Lactobacillus organisms stop the growth of harmful bacteria, boost the immune system, and increase resistance to infection.

Using lactobacillus to treat bacterial vaginosis

Lactobacillus acidophilus is the active culture found in some pasteurized yogurts; it is also available in health food stores in liquid, powder, and tablet form. For decades, women have used L. acidophilus to treat bacterial vaginosis and vaginal yeast infection, with some success and without treatment side effects. This practice is thought to help recolonize the vaginal tract with friendly lactobacillus organisms, reversing the conditions that allow harmful bacteria to thrive. Only small lactobacillus studies have been done thus far, so effectiveness data is sparse.

To treat BV with L. acidophilus, you can do one or more of the following:

• Eat at least 8 oz (226.8 g) active culture yogurt as part of your long-term daily diet. In one small study, women who ate L. acidophilus yogurt for 2 months showed a drop in rates of BV. ¹
• Providing that you aren't pregnant, you can directly treat the vaginal area with lactobacillus by inserting lactobacilli in gelatin capsules (which dissolve), tablet form, or yogurt form (with a vaginal medication applicator) into the vagina. Do this for 7 days. In one small study of yogurt application for 7 days, 88% of women were BV-free when tested 2 months after treatment. ¹

Researchers have recently found that two different types of lactobacillus—L. crispatus and L. jensenii—are most commonly found in a healthy vaginal environment. Research is currently focusing on using these types of lactobacilli in capsules. ¹