When we talk about fertility, women’s health, and probiotics, the vaginal microbiome doesn’t always get the spotlight, but it’s appearing to be an important piece to the puzzle. Especially when it comes to women’s health, fertility, and pregnancy.

Your vaginal microbiome is a complex and something we are continuing to learn more about. It can help maintain a low pH, protect against infections, and support overall reproductive health. But what happens when this system is out of balance?

Let’s dive into what we know and how probiotics might be able to help.

Why Your Vaginal Microbiome Matters

A healthy vaginal microbiome appears to be dominated by the Lactobacillus species (though there may be differentiation among different ethnic groups), which plays a key role in:

• Maintaining low pH (acidic environments discourage pathogen overgrowth)
• Protecting against infections like BV and yeast
• Creating a favorable environment for implantation and conception

When this ecosystem is disrupted it can lead to dysbiosis, or microbial imbalance. Research suggests this imbalance may increase the risk of:

• Recurring vaginal infections
• Inflammation and discomfort
• Infertility and implantation failure

Interestingly, women with infertility may have higher vaginal microbial diversity than those without. This may sound counterintuitive (isn’t diversity good?), but in this case, balance and dominance of protective Lactobacillus species seem to be key.

This Brings Up the Question:

Can Probiotics Support Fertility?

The short answer?
Possibly. And the research is hopeful.

Some probiotic strains have shown potential in helping to restore and maintain a healthy vaginal microbiome, particularly in those with a history of recurrent infections or imbalance. But not just any probiotic will do.

Here’s why:

• Genus = Lactobacillus
• Species = e.g., rhamnosus, reuteri
• Strain = the most specific identifier (e.g., GR-1, RC-14)

The benefits of probiotics are strain-specific, meaning it’s important to look for targeted strains that have been studied for vaginal and reproductive health.

Strains I Look For in a Women’s Health Probiotic

When I evaluate probiotics for fertility, vaginal health, or pregnancy support, I look for products that include some of the following strains:

• Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001
• Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1
• Lactobacillus rhamnosus LBV96
• Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14
• Lactobacillus crispatus LBV88
• Lactobacillus plantarum
• Lactobacillus jensenii lbV116

These strains have been studied for their ability to reduce risk of infection and support a healthy vaginal microbiome.

While more research is needed, probiotics appear to be a low-risk, low-cost addition to your routine, especially for those trying to conceive or experiencing recurrent issues.

The Bottom Line

Your vaginal microbiome is an often-overlooked part of your fertility story. Supporting it with evidence-based probiotics might be a simple, accessible step toward better reproductive and overall health.

That said, probiotics are not a magic bullet. The best approach is always personalized, considering your symptoms, history, and goals. Always chat with your doctor or dietitian before starting or stopping any supplements.

Want more tips and nutrition info sent right to your inbox?
Tap here to join my newsletter, the Cycle Corner!