For Women

Friendly bacteria for women help to support the vaginal flora, even when taken orally¹. A healthy vagina typically contains Lactobacilli bacteria which produce lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide. These substances help to keep the all-important pH balance in the vagina at an optimum pH of 4.5 (slightly acidic). Women's friendly bacteria supplements are for anyone who feels they can benefit. Several strains, such as Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14^® and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1^®, and Lactobacillus paracasei F-19®, survive to reach the vaginal flora and prefer to colonise there. They are regarded as specific vaginal friendly bacteria and can be found in the Optibac Probiotics For Women supplement.

This supplement contains live cultures which are designed to complement the natural vaginal flora and, whilst called For Women, we acknowledge it may also be appropriate and helpful for trans men or non-binary people. What's more we've heard anecdotal situations where men have taken For Women as part of a supplement protocol and seen a benefit. Please contact us if unsure which supplement to take - we're here to help!

The best women’s live cultures supplements contain friendly bacteria specifically researched in women, with the same billions count used in supporting research studies. Optibac Probiotics For Women strains have been used in gold standard clinical trials ^1,2,3 at the same strength of 2.5 billion live cultures per capsule daily. 

Most women feel more confident when taking vaginal live cultures daily, while some women take a seven-day intensive course when needed. It is entirely down to individual preference. Optibac Probiotics For Women comes in three sizes: 7 days, 30 days, and 90 days, but is designed for long-term daily use. Take with food, ideally breakfast, when stomach acidity is closer to neutral.

Taken orally, vaginal live cultures, such as those in Optibac Probiotics For Women, are proven to reach the vagina alive in 3-4 days and to colonise in the vaginal flora in one week. Once there, what do women's live cultures do for women? Lactobacilli bacteria in the vaginal flora produce lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide, which help to keep the all-important pH balance in the vagina at an optimum pH of 4.5 (slightly acidic)^1,2.

It’s best to take your women’s probiotic supplement at breakfast time, as this is when stomach acidity is at its most neutral. Taking it with food further helps to buffer the acid and assist the passage of the live cultures into the gut and on to the vagina. If you are intermittent fasting then simply take For Women with your first meal or snack of the day.

It is perfectly safe to take Optibac For Women during pregnancy; however, pregnant women may prefer to consider a supplement designed for pregnancy, such as Optibac Pregnancy, which contains live cultures specifically researched in pregnant women. Vaginal friendly bacteria supplements are also safe to alongside other supplements and medications, such as HRT and the oral contraceptive pill.

The live cultures in Optibac For Women prefer to live in the vaginal flora, but other friendly bacteria strains prefer to live in the gut. This is why many people choose to take a digestive supplement, such as Optibac Every Day, alongside their vaginal live cultures  so that they have all-round support for their gut and vaginal flora.

Optibac For Women is a highly researched alternative to Wellgard and other similar brands. When comparing brands you should always check the ingredients list; high-quality supplements always list the full strain names of the bacteria, not just the species, enabling you to look at the supporting research. If looking for vaginal friendly bacteria alternatives to brands like Garden of Life and Pro-Ven it is always worth comparing the cost, recommended daily amount and customer reviews too.