Opportunistic etiological agents causing lung infections: emerging need to transform lung-targeted delivery
World Cancer Day: Can Probiotics Help Prevent Cervical Cancer? How Good Bacteria Support Vaginal And Reproductive Health
Probiotics for Women's Health: Exploring the Link Between Vaginal Microbiome and Cervical Cancer Prevention. Can Probiotics Help Prevent Cervical Cancer? Exploring the Link Between Vaginal Microbiome and HealthWorld Cancer Day 2025: Cervical cancer, caused mainly by persistent infection with high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), is still a major health concern for women all over the world. Recent research findings indicate that the vaginal microbiome, which are the community of bacteria and microorganisms residing in the vaginal area, could be crucial in preventing cervical cancer. Probiotics have been known for their ability to balance gut bacteria, and lately, it is being studied that they may even be helpful for a healthy vaginal microbiome to prevent cervical cancer.
Understanding the Vaginal MicrobiomeThe vaginal microbiome is primarily composed of Lactobacillus bacteria, which are responsible for maintaining a healthy environment. A healthy microbiome is important for preventing infections, such as HPV. However, an imbalance in this microbiome, often caused by antibiotics, stress,use of excessive vaginal washes, Immunocompromised state or a poor diet, can lead to an environment that fosters infections.It plays a significant role in cervical cancer development by potentially influencing the persistence of HPV infection and the progression of precancerous lesions to invasive cervical cancer through alterations in the local immune response, with a symbiotic microbiome (imbalance in bacterial species) which is associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer development. Particularly, a depletion of beneficial lactobacilli and an increase in certain anaerobic bacteria can create a pro-inflammatory environment conducive to cancer progression.
Role of Probiotics in Cervical Cancer Prevention Balancing Vaginal FloraProbiotics also support the recolonization of Lactobacillus ( which maintains acidic pH) in the vagina. Good flora helps control harmful bacteria and other micro organisms from growing, reducing the chance for infection.
Preventing HPV Infection from LastingProbiotics prevent the vagina from becoming too alkaline. Alkalinity allows for easier survival and proliferation of the HPV virus, giving it more time to create cancer in the body.Although probiotcis is only an adjunct to timely screening and treatment.
Reducing the Risk of Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)Altered vaginal flora may also lead to development of bacterial vaginosis (due to Gardenella sp.) Probiotics can help prevent or help treat this infection by encouraging the growth of good bacteria that messes up the vaginal balance and makes it easier for HPV to infect the cervix.
Boosting the Immune SystemSupport of the immune system helps the body fight infections. A stronger immune system would result in more efficient removal of the virus in the body hence a lesser chance of cervical cancer.
Support the Body to get rid of the virusSome studies have shown that probiotics may assist the body in getting rid of an HPV infection faster, thereby lessening the chances that the virus could bring long-term damage to the cervix.
Research and EvidenceWhile there is still much to be explored, but early reports from several clinical studies have reported the positive involvement of probiotics in cervical health. Some studies have established that oral or vaginal administration of Lactobacillus strains decreases the risk of HPV infections or helps in clearing the virus. However, it is important to note that probiotics should not be viewed as a substitute for regular cervical cancer screening (including Pap smears and HPV tests) and treatment.
Key TakeawaysProbiotics could be a very promising, adjuvant means of cervical cancer prevention through their support of healthy vaginal microbiomes. While more research needs to be conducted to understand these agents' potential efficacy, this balance may ultimately be a component in the overall reduction of persistence of HPV, and therefore of cervical cancer, in women.
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Can Probiotics Help Prevent Recurring Bacterial Vaginosis?
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a super common infection that happens when you get an overgrowth of certain types of bacteria in your vagina. Any person with a vagina can get the infection too. However, you're at a higher risk of developing BV if you have multiple sex partners, don't use protection during sex, have an IUD, are pregnant, or use douches, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).BV doesn't always cause symptoms, per the Office on Women's Health. But when it does, you might notice:
So, can taking probiotics help prevent BV from happening again, or even just reduce symptoms? "The only FDA-approved regiments for BV are antibiotics, which are available in oral or topical form," Kameelah Phillips, M.D., a New York-based OB/GYN and Organon health partner tells Well+Good. But as far as probiotics go, Dr. Phillips recommends skipping the unapproved treatment. Learn more about BV below, and why probiotics might not be the best choice.
How does a vaginal imbalance occur in the first place?Like your gut, your vagina has its own microbiome with tons of bacteria—mostly good strains like Lactobacillus—that work to keep your vagina healthy. But sometimes these good bugs get overrun by unfriendly ones like Gardnerella. The proliferation of these bad bacteria can disrupt your vagina's normal pH (which is usually pretty acidic) and lead to BV, according to the National Women's Health Network.
Where do the infection-causing bacteria come from? Often, they get introduced into your vag from sex (particularly unprotected sex or sex with multiple partners) or from douching, Dr. Phillips says. But again, BV can ultimately affect anyone with a vagina.
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Can probiotics help...Even a little bit?If you're experiencing a vaginal imbalance or developing symptoms of BV, you might wonder if probiotics ("good" bacteria) can help get rid of the bad bacteria. But the answer isn't as simple as we think. In short: probiotics have some possibility to help. But for now, there's not enough evidence to give a firm YES or offer specific treatment guidelines with the use of probiotics. Here's what the science says so far.
Oral probiotics like Lactobacillus rhamnose might play a role in supporting antibiotic treatment for BV, according to an analysis published in the journal Reproductive Health. However, this means that probiotics may help as a supplement to antibiotics, not in replacement of the medications. Additionally, a randomized controlled trial, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, found that taking Lactobacillus vaginally after treatment can reduce the risk of BV coming back (which happens a lot). But more research is needed, according to the authors of the study.
So for now, you shouldn't turn to probiotics to manage your BV—at least not before seeing your healthcare provider, getting an accurate diagnosis, and having an informed discussion about approved treatment options (aka antibiotics). "I have seen many patients attempt to self-treat at home. This often delays women from coming in for a diagnosis, and then end up at my office when symptoms persist," Dr. Phillips says.
Other prevention and treatment options for BVIf you have BV that's causing symptoms, your healthcare provider will likely recommend treating the infection with antibiotics like Cleocin (clindamycin) or Metrosa (metronidazole), both of which can be prescribed orally, topically, or vaginally. About 90 percent of the time, these meds will clear a BV infection within a month, per the National Library of Medicine.
In some cases, your healthcare provider might prescribe a second round of antibiotics if the first course isn't effective, or if your BV comes back. But even then, recurrent BV can sometimes be a stubborn problem. "It can be frustrating and embarrassing for patients. Aside from the emotional impact, untreated infections may lead to serious complications," Dr. Phillips says.
At that point, it's worth having a convo with your provider to come up with a strategy to reduce your infection risk as much as possible, says Dr. Phillips. Together, you might decide that probiotic supplements should be part of the plan.
But you'll likely need to address lifestyle-based risk factors too, she adds. To reduce your BV, the Office on Women's Health recommends the following tips:
If you're noticing symptoms of BV, it's important to schedule a call or visit with your provider as soon as possible. "To get an accurate diagnosis for BV or other vaginal health concerns, you need to be seen by a healthcare provider, so I encourage people to reach out to their doctor if they notice any unusual-for-them vaginal changes," Dr. Phillips says. Once you figure out what's going on, you can work with your provider to develop a plan that's best suited for your body's needs.
Well+Good articles reference scientific, reliable, recent, robust studies to back up the information we share. You can trust us along your wellness journey.
What To Know About Vaginal Pain
A wide range of conditions can cause vaginal pain, such as the following:
Yeast infections
Yeast infections are among the most common causes of vaginal pain. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 75% of females develop a vaginal yeast infection at some point during their life.
A yeast infection can cause itching, burning, and, sometimes, a cottage cheese-like discharge from the vagina.
These infections do not usually spread through sexual intercourse, and most experts do not recommend that a person's sexual partners receive treatment.
Bacterial vaginosis
The United Kingdom's National Health Service (NHS) notes that although BV does not always cause symptoms, some people may notice a fishy odor, particularly after sexual activity, and thin greyish-white discharge. BV does not typically cause vaginal pain or itching. However, some people with the condition may experience this.
Many people mistake the symptoms of BV for those of a yeast infection. However, the two conditions have different causes and require different treatments.
Other infections Sexual health resources
Visit our dedicated hub for more research-backed information and in-depth resources on sexual health.
Vaginitis
Doctors may refer to the inflammation that accompanies vaginal infections as vaginitis. This inflammation may be accompanied by itching, changes in discharge, and pain.
In addition to vaginal infections, some possible causes of changes in microbial flora (healthy bacteria in the vagina) that may lead to vaginitis include:
Physical trauma
Physical injury to the vagina or vulva can cause vaginal pain. Some injuries are relatively minor, such as cuts from shaving. However, one of the most common causes of vaginal injury and pain is childbirth.
Giving birth causes vaginal tearing in most people during their first vaginal delivery, according to a 2016 article. The tear usually extends into the perineum, the area between the vagina and anus. Doctors refer to this as a perineal tear. It is also possible for the clitoris or labia to tear during childbirth.
A doctor or midwife may need to stitch up severe tears. The stitches they use will dissolve over time and do not require removal.
Pelvic floor dysfunction or injury
Damage to the muscles of the pelvic floor can cause pain in the vagina, stomach, and back, as well as affecting muscles in other areas.
Some factors that can increase the risk of pelvic floor issues include:
Some people with pelvic floor dysfunction also experience urinary incontinence, especially when sneezing or jumping.
Vulvodynia and vaginismus
Vulvodynia is a type of chronic pain in the vulva, vagina, or both. The pain varies from person to person, but many report a burning pain that is fairly continuous.
Healthcare professionals may use the term vaginismus to refer to chronic pain in the vagina that occurs during situations such as sexual intercourse, tampon insertion, and vaginal exams.
Vulvodynia and vaginismus may occur as a result of multiple factors. The diagnostic process can be lengthy because it involves excluding other causes of vaginal pain.
It is best for anyone who suspects they may have either condition to speak with a doctor. Various treatments are available.
Bartholin's cyst
The Bartholin's glands sit on either side of the entrance to the vagina, helping with vaginal lubrication.
A blockage in one of these glands can give rise to a cyst, which may feel like a hard lump or look like a pimple. The cyst can cause pain, usually on one side of the vagina.
Bartholin's cysts may get larger over several days before disappearing or rupturing. Sometimes, they become infected, causing intense pain.
Vaginal prolapse
Vaginal prolapse occurs when one or more of the pelvic organs, such as the vagina, urethra, and uterus, drop down from their usual position in the body. When this happens, one or more of these organs may protrude into or out from the vagina.
The condition occurs as a result of injury to the muscles and other tissues that support the pelvic organs. Some possible causes of these injuries include:
Endometriosis
Endometriosis can cause chronic pelvic pain, which a person may feel in the abdomen or vagina. The condition involves the uterine lining tissue growing on the outside of the uterus.
Someone with endometriosis may also notice the pain during sexual activity, bowel movements, or urination. The condition can also cause heavy periods.
However, some people may not experience any symptoms at all.
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