Does Taking Probiotics Increase Discharge?
In this article I will explore the potential impact of probiotics on vaginal discharge, particularly in relation to bacterial vaginosis which is a common complaint.
While probiotics may help restore healthy bacteria in the vaginal flora and normalize discharge, their effects can vary depending on the individual, and some people claim that probiotics can exacerbate their discharge or change the color.
What Are Probiotics And Discharge?
Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that are commonly used for their ability to promote digestive health by introducing healthy bacteria into the gut and restoring balance to the natural gut microbiome. In recent years, probiotics have also been studied for their potential in treating and preventing vaginal health issues, such as bacterial vaginosis but more research is still needed.
Bacterial vaginosis on the other hand is a common condition that results in unusual vaginal discharge and is caused by a change in the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina. Symptoms according to the NHS include a strong fishy odor, a change in the color and consistency of the discharge, and a thin, watery consistency. If you think you may have bacterial vaginosis then talk with your Doctor asap!
Do Probiotics Affect Discharge?
Whilst there is limited research currently out there to answer this question my consensus is that yes, probiotics can have an impact on vaginal discharge. This because of how probiotic bacteria are similar the to microorganisms that naturally occur vaginal microbiome and effect the biofilm on the vaginal walls.
It's clear to me that probiotics can help to improve the balance of bacteria in the vagina and, as a result, normalize affect discharge. This can include discharge that is thick, heavy, or has a strong odor, which may be a sign of bacterial vaginosis (BV). This person on Reddit thought that Garden of life may have been the reason for their recurring Bacterial Vaginosis discharge by making it worse.
Do Probiotics Work Or Make It Worse?
The effects of probiotics on vaginal discharge is mixed based on what my blog readers have shared with me. In some cases, probiotics can help to improve the balance of bacteria in the vagina and normalize any odor associated with BV or other vaginal issues. However, some people may find that probiotics exacerbate their symptoms or cause new ones, such as increased discharge or itching.
It's important to note that everyone's body reacts differently to probiotics and what works for one person may not work for another. This can be down to specific strains which can alter the effects massively. This anonymous person on Reddit shared that 300 Billion CFU of probiotics helped clear up heavy discharge and a fish odor which shows the unpredictably of probiotics for discharge.
If you ever experience brown discharge this is not a good sign so you should talk with a doctor to determine the cause and the best course of treatment. I did some research on reddit and couldn't find a single person sharing that they experienced brown discharged after taking probiotics.
If you ever experience brown discharge this is not a good sign so you should talk with a doctor to determine the cause and the best course of treatment. I did some research on reddit and couldn't find a single person sharing that they experienced brown discharged after taking probiotics.
The length of time it takes for probiotics to clear up symptoms of bacterial vaginosis (BV) can vary depending on the severity of the infection and other individual factors. Some studies suggest that it may take several weeks or even months of consistent probiotic use to see improvement.
Closing Thoughts: Yes, They Can Cause Discharge
In conclusion, probiotics can have both positive and negative effects on vaginal discharge, and the effects can vary depending on the individual which is what I found when checking on Reddit.
While some studies suggest that probiotics can help to normalize abnormal discharge and improve the balance of bacteria in the vagina, others show that they can sometimes make symptoms worse.
If you're considering using probiotics to help improve your vaginal health, it's always best to speak with a doctor or healthcare provider first because I am not a doctor. The content in this blog post is not medical advice.
Alicia Harper is a NASM-CNC Certified nutritionist and the editor of ProbioticReviewGirl.
After suffering from recurrent gut issues she spent years researching Probiotics and the microbiome.
She has tested 29+ different Probiotics and is a probiotics expert. As a probiotic fanatic, she has valuable knowledge to share with the world.