Thrush
What is vaginal thrush?
Vaginal thrush, medically called vulvovaginal candidiasis, is a common yeast infection caused by an overgrowth of a fungus called Candida albicans.1
Vaginal thrush is actually quite common, affecting almost ¾ of women during their lifetime, adversely affecting physical and emotional health.1
While any woman can experience vaginal thrush, there are certain conditions that increase the risk of developing the infection, these can include:1
- Pregnancy
- Antibiotic use
- Chemotherapy (cancer medication)
- Diabetes
What are the signs or symptoms?
Signs of thrush can include:1
- Abnormal discharge
- Itching or burning
- Redness, soreness and swelling
- Painful urination and/or sex
Recurrent vaginal thrush is when a woman experiences 4 or more episodes of thrush in a 12 month period.1
Vaginal thrush can be treated with over-the-counter medications or with prescribed antifungals. Such medications can be topical or oral (taken by mouth).1
Combining pharmaceutical medicines with probiotics can be a way to better manage common genital infections.2a
How can a probiotic help for vaginal thrush?
The microorganisms that inhabit the vagina play a major role in the maintenance of health of a woman.3
Probiotics help to restore and maintain a healthy vaginal flora and prevent genital infections such as thrush.3,4
Daily intake of selected probiotics can stabilise the fluctuating vaginal flora and lower the risk of infections in healthy women as well as those prone to urogenital infections.3
The benefits of probiotics are ‘species or strain-specific’
Probiotics have numerous health-promoting activities, however different probiotics can have different health effects.3 When choosing a probiotic, ensure it has proven effects in the condition(s) you are preventing or treating.5
The role of Reuterina Femme® in women’s health
Reuterina Femme® contains two strains of probiotic bacteria – Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14 – that when taken orally are able to colonise (grow in) the vaginal area.4
- These strains have proven efficacy in the treatment and prevention of urogenital infections in women.2,5
The probiotic strains in Reuterina Femme® are suitable for daily use in healthy women, and can also be used to:
How is Reuterina Femme® taken?
Reuterina Femme® is taken once daily.4
- One to two capsules are swallowed (by mouth) as needed, or as directed by a healthcare professional.4
If symptoms persist, a doctor or other healthcare professional should be consulted.4
Did you know? Reuterina Femme® capsules are suitable for vegetarians?4
Suitability of use
Reuterina Femme® can be taken to maintain and restore a healthy vaginal flora,4 prevent urogenital infections (such as vaginal thrush)4
FIND YOUR BALANCE with Reuterina Femme®4
Your pharmacist or doctor will help you choose the right probiotic for your needs. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about how the Reuterina® range might be useful for you.
You can learn more here about general use of probiotics and the use of probiotics for childhood constipation.
Medical References
- Wright M. Vaginal and Vulval Candidiasis. Professional Articles on Infectious Diseases [Last edited August 16, 2019]. Available from: https://patient.info/doctor/vaginal-and-vulval-candidiasis Accessed August 2020.
- Martinez RCR, et al. Improved cure of bacterial vaginosis with single dose of tinidazole (2 g), Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Can J Microbiol 2009;55:133-138.
- Reid G, Charbonneau D, Erb J, et al. Oral use of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and L. fermentum RC-14 significantly alters vaginal flora: randomized, placebo-controlled trial in 64 healthy women. FEMS Immunology and Medical Microbiology 2003:35:131-134.
- Reuterina femme® Approved Package Insert, December 2009.
- Gardiner GE, Heinemann C, Bruce AW, et al. Persistence of Lactobacillus fermentum RC-14 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 but Not L. rhamnosus GG in the Human Vagina as Demonstrated by Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA. CLIN. DIAGN. LAB. IMMUNOL. 2002;9(1):92–96.
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