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Factors impacting optimal vaginal health, like yeast infections, vaginal ph, and general vaginal infections, affect a woman’s desire for sex, fertility, and ability to reach orgasm. Long-term vaginal health issues can also cause relationship problems, hinder one’s self-confidence, and cause stress.
What you put in your body can drastically dictate the outlook of your vaginal health. For instance, obtaining the top vitamins to encourage optimal vaginal health can significantly enhance your quality of life and long-term wellness.
Why Are Vitamins So Crucial for Maintaining Good Vaginal Health?
Vitamins, in general, are essential to your health, so it only makes sense that they are vital to maintaining your vaginal health.
The proper regimen of vitamins and probiotic supplements can keep your vaginal pH balanced, stave off vaginal infections (e.g., yeast infections), and prevent dryness.
The Mayo Clinic cites the following afflictions as the most common problems impacting vaginal health:
- Sexual problems (e.g., dyspareunia and vaginismus)
- Vaginitis
- Rare conditions (e.g., vaginal cysts and cancer)
- Sexually transmitted infections (e.g., gonorrhea, genital warts, and chlamydia)
- Pelvic floor relaxations
These ongoing issues can hinder your mental and physical health if left unchecked. Conversely, getting on a steady regimen of the best vitamins (as discussed below) can help prevent these issues before they start and help ensure good vaginal health.
Select These Vitamins to Improve Your Vaginal Health
The supplements discussed below will help with vaginal health factors like vaginal pH and preventing infections. Of course, everybody’s different. It would be best if you discussed taking these vitamins with a medical professional or registered dietitian before adding them to your regimen.
1. Flora Bloom Probiotics
Like many that will follow, this first suggestion revolves around optimizing vaginal pH levels and keeping them at about 4.5. These pills contain Lactobacilli, “good” bacteria that ensure your vaginal pH remains balanced to prevent vaginal infections.
Flora Bloom Probiotics is a vegetarian product that contains D-mannose and cranberry extract. It focuses mainly on urinary tract health, promoting digestion, and reducing vaginal irritation and discharge.
Pros
- This supplement is safe to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding
- It might be beneficial for constipation.
Cons
- Flora Bloom could cause allergic reactions (e.g., facial swelling).
The Bottom Line: Flora Bloom Probiotics are ideal for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Users must ensure none of the active ingredients could trigger their allergies.
2. AZO Complete Feminine Balance
Purported to help balance the vaginal pH within a week, AZO Complete Feminine Balance is an unflavored, gluten-free, and GMO-free probiotic. It’s safe for pregnant women, too.
One of the goals of this supplement is to reduce vaginal odor.
Pros
- AZO complete has received a multitude of positive reviews on Amazon
- The capsules are easy to swallow
- Many users report noticing improvements within days.
Cons
- This supplement doesn’t work for everyone
- Specific individuals reported that odor problems persisted after taking AZO Complete.
The Bottom Line: The market research on AZO Complete tells us many users saw results. However, as with many supplements, figuring out what works for you takes trial and error. Also, this supplement might not help with odor or other vaginal issues.
3. Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics
Featuring formulations to support vaginal health, the immune system, and the digestive tract, Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotic supplements contain the following two Lactobacilli species:
- L. reuteri
- L. fermentum
Free of dairy, gluten, and carbon, this organic product is ideal for vegetarians and can be taken once per day with meals or without.
Pros
- These probiotics might benefit people with polycystic ovary syndrome who can’t ingest soy-based products
- Garden of Life relieves constipation in some users, helping them wean off related prescriptions.
Cons
- The plastic bottle and capsules are said to have a chemical smell
- Some users report not receiving the full capsule amount (30).
The Bottom Line: These capsules can help significantly with digestive issues, but be mindful of their chemical odor and inconsistency in capsule volume.
4. HUM Private Party
These vegan capsules focus on restoring optimal vaginal pH and urinary tract health. They don’t have any added flavors, GMOs, soy, preservatives, or artificial colors.
According to HUM Private Party manufacturers, users can expect results within 4 to 6 weeks. It’s suggested to take one capsule per day with meals or without.
Pros
- This supplement has been proven to help with urinary tract infections
- It also might be suitable for people with meat-free diets.
Cons
- The improvements from the HUM Private Party can take a while
- Some users report health concerns such as yeast infections, weight gain, and acne.
Bottom Line: This supplement is more focused on helping with urinary tract infections–but the other side effects reported by some users might be enough to give you pause.
5. Pro-Fem
Pro-Fem is developed by doctors, clinically tested, and recommended by gynecologists. It’s meant to balance yeast and bacteria, bolstering vaginal health and urinary tract health.
Containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14, this probiotic has shoppers raving over its positive results.
Pros
- Pro-Fem contains lactobacillus reuteri RC-14, which helps with digestion while also helping with general vaginal health
- It also has excellent reviews on Amazon.
Cons
- There remain questions about the effectiveness of probiotic supplements on vaginal health.
The Bottom Line: Pro-Fem appears to help with digestional and overall vaginal health and contains reliable ingredients. But there isn’t much research on probiotics and their effectiveness for female health.
6. Vitamin C
This suggestion is more generalized product-wise but more focused on what it treats or prevents: bacterial vaginosis (BV). This problem leads to excess discharge and odor coming from the vagina.
Specifically, a European study found a 50% decrease in bacterial vaginosis recurrence in a sample size of 142 women due to vitamin C. Only 250mg silicone-coated vitamin C capsules were required to get the desired result.
Pros
- Science indicates that vitamin C capsules have a positive impact on bacterial vaginosis.
Cons
- Silicone-coated vitamin C capsules aren’t available in the US.
The Bottom Line: Vitamin C appears to be an ideal way to manage BV. However, people in the US will need an alternative to silicone-based capsules like enteric-coated vitamin C.
7. Vitamin E
A fat-soluble vitamin, vitamin E is also a disease-fighting antioxidant that increases vaginal lubrication and reduces dryness, according to some research.
One study found that using vitamin E for 12 weeks improved vaginal atrophy symptoms.
Pros
- Vitamin E shows effectiveness in managing vaginal dryness
- This vitamin also prevents vaginal atrophy.
Cons
- Vitamin E’s positive results are primarily based on suppositories, not oral capsules.
The Bottom Line: Vitamin E suppositories are a reliable way to combat vaginal dryness and atrophy. Still, more research is required on the effectiveness of oral supplementation.
8. Vitamin D
Vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin, results from the skin cells’ exposure to the sun.
While most known for bone health, vitamin D can help increase vaginal lubrication with oral and suppository-based supplements. One study examining 44 postmenopausal women found that vitamin D suppositories significantly reduced vaginal dryness after 8 weeks.
Pros
- Oral and suppository supplements have shown success in treating vaginal dryness
- Higher vitamin D intake might also yield vaginal moisture consistency.
Cons
- Too much vitamin D can lead to calcium build-up in the blood, causing toxicity symptoms like nausea and vomiting.
The Bottom Line: Vitamin D can help vaginal dryness and contribute to consistent vaginal lubrication, but it must be taken in recommended doses.
9. Sea Buckthorn Oil
As a natural supplement derived from the sea buckthorn plant's seeds, berries, and leaves, this oil is rich in essential fatty acids, such as linolic acid.
One study found that the daily consumption of sea buckthorn oil for 3 months was linked to vaginal tissue integrity improvements. The study also reported improvements in vaginal moisture and elasticity.
Pros
- Sea buckthorn oil helps combat vaginal dryness and increases moisture and elasticity
- It might also help with wound healing and tissue regeneration.
Cons
- Some of the positive results aren’t statistically significant.
The Bottom Line: Sea buckthorn oil is highly beneficial to rejuvenating healing and moisture in the vaginal area, but more research needs to be done on its benefits.
10. Hyaluronic Acid
Studies suggest that taking 5 mg of hyaluronic acid sodium salt for 8 weeks improved vaginal atrophy symptoms in postmenopausal subjects.
Additionally, different studies found that hyaluronic acid combined with other ingredients improved vaginal dryness in younger women.
Vaginal lubrication has been shown to improve when treated with topical gels and suppositories with hyaluronic acid.
Pros
- Hyaluronic acid helps both post-menopausal and younger women with vaginal lubrication
- It is proven effective as a topical gel–not just as a suppository.
Cons
- More research must be done on the effectiveness of oral supplementation.
The Bottom Line: This vitamin helps women before and after menopause with vaginal dryness and lubrication. Still, more studies need to be completed about oral supplementation.
11. Fish Oil
Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and, thus, could be beneficial to vaginal lubrication during menopause.
Studies show that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation could increase estrogen levels to prevent vaginal dryness.
Pros
- Fish oil supplements appear to increase estrogen
- This rise in estrogen increases vaginal lubrication and combats dryness.
Cons
- More studies are needed to see how fish oil truly impacts female lubrication.
The Bottom Line: Fish oil appears to be an ideal way to boost estrogen levels during menopause. Still, more studies need to be completed to determine its effectiveness.
12. DHEA
The steroid hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is part of estrogen production, which naturally declines as women age. Thus, DHEA is sometimes used as a supplement to alleviate menopause symptoms and balance hormone levels.
Studies have found DHEA increases vaginal lubrication, reduces dryness, and increases estrogen levels.
Pros
- DHEA might increase vaginal lubrication and combats dryness
- DHEA appears to bolster estrogen levels in postmenopausal women
- It may also enhance sexual function.
Cons
- More research must be done on oral DHEA supplements.
The Bottom Line: DHEA seems to help with vaginal lubrication and combatting dryness while increasing sexual function in postmenopausal women. More studies are required on oral supplementation.
How Top Nutrition Coaching Can Help
Are you struggling to improve vaginal health or having difficulty reaching a healthy vaginal pH? Are you continually dealing with BV and yeast infections?
Maybe you think your vaginal health negatively impacts your entire immune system. Or you don’t know the first thing about finding the correct probiotic supplement.
Well, you don’t need to travel on this journey alone.
When working toward a healthy vaginal outcome, you should do plenty of reading to educate yourself. All the same, such issues are complicated and beyond the full grasp of non-field professionals. Finding the best supplements for you is much likelier if you consult experts like the Registered Dietitians at Top Nutrition Coaching.
One of our experts, once matched with you, will offer suggestions of vitamins and probiotic supplements suited to your specific needs based on your overall health history.
Getting matched with your Registered Nutritionist Dietitians is as easy as completing a quiz and waiting in the comfort of your own home. There are no inconvenient trips to the doctor’s office, and you can rest assured we’ll keep working with you until we find the ideal match.
Find your Registered Dietitian Nutritionist today!
Before you know it, you’ll be on the road to achieving a healthy vaginal ph, using the right probiotic supplement, and improving your vaginal wellness.
FAQ About Vitamins for Vaginal Health
Here are the most frequently asked questions we receive about vaginal health and vitamins:
Are there vaginal health supplements?
The most researched probiotic supplement strain for establishing and maintaining an ideal vaginal balance is Lactobacillus acidophilus. Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus reuteri are two other important strains for vaginal wellness.
Can vaginal problems be caused by a vitamin deficiency?
Bacterial vaginosis is the most frequent vaginal infection impacting women old enough to reproduce. The condition has links to a deficiency in vitamin D.
What symptoms indicate your vaginal pH balance is off?
Symptoms of off-balance vaginal pH include:
- Foamy, green, or grey vaginal discharge
- Vaginal itching
- Vaginal swelling and irritation
- Burning sensations or pain in the vagina during sex
- A strong, fishy odor emanating from your vagina
- Burning while urinating
