT), vitamin E may alleviate vaginal atrophy, a common symptom of menopause.
Compared to a placebo, vitamin E suppositories have been found to significantly improve vaginal symptoms of menopause. It’s worth noting, however, that more information is needed regarding dosage and safety of vitamin E for vaginal health.
Like vitamin E,vitamin Dis a fat-soluble vitamin that may be useful in certain vaginal health conditions.
According to one study, insufficient ordeficientlevels of vitamin D may increase the risk of BV. In the study, women with BV were compared to healthy controls. Researchers found that the women with BV were more likely to have lower levels of vitamin D in their blood compared to the controls.
Vitamin D has also been researched for its potential role in menopause.
A review of available research found that vitamin D may influence vaginal pH, improve vaginal symptoms, prevent vaginal infections, and enhance sexual function inpostmenopausalwomen. Both topical and oral vitamin D supplements have been found to provide benefits for vaginal health.
However, not all studies onvitamin D supplementsfor vaginal health have found positive or even consistent results. Further research should be conducted.
Vitamin Cis often considered an alternate treatment for BV and other vaginal health issues. However, there is very 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 suppository-style vitamin C or placebo tablets for six consecutive days per month for six months. Those who used vitamin C tablets experienced considerably lower rates of BV recurrence compared to those who used the placebo tablets.
Few additional studies have been performed on vitamin C and its effects on vaginal health. Updated research is needed.
A common source of essentialomega-3 fatty acids, fish oil supplements have been used to treat various vaginal health issues.
In one study, the effects of fish oil supplements on vaginal health were compared to probiotics and a placebo in pregnant women. Compared to the placebo, participants who used fish oil supplements throughout their pregnancies had fewer potentially harmful bacteria in their vaginal microbiome. Fish oil was also shown to improve the vaginal microbiome when combined with probiotics.
More research is needed to better understand how fish oil may impact vaginal health.
What Does It Mean to Have Healthy Vaginal pH Levels?Vaginal pH determines whether your vagina is acidic, alkaline, or neutral.For women of childbearing age, normal vaginal pH values range from 3.8 to 5.0, which is slightly acidic. Vaginal pH values tend to increase slightly as a woman enters menopause.
What Does It Mean to Have Healthy Vaginal pH Levels?
Vaginal pH determines whether your vagina is acidic, alkaline, or neutral.For women of childbearing age, normal vaginal pH values range from 3.8 to 5.0, which is slightly acidic. Vaginal pH values tend to increase slightly as a woman enters menopause.
Vaginal pH determines whether your vagina is acidic, alkaline, or neutral.
For women of childbearing age, normal vaginal pH values range from 3.8 to 5.0, which is slightly acidic. Vaginal pH values tend to increase slightly as a woman enters menopause.
Causes Affecting the Vaginal Microbiome
The vaginal microbiome can change for various reasons. While some change is normal, an imbalance in the microbiome may result in BV, yeast infection, or other issues.
The vaginal microbiome naturally changes during times of hormone fluctuations. These include puberty, the menstrual cycle, menopause, andpregnancy.
An imbalance in the vaginal microbiome may also be the result of unprotected sex, antibiotic use, ordouching.
If your vaginal pH or microbiome is off, you may notice itching, burning, abnormaldischarge, or an unusual odor.
Can a Vitamin Deficiency Cause Vaginal Problems?
Certain vitamin deficiencies may lead to issues with your vaginal health.
Some evidence points to a vitamin D deficiency as a possible cause of BV and other vaginal health issues. One study found that women with lower levels of vitamin D were more likely to develop BV.
Other research has found a link between low vitamin D levels and worsened menopause symptoms, including menopause-relatedheart disease.
Deficiencies in additional vitamins, minerals, and nutrients may also affect vaginal health. However, there isn’t solid evidence that any additional deficiencies lead to vaginal issues.
To ensure vaginal health, it’s best to follow a well-balanced diet complete with all the necessary nutrients.
When to See a Healthcare Professional
Some vaginal issues warrant a visit to ahealthcare provider.
It’s important to be aware of any potential signs and symptoms that something is wrong with your vaginal health. Knowing these signs and symptoms is just one way to take care of your vaginal health.
Possible signs of vaginal problems include:
Some of these symptoms may come and go, but anything intense or persistent needs to be checked out. You should also reach out to a healthcare provider if you know you’ve been exposed to STIs or if you spike afeveror develop sores or blisters on your vagina.
A healthcare provider will assess your symptoms and provide a treatment plan. Treatments may include medications, at-home care, or various alternative therapies.
Summary
Vaginal health is a key factor in overall health, and it all starts with the vaginal microbiome.
The risk of infections and other issues increases if the vaginal microbiome is out of balance. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to keep your microbiome healthy, including supplements.
Research shows that certain supplements may support the vaginal microbiome as well as other aspects of vaginal health. However, supplements should only be used as a complementary treatment and under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
Talk with a healthcare provider if you’re interested in using supplements for vaginal health or if you have any symptoms of a vaginal condition.
18 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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