Probiotics in the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis

Probiotics in the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis as hydrogen peroxide1, 2,4,5,6. A number of factors are thought to disturb the balance of vaginal micro-flora, including repeated antibiotic use, hormonal imbalances, chronic stress and a processed diet7, 9. Opportunistic pathogens, such as the yeast Candida, may take advantage of this change in the vaginal environment. Although Candida is commonly found in the intestine and vagina of healthy individuals without symptoms8, the Candida albicans strain is responsible for about 90 per cent of vaginal yeast infections. Vulvovaginal Candidasis (VVC) affects 75 per cent of sexually active women at least once in their lifetime7, 10. It is reported that five per cent of females who have suffered an acute infection of VVC will experience a recurrence7. The mainstay of conventional treatment for VVC is antifungal medication7. However, this appears to be unsuccessful in preventing recurring infections11, 12. Current marketing in the industry promotes probiotics as having the potential to rebalance the micro-flora of the vagina13. A critical review of the literature was carried out to assess if the use of probiotics was effective in the treatment of VVC.