The role of diet and probiotics in prevention and treatment of bacterial vaginosis and vulvovaginal candidiasis in adolescent girls and non-pregnant women

Ginekol Pol. 2020;91(7):412-416. doi: 10.5603/GP.2020.0070.

Abstract

The article raises important issues regarding the use of diet and probiotics in prevention and treatment of vaginitis. Vaginitis is defined as any condition with symptoms of abnormal vaginal discharge. The most common causes of vaginitis are vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis (BV). Vaginitis has been linked to itching, burning, pain, discharge, irritation and also adverse reproductive and obstetric health outcomes. Moreover, microorganisms that build vaginal flora in the state of bacterial vaginosis are a source of cervicitis and endometritis (often in subclinical forms) and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) The proper diet and probiotics consumption may influence the composition of the gut microbiota, improve gut integrity, and have an impact on maintaining and recovering the normal vaginal microbiota. Future studies and reviews investigating the role of diet and probiotics in changes to gut and vaginal microbiome need to focus on deciphering the mechanismus of host bacteria interaction in vulvovaginal health.

Keywords: bacterial vaginosis; diet; prebiotics; probiotics; vaginal infections; vaginitis; vulvovaginal candidiasis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal / prevention & control*
  • Diet*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Probiotics / administration & dosage
  • Probiotics / therapeutic use*
  • Vaginosis, Bacterial / prevention & control*
  • Women's Health
  • Young Adult