What Are Uro Probiotics?
Uro probiotics is a ‘daily vaginal probiotic’ that keeps vaginal flora healthy, helping to maintain a normal odour’. It is research-backed with the latest innovative ingredients, ‘proactively working’ to prevent vaginal dryness, itching sensations and odour [1]. Each capsule has four strains at 5 billion colony-forming units for ‘optimised protection’. Listed below are the four strains and their benefits which they provide:
- Lactobacillus Acidophilus: targets inflammation and digestive problems.
- Lactobacillus Rhamnosus: enhances balance simultaneously in the gastrointestinal tract and vagina.
- Lactobacillus Reuteri: anti-inflammatory, immune boosting and antimicrobial properties.
- Lactobacillus Fermentum: promotes your immune system and lowers your cholesterol.
Also a source of pre-biotics aiming to maintain the probiotics for longer.
What are Uro probiotics used to treat?
Uro probiotics, consisting of specific strains of Lactobacillus, are used to prevent and treat urogenital infections. Recolonisation of the vaginal and urinary epithelial surfaces by probiotics restores the normal urogenital microbiota in those who have been infected or treated with antibiotics.
One of the significant indications for which uro probiotics are used is bacterial vaginosis (BV). This is a common condition commonly encountered in gynaecology clinics and is usually characterised by an increased vaginal pH and reduced lactobacilli numbers. Lactobacillus-containing probiotics have been effective as a treatment for reduction in clinical symptoms and alleviation of signs, probably due to increased lactobacilli colonisation to the vagina. An estimated 37 per cent of women restored from asymptomatic BV (or normal flora) to Lactobacillus colonised vaginal flora in the treatment group compared with 13 per cent on placebo [4].
Uro probiotics can also prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs). These infections, which result from harmful microbes colonising the urinary system, are commonly associated with antibiotic treatment [5, 6].
What Is The Evidence For Taking Uro Probiotics?
There is little clear evidence to suggest that taking the Uro probiotics is suitable for vaginal health, but researchers are finally looking at taking probiotics to reduce vaginal problems [2]. Studies have been done at the microscopic scale. Nevertheless, one type of probiotic – L acidophilus – might help deal with the complications due to vaginal imbalance; it is an ingredient in Uro probiotics. There is no evidence, however, that this was an appropriate cure.
But one study did look at the effect of a vaginal suppository containing Lactobacillus to treat BV. According to research available, 57% of women who participated in this trial were cured of their BV and maintained a healthy vaginal microbiome following treatment. Surprisingly, only 3 (26) who followed up after this trial could maintain this, with BV reappearing in the others after menstruation [3].
What Are The Risks Of Taking Uro Probiotics?
The risks of taking Uroprobiotics include:
- They may not be regulated as strictly since they are sold as dietary supplements
- They may prevent proper treatment of a vaginal imbalance
- Unsafe substances produced by the probiotic microorganisms
- Infection
If you have a suppressed immune system or a severe illness, you can also be at more risk for side effects. If you have a vaginal health problem that you think might be linked to a bacterial imbalance or associated disease, and you’re thinking of trying vaginal probiotics to treat it, then a chat with your doctor beforehand – exceptionally, as many of these supplements can be costly and probably won’t work in the long run.
Uro Probiotics Pros And Cons Summary
In the past year or so, Uro Probiotics and other vaginal probiotics supplements have gained in popularity; but the evidence isn’t unequivocal that they provide the perceived health benefits. Many studies are small and don’t follow the best practices from a clinical trial perspective. While it’s probably wise to take today’s probiotics with a certain amount of scepticism, the trend could still be one to watch if the evidence strengthens.