Supplements for Vaginal Health

The health of your vagina affects your overall health. The term "vaginal health" covers a wide array of factors, from sex 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 have studied various supplements for vaginal health, with some appearing more promising than others. These supplements include vitamins, minerals, and other vital nutrients.

This article will cover the use of supplements to support vaginal health, including scientific evidence and specific examples. It will also look at the causes of vaginal microbiome imbalances, the effect of nutrient deficiencies on vaginal health, and when to see a healthcare provider.

Why Do People Use Supplements to Support Vaginal Health?

Like the gut, the vagina contains a microbiome made up of beneficial microorganisms that help maintain its health.

The vaginal flora (bacteria) is mostly comprised of the Lactobacillus species. 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 in bacterial 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.

The science behind popular supplements for vaginal health is discussed below.

Probiotics

Probiotics are 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 and vaginal 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.

Zinc

Zinc is a trace mineral essential to several aspects of your health, including cell growth, hormone regulation, and reproduction. Research shows that zinc protects the reproductive system by acting as an antioxidant.

When used externally, zinc may improve vaginal dryness and other symptoms associated with menopause.

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 in vaginal dryness.

More research is needed to determine if zinc can be used in other ways to promote vaginal health.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is 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 alongside hormone 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.

Vitamin D

Like vitamin E, vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that may be useful in certain vaginal health conditions.

According to one study, insufficient or deficient levels 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 in postmenopausal women. Both topical and oral vitamin D supplements have been found to provide benefits for vaginal health.

However, not all studies on vitamin D supplements for vaginal health have found positive or even consistent results. Further research should be conducted.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is 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.

Vitamin C itself is acidic. Therefore, vitamin C is thought to prevent BV by reducing the pH of the vagina, a job typically left for the vaginal flora in healthy conditions.

Few additional studies have been performed on vitamin C and its effects on vaginal health. Updated research is needed.

Fish Oil

A common source of essential omega-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.

There are claims that fish oil and omega-3 fatty acid supplements may also improve vaginal dryness. However, this claim is backed by very little research.

More research is needed to better understand how fish oil may impact vaginal health.

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, and pregnancy.

An imbalance in the vaginal microbiome may also be the result of unprotected sex, antibiotic use, or douching.

If your vaginal pH or microbiome is off, you may notice itching, burning, abnormal discharge, 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-related heart 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 a healthcare 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:

• Abnormal discharge
• Intense itching
• Pain during sex
• Swelling and pain
• Fishy odor
• Burning sensation
• Redness
• Pain while urinating

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 a fever or 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.