Evidence supporting the use of: Lactobacillus crispatus
For the health condition: Vaginitis

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Lactobacillus crispatus is a dominant species of healthy vaginal microbiota and has been extensively studied for its role in maintaining vaginal health and preventing or treating vaginitis, especially bacterial vaginosis (BV) and recurrent vulvovaginal infections. Scientific evidence supports its use: healthy vaginal flora is typically dominated by lactobacilli, particularly L. crispatus, which produce lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide, lowering vaginal pH and inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria and yeast.

Clinical studies and meta-analyses have shown that intravaginal or oral probiotic supplementation with L. crispatus can help restore normal vaginal microbiota after disruption (e.g., following antibiotic treatment for BV). For example, a notable randomized controlled trial (RCT) demonstrated that women with recurrent BV who received a vaginal suppository containing L. crispatus had significantly lower recurrence rates compared to placebo.

Although more research is needed to determine the optimal strains, dose, and administration route, current evidence (including systematic reviews, RCTs, and mechanistic studies) strongly supports the use of L. crispatus as a probiotic adjunct for both prevention and treatment of vaginitis. Thus, its use is grounded in scientific validation rather than just tradition.

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