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How do I Choose the Best Acidophilus Suppositories?

Erin J. Hill
Erin J. Hill

To choose the best acidophilus suppositories, you should determine what you need them for and find an option designed for that purpose. There are various strains of acidophilus bacteria, and you may find that different ones are best suited for different uses. You should also choose the type which comes with as many live cultures as possible to ensure that you have a concentrated dose.

Most acidophilus suppositories are made to prevent or reduce vaginal yeast infections or conditions like bacterial vaginosis. While this is true, they may not all contain the strain of bacteria closest to that which is naturally found in the vagina. Any option could be beneficial, but you will likely get the best results from options which state that their cultures are biologically the same or very similar to those found naturally in the vaginal tract.

Ideally, you will also be able to find acidophilus suppositories with a high bacterial count. In theory, the higher the number of bacteria, the more effective the treatment will be. Higher numbers may also help to alleviate symptoms faster.

Acidophilus, often called a good bacteria, is found in yogurt, supplements and other products.
Acidophilus, often called a good bacteria, is found in yogurt, supplements and other products.

Occasionally a vaginal suppository may also help with digestive issues. Bacteria found in the vagina can migrate to the anal opening and vice versa. Sometimes, oral probiotics can be taken so that the bacteria moves through the digestive tract, out the anus, and eventually over into the vagina. The opposite may also be true, and probiotics taken in the vagina may cause effects in the colon. This is not always the case, as not all probiotics are designed to withstand the process of digestion.

Live active cultures of good bacteria are the most beneficial.
Live active cultures of good bacteria are the most beneficial.

You should also be sure that the acidophilus suppositories you choose are designed for what you need in terms of whether they treat or prevent a condition. Some aim to prevent yeast and other vaginal infections and others may even treat them. Most medical establishments do not support claims that probiotics treat certain conditions, but there are many studies which show that they do. In any event, there is usually no harm in trying this method, as probiotics do not normally cause any side effects.

Acidophilus suppositories can be used to prevent vaginal yeast infections.
Acidophilus suppositories can be used to prevent vaginal yeast infections.

Most probiotics in suppository form are designed for vaginal use. Those intended for digestion are usually taken orally, although it may be safe to use a suppository anally if supervised by your doctor. If you believe you have an infection, it is a good idea to see your doctor for a firm diagnosis, since yeast infection symptoms can mimic other, more serious, conditions.

Discussion Comments

Mor

@Iluviaporos - People usually use acidophilus suppositories for yeast infections so I imagine eating natural yogurt won't be fast enough.

There's very little that can be as uncomfortable as a full blown yeast infection and most women just want it to go away as quickly as possible.

However, if you are someone who tends to get yeast infections regularly you should absolutely try to eat more yogurt. The suppositories might not be a permanent solution as there must be some reason your natural bacteria get overwhelmed.

But making yogurt part of your regular diet can help.

lluviaporos

If you aren't sure about using a suppository, you can try eating fresh, live yogurt instead. The acidophilus bacteria are the same ones that are in yogurt.

You don't need to use the special probiotic yogurts either, which tend to cost five times as much as the other kinds. Just pick out one which says "live cultures" on the front. Often it will be a thick Greek style yogurt.

Eat that regularly and see if it helps. If you don't like the taste of natural yogurt you can add some fruit or some honey (melt the honey in the microwave first to make it easier to mix in).

I used to make a delicious breakfast meal by mixing honey and oat bran into a natural yogurt and eating that.

It just seems like a more pleasant way of trying to colonize your body with bacteria. But, I will admit it's not as effective as using a suppository might be.

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    • Acidophilus, often called a good bacteria, is found in yogurt, supplements and other products.
      By: sheval
      Acidophilus, often called a good bacteria, is found in yogurt, supplements and other products.
    • Live active cultures of good bacteria are the most beneficial.
      By: zuki70
      Live active cultures of good bacteria are the most beneficial.
    • Acidophilus suppositories can be used to prevent vaginal yeast infections.
      By: Andres Rodriguez
      Acidophilus suppositories can be used to prevent vaginal yeast infections.
    • Most acidophilus suppositories are designed to be inserted into the vagina.
      By: isyste
      Most acidophilus suppositories are designed to be inserted into the vagina.
    • Acidophilus suppositories can be used to reduce conditions such as bacterial vaginosis, which is more likely to occur in women who have multiple sexual partners.
      By: Peter Atkins
      Acidophilus suppositories can be used to reduce conditions such as bacterial vaginosis, which is more likely to occur in women who have multiple sexual partners.
    • Women with diabetes are prone to yeast infections.
      By: brankatekic
      Women with diabetes are prone to yeast infections.
    • Some vaginal suppositories may help with digestive issues.
      By: Jeffrey Collingwood
      Some vaginal suppositories may help with digestive issues.