Vaginal prebiotics: what are they and what are their benefits?

Vaginal and vulvar infections are one of the most common complaints amongst women. So much so that they account for a high proportion of gynaecological consultations.

The symptoms of a vulvovaginal infection include itching, a stinging sensation, changes in the nature of the discharge, or leucorrhoea (excessive discharge). All these symptoms directly affect a woman’s well-being and are particularly troublesome for women experiencing vaginitis, vulvovaginitis or bacterial vaginosis.

Furthermore, these conditions sometimes become recurrent. The causes of these conditions vary (different bacteria, fungi, etc.) but are always linked to an imbalance in the normal vaginal flora, known as the microbiota, which consists of various microorganisms, predominantly lactobacilli or Döderlein’s bacilli.

The difference between prebiotics and probiotics

Do you know the difference between prebiotics and probiotics? Prebiotics and probiotics, as well as foods rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, are among the so-called ‘functional foods’, which are those that have been satisfactorily demonstrated to have a beneficial effect on one or more specific bodily functions, beyond the usual nutritional factors. This is relevant for improving health and wellbeing, as well as for reducing the risk of illness.

• Probiotics are live microorganisms (bacteria and yeasts) found in the intestines or the vagina. Similar probiotics are available in certain foods and dietary supplements. They can be introduced externally to restore insufficient or impaired vaginal flora.

• Vaginal prebiotics are non-digestible substances capable of stimulating the development and growth of beneficial bacteria in the flora; they are introduced into the vagina to balance and improve the normal vaginal flora or microbiota.

Prebiotics are not live microorganisms. They differ from probiotics in that they are substances which stimulate the growth of probiotics and other bacteria found in our bodies as components of the intestinal or vaginal flora.

Functions of prebiotics

Lactobacilli, or Döderlein’s bacilli, are species of beneficial bacteria that are naturally present in the vagina and help to maintain the balance of the vaginal microbiota. Prebiotics stimulate the growth of lactobacilli under optimal conditions, thereby strengthening the vagina’s defences. Restoring the altered pH using acidifying substances is essential for the re-establishment of the microbiota. Furthermore, the added moisturising and anti-inflammatory effects have beneficial effects on the development of the microbiota.

To combat vulvovaginitis, it is important to practise good hygiene (which does not mean being obsessive, so as to respect and not destroy the normal flora) and to use products that support the growth of lactobacilli, such as prebiotics, which restore the vagina’s natural and physiological defences.

Discover the Prebiotics range

At Cumlaude Lab, we have a range of products enriched with prebiotics. If you tend to suffer from recurrent infections, we recommend using them as they will help to rebalance your vaginal microbiota, thereby preventing relapses.

Specifically, we recommend the daily use of Prebiotic Mousse, a gentle and delicate intimate wash with an acidic pH that will help protect your intimate area.

As a complementary treatment, we recommend using Prebiotic Ovules. These are vaginal ovules that will help you to recolonise with lactobacilli following antibiotic and antifungal treatments for bacterial vaginosis and candidal vaginitis; to prevent bacterial vaginosis, candidal vaginitis and their recurrences; and to restore the native microbiota and the physiological vaginal pH.

They are very easy to use: use 1 pessary a day for 10 days, preferably at night, after your period. Repeat this process for 3 cycles. You’ll be able to rebalance and strengthen your vaginal microbiota!