UTI and Yeast Infection Prevention with Probiotics

Urinary tract infections (UTI) and yeast infections are two of the most common types of infections that women experience. Often, these infections can be uncomfortable and painful and can even lead to more serious health problems if left untreated. Fortunately, UTI and yeast infection prevention with probiotics can help!

What Causes UTIs and Yeast Infections?

First, let’s take a look at what these two types of infections are and what causes them to occur. Then, we can better understand how to prevent them.

Urinary Tract Infections

Women have a 50% chance of getting a urinary tract infection (UTI) at some point in their life. Although men can also get UTIs, women get UTIs 30 times more than men do.

UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and then multiply. A urinary tract infection is technically an infection in any part of your urinary system which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. However, most UTIs involve only the lower urinary tract, which is the urethra and the bladder.

Causes

Women are more likely to get UTIs than men because their urethra is shorter, which in turn shortens the distance for bad bacteria to have to travel. UTIs can occur for a variety of reasons. The bacteria that causes UTIs can be Escherichia coli (E. coli) and/or other gastrointestinal (GI) tract bacteria.

Risk factors that can cause UTIs include not staying hydrated, wiping from back to front when going to the bathroom, improper hygiene, sexual intercourse, menopause, pregnancy, and a weakened immune system. Fortunately, lower urinary tract infections are easily treated with antibiotics and usually do not lead to complications. However, if left untreated, UTIs can cause serious health issues.

Yeast Infections

A not-so-fun fact is that 75% of all women are likely to experience at least one yeast infection during their lifetime. Even more, 5-8% of these women struggle with recurrent yeast infections, meaning they may experience 4 or more in a single year.

Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of a type of fungus called Candida. Candida is a type of yeast that naturally lives in the body. However, this fungus can sometimes grow out of control leading to a yeast infection. Although yeast infections can occur in various parts of the body, they are most often found in the genital regions like the vagina. Symptoms of yeast infections can include itching, burning, and a thick, white discharge.

Causes

So, what exactly causes the overgrowth of Candida? Much like UTIs, yeast infections are typically caused by a number of different factors. One of the main factors involves a change in the natural balance of bacteria and yeast in the body. Unfortunately, this microbial balance can be thrown off by many things. A common culprit is from taking antibiotics, which can kill off beneficial bacteria allowing yeast to grow unchecked.

Furthermore, things like high blood sugar levels, pregnancy, hormonal changes, and a weakened immune system can also cause an imbalanced microbiome leading to yeast infections. It is important to note that certain lifestyle factors can play a role in causing yeast infections as well. Wearing tight-fitting and/or wet clothing, using harsh soaps, and not having a proper hygiene routine can all lead to yeast infections. Yeast infections are typically treated with antifungal medications.

Prevention with Probiotics

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your health, especially your digestive system. The body is full of bacteria, both good and bad. Probiotics can also help prevent and treat a variety of health problems, including UTIs and yeast infections!

How do Probiotics Help with UTIs?

Probiotics can help prevent UTIs by keeping the urinary tract healthy and balanced. When there are enough good bacteria in the urinary tract, they can help prevent the bad bacteria from taking hold and causing an infection. Probiotics can also help reduce the symptoms of UTIs, such as pain and burning during urination.

How do Probiotics Help with Yeast Infections?

Probiotics can help prevent and treat yeast infections by restoring the natural balance of bacteria in the body. When there are enough good bacteria in the body, they can help keep the Candida fungus under control. Probiotics can also help reduce the symptoms of yeast infections, such as itching and burning.

What are the Best Probiotics for Women?

There are many different types of probiotics, but some are better than others for women’s UTIs and yeast infections. The most effective probiotics for women are those that contain Lactobacillus bacteria, which are naturally found in the vagina and urinary tract. Look for probiotics that contain Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, or Lactobacillus reuteri. These strains have been shown to be effective in preventing and treating UTIs and yeast infections.

Flourish Probiotics Shown to Help Women

Probiotics are a natural, safe, and effective way to help prevent UTIs and yeast infections in women. By restoring the natural balance of bacteria in the body, a quality probiotic like Flourish probiotics can help keep the urinary tract and vagina healthy and free from infection. When choosing a probiotic, look for one that contains Lactobacillus bacteria for the best results. Flourish probiotics contain several strains from the Lactobacillus family and our results speak for themselves through numerous testimonials.

“I’ve struggled with yeast infections postpartum three different times and tried many different things to get rid of it! After having my third baby, we both developed thrush/yeast infections that were very uncomfortable and made nursing painful! I tried different remedies and none seemed to work like Flourish. Within a couple of weeks, our infections were gone for good and I will never use any other probiotic!” -Christianna

With regular use of probiotics, women can enjoy improved health and quality of life.

The content in this post is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. 

Written by Kelsy Armstrong, Entegro Health

Sources:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7023241/
2. https://academic.oup.com/femspd/article/30/1/49/467839
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6134985/
4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-tract-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20353447
5. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/probiotics-for-vaginal-health/