Vaginal yeast infections — caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans yeast — may lead to discomfort, burning, itching, and white discharge.
Certain strains of probiotics, such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus acidophilus, have been associated with the inhibition of Candida albicans and support of vaginal and gut microbiome balance, this way potentially playing a role in yeast infection recurrence prevention.
However, the scientific evidence regarding yeast infection prevention by using probiotics is still limited, and while some associations exist, more rigorous scientific research is needed to support the role of probiotics in vaginal health.
Best probiotic to support yeast infection prevention: a shortlist
- Bonafide — best probiotic for overall vaginal health support
- Bioma — best synbiotic for feminine health
- Ritual — best for immune system support
- Routine — best probiotic with prebiotics for vaginal health support
- Culturelle® — best probiotic for vaginal microbiome support
Your well-being is our top priority. Our in-house Research team and expert fact-checkers diligently review every content piece, ensuring you receive accurate, safe, and up-to-date health information to support your health decisions. Get an inside look at our thorough testing framework.
Comparing the best probiotic for yeast infection
| Provider | Cost (per month) | Daily dose | Probiotic strains | CFU count |
| Bonafide | $55.00 | 1 capsule | 2 | 5 billion |
| Bioma | $47.99 | 2 capsules | 6 | 12 billion |
| Ritual | $54.00 | 1 capsule | 2 | 11 billion |
| Routine | $29.95 | 1 capsule | 5 | 24 billion |
| Culturelle® | $24.74 | 1 capsule | 5 | 15 billion |
Best probiotics for yeast infection in 2024: an overview
When compiling this list, we reviewed brands offering probiotic products that contain beneficial bacteria strains associated with vaginal microbiome balance support and inhibition of Candida albicans.
Finding a product that suits specific individual needs may help reach set health goals more efficiently. While most probiotic supplements are similar in their suggested potential health benefits, the composition of each of them slightly differs.
Each product is labeled under a specific category highlighting its unique potential benefits, ingredients, and other features. The list also includes the pros and cons of each product.
1. Bonafide — best probiotic for overall vaginal health support
Clairvee®, developed by Bonafide, is a probiotic supplement designed to support the vaginal microbiome.
According to the brand, the product’s formulation is specifically tailored for women that may experience vaginal microbiome imbalance associated symptoms.
Bonafide Clairvee® contains a combination of probiotics, with 5 billion CFUs, including the live strains Lactobacillus acidophilus BLA-14 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus BHN001, potentially playing a role in vaginal flora maintainance.
Evidence from an open-label clinical study conducted by the brand indicates that 95% of participating women reported a noticeable decrease in vaginal odor following the use of Clairvee®. However, the overall research on this topic is still limited.
According to the manufacturer, the recommended dose is 1 capsule per day taken orally.
Bonafide adheres to quality standards by conducting third-party testing for label accuracy and producing its products in a GMP-certified facility.
Bonafide Clairvee® is priced at $55.00 for a single purchase. Additionally, a subscription model is available at $39.00/month. It includes a 30% discount, making Clairvee® a financially viable choice for supporting overall vaginal wellness.
2. Bioma — best synbiotic for feminine health
According to the brand, Bioma Feminine Health Synbiotic is formulated for women's vaginal wellness and urinary tract health support.
This product provides a formula, combining postbiotics, prebiotics, and probiotics to support your vaginal microbiome.
Featuring scientifically-backed Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium genus strains with 12 billion CFU, tributyrin, and cranberry powder, the brand suggests, that this supplement may help support vaginal pH and support overall vaginal and urinary tract health.
Each bottle contains 60 easy-to-swallow capsules, providing a 30-day supply when taken as directed. The recommended serving size is two capsules.
Bioma Synbiotic is 100% vegan, non-GMO, and blended in the USA, ensuring high-quality standards.
The product is currently priced at $47.99 for a 1-month supply. Additional savings are available for 3-month and 6-month supply options.
3. Ritual — best for overall immune system support
Ritual's Synbiotic+ is a 3-in-1 supplement, according to the brand, designed to support a balanced gut microbiome, offering prebiotics, probiotics, and a postbiotic.
The product features two of the clinically-studied strains, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium animalis spp. lactis, providing 11 billion CFUs for overall health support.
According to research, a weakened immune system is the risk factor for yeast infection, and 70-80% of immune cells are present in the gut.
Ritual is formulated with probiotics and prebiotics to support beneficial bacteria diversity and growth, potentially contributing to immune system support. Therefore, it may be a possible choice for those looking to indirectly support overall vaginal health.
The brand suggests the product may also relieve occasional discomforts like bloating, gas, and diarrhea, maintain a balanced gut microbiome, support gut barrier function, and immune system function.
Ritual emphasizes transparency and quality control, with third-party testing for label accuracy and a visible supply chain. The product is vegan, gluten-free, allergen-free, and non-GMO project verified.
The recommended dosage by the company is 1 capsule daily.
Synbiotic+ is priced at $54.00, with a subscription model offering additional benefits like free shipping and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
4. Routine — best probiotic with prebiotics for vaginal health support
According to the brand, Routine Probiotics for Her is a comprehensive prebiotic-probiotic supplement designed to support gut health and contribute to overall vaginal health.
According to the brand, each capsule contains 24 billion CFUs and is formulated with 5 bacterial strains: Bifidobacterium lactis HN019, Bifidobacterium lactis Bl-04, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus HN001, Bifidobacterium lactis B-420, and Lactobacillus acidophilus La-14.
The product also contains organic ashwagandha, known for its potential properties in stress management.
According to the provider, Routine Probiotics for Her is manufactured in FDA and Health Canada compliant facilities, and the manufacturing processes and products adhere to the quality standards.
The recommended dose on the label is 1 capsule per day, and the ingredients are non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and major allergen-free.
Routine Probiotics for Her is priced at $39.95 for a one-time purchase, but a subscription model is available for $29.95, saving an extra $10.00.
5. Culturelle® — best probiotic for vaginal microbiome support
As the brand suggests, Culturelle® Women’s 4-in-1 Protection Capsules are designed to support comprehensive feminine health and may offer potential benefits in a single capsule for vaginal, urinary, digestive, and immune health.
It may also help support the balance of beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract, where 70% of the immune system resides.
Each serving delivers 15 billion CFUs, combining the clinically studied probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and L. rhamnosus LBV 96 with a blend of three other Lactobacilli genus strains.
According to the website, the product's safety and efficacy are backed by clinical studies, however, it is important to note that overall scientific evidence on the use of probiotics for vaginal health are limited.
Culturelle® Women’s 4-in-1 Protection Capsules are vegetarian, and the recommended dose by the provider is 1 capsule daily. The product is priced at $27.49 for a one-time purchase, but a subscription model is available for a discounted price of $24.74.
How did we compile our list of the best probiotic for yeast infection
It is crucial to understand how each product is formulated and what criteria must be considered for it to be a viable option. We looked at several factors when choosing the best probiotic for overall vaginal health support and potential prevention in terms of yeast infection recurrence. This includes the right probiotic strains, customer reviews, the potential effectiveness of the supplement, and ingredient quality.
- Probiotic strains. We made sure that the provided products contained specific strains of bacteria associated with the support of the immune system and vaginal microbiome. We looked for certain strains of probiotics, such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus acidophilus, which have been studied for potential contribution to yeast infection recurrence prevention by promoting a vaginal microbiota balance.
- Reviews. We looked at a number of online reviews to understand customer sentiment toward brands and their products. Also, learning about customer satisfaction was another crucial factor that we had to consider in order to find the best probiotic supplements vaginal health support.
- Effectiveness. We thoroughly analyzed products that contain scientifically studied probiotic strains. This involved examining studies that assessed the potential probiotic supplements' role in yeast infection recurrence prevention and overall vaginal health support. By prioritizing probiotics with scientific backing, we aimed to ensure that the chosen formulations may have potential beneficial properties to feminine health.
- Ingredient quality. Ensuring the formulation of probiotic ingredients in adherence to the quality standards is crucial for their safety. To meet this criterion, we specifically evaluated probiotics that are manufactured using Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Additionally, we considered probiotics that undergo third-party testing, which involves independent laboratories verifying the purity, potency, and accuracy of labeling.
How to choose the best probiotic for vaginal health support
| Ingredient quality | Reputable provider | Adequate dosage and price | CFU | Specific probiotic strains |
| Science-backed probiotic strains | GMP-certified, third-party tested | Price vs. quantity | Adequate probiotic amounts | Specific for contribution to vaginal health |
- Ingredient quality. Ensure the probiotics contain high-quality beenficial bacterial strains backed by science. It’s important to choose products that have scientific associations for the intended health goals.
- Reputable provider. Choose a brand with a good reputation known for producing high-quality supplements. Look for companies that follow good manufacturing practices (GMP) and have third-party testing for label accuracy or certifications to ensure product quality and safety.
- Adequate dosage and price. Consider the dosage of probiotics provided in each serving of the supplement and compare it with the price. Look for supplements that offer a good price and dose ratio of probiotics at a reasonable price point.
- CFU. Colony Forming Units (CFU) refer to the number of viable bacteria present in each probiotic serving. Higher CFU counts indicate a higher concentration of beneficial bacteria. Ensure that the probiotics you choose have an adequate CFU count, typically in the billions, throughout the shelf life.
- Specific probiotic strains. Look for probiotic strains that specifically target vaginal health support, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus rhamnosus. These strains have been associated with inhibiting the overgrowth of Candida yeast.
What is yeast infection?
A yeast infection, also known as vaginal candidiasis, is a fungal infection that causes irritation, excessive and thick discharge, and intense itchiness in the vaginal area.
Most yeast infections are caused by the fungus Candida albicans, which is naturally present in small amounts in various parts of the body, including the vaginal area. However, an imbalance due to antibiotic use, pregnancy, diabetes, impaired immune system, or hormonal changes may trigger yeast overgrowth.
The symptoms include itching, burning sensation during intercourse or urination, redness and swelling of the vulva, vaginal pain, rash, and unusual discharge. If you experience any of them, make sure to get a medical consultation.
Symptoms of yeast infection
A yeast infection, also referred to as vaginal candidiasis, manifests through various symptoms, which can vary from mild to moderate. Some of the symptoms include:
- Itching and irritation. This often occurs in the vaginal area. Burning sensation. This may be especially noticeable during sexual intercourse or while urinating.
- Redness and swelling. The vulva may become red and swollen due to the infection.
- Redness and swelling. The vulva may become red and swollen due to the infection.
- Vaginal pain and soreness. Discomfort, including pain or soreness, can be experienced in the vaginal area.
- Vaginal discharge. The discharge might be thick and white, often resembling cottage cheese. Watery vaginal discharge is also possible.
If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if it's your first time, you should make an appointment with a healthcare provider to find optimal management methods for this condition.
Potential benefits of taking probiotics for vaginal health
The use of probiotics, particularly certain strains of Lactobacillus genus, can potentially play a role in supporting the body's natural microbiome balance, including in the gut and vaginal microbiome. They may support the body’s preventative mechanisms against the excessive growth of Candida species, which can disrupt the balance of normal microflora, thus potentially leading to yeast infections.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain has been shown to produce lactic acid that may help to keep vaginal pH balance which could inhibit the overgrowth of pathogenic yeast such as Candida. However, the evidence is still limited, and more research is needed to support such statements.
Can you experience any side effects from probiotics?
Yes, some individuals can experience side effects from probiotics. Most commonly, probiotics may cause temporary digestive issues like bloating, gas, and diarrhea, particularly when you first start consuming them. These effects usually subside within a few days or weeks.
Allergic reactions to probiotics are rare, but can occur in individuals who are allergic to certain bacterial strains or dairy products. Probiotic supplements are not recommended for people with weakened immune systems or serious illnesses.
How to use probiotics to support vaginal health?
To use probiotics for vaginal health, you can take probiotic capsules, suppositories, or yogurt with live cultures. However, be aware that each type of probiotic may have different potential benefits, so it's important to select Lactobacillus genus strains containing products, which have potential associations on supporting vaginal health.
For dose, follow the manufacturer's instructions, but most supplementation tend to have a recommended dose of 1-100 billion CFU of beneficial bacteria per serving. Always consult your doctor before starting any supplementation use.
How long does it take for probiotics to work?
The effectiveness of probiotics on vaginal health is still unknown as there is limited research. Depending on the user, it may take around a few weeks for probiotics to start showing any potential benefits. It's important to note that while probiotics are helpful in support overall vaginal health, they are not designed to treat this infection. Therefore, it's recommended to talk to your healthcare provider about the best infection management options.
Other ways to increase probiotics intake
Increasing probiotic intake doesn’t always have to involve supplements — there are several natural, food-based methods to boost these beneficial bacteria.
When you incorporate these probiotic-rich foods into your diet, you can support your digestive health and overall well-being.
-
Yogurt. A popular source of probiotics, especially if labeled with live and active cultures.
- Kefir. A fermented milk drink rich in probiotics and nutrients.
- Sauerkraut. Fermented cabbage that's packed with probiotics and fiber.
- Kimchi. A spicy fermented Korean dish made from vegetables.
- Miso. A fermented soybean paste commonly used in soups and sauces.
- Tempeh. A fermented soybean product that’s rich in probiotics and protein.
Our conclusion of the best probiotics for vaginal health
In conclusion, it is important to consider individual needs and preferences when it comes to finding the best probiotic for individual health goals. The provided list of probiotic products in this article offers various potential benefits that may potentially support overall vaginal health, potentially contributing to the risk reduction of yeast infection recurrence (keep in mind that probiotics are not meant to prevent, cure, or treat any diseases). In any case, if you struggle with vaginal health, you may require a consultation with your gynecologist to find the probiotic that works best for you individually.
Seeking advice from a healthcare expert can prove valuable in obtaining tailored recommendations and choosing an appropriate probiotic to address certain vaginal health issues.
Explore other probiotic products and benefits
Best probiotics for men gut health may improve the digestive system.
Best probiotics for women may support digestive and vaginal health.
Best probiotics to lose weight can help reduce belly fat.
Best probiotics for constipation may increase bowel movements.
Best probiotics for bacterial vaginosis may promote a balanced vaginal microbiome.
Best probiotics for candida could help control candida overgrowth which can lead to infections.
Wondering if probiotics are safe during pregnancy? Get the facts and discover the best probiotic supplements for a healthy pregnancy journey.
FAQ
Which probiotics are best for yeast infection?
No probiotics are designed to treat, cure, or prevent any disease. However, some bacterial strains are associated with the inhibition of Candida and the potential prevention of infection recurrence when used alongside other health practices. However, the scientific evidence is limited.
Can probiotics get rid of a yeast infection?
No. Probiotics, specifically those containing Lactobacillus genus species, have shown a potential to contribute to a balanced microbiome this way supporting overall vaginal health. However, while a vaginal microbiome is dominated by probiotics Lactobacillus species, which may inhibit the growth of pathogenic microorganisms and promote a balanced vaginal microbiome, they are not meant for managing or treating any health conditions.
Can too many probiotics cause a yeast infection?
No. Probiotics are generally safe for most people and are associated with contributing to microbiome balance and potential inhibition of pathogenic bacteria and yeast. However, in any case, if you have any doubts you can always consult with a healthcare provider.
Can bad gut health cause candida overgrowth?
Yes. Poor gut health can lead to candida overgrowth. When the gut microbiome is compromised, inflammation and harmful bacterial overgrowth may ensue. These harmful bacteria can reside in the vaginal area and disrupt its delicate balance, potentially leading to infections.
5 resources
- Polish Gynecology. The role of diet and probiotics in prevention and treatment of bacterial vaginosis and vulvovaginal candidiasis in adolescent girls and non-pregnant women.
- Frontiers. Use of probiotic lactobacilli in the treatment of vaginal infections: In vitro and in vivo investigations.
- Cochrane Library. Probiotics for vulvovaginal candidiasis in non‐pregnant women.
- Microorganisms. Warding Off Recurrent Yeast and Bacterial Vaginal Infections: Lactoferrin and Lactobacilli.
- Infectious Diseases in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Vaginitis: Making Sense of Over-the-Counter Treatment Options.
Your email will not be published. All fields are required.