Can You Use Oral Probiotics As Suppository? (Best Ones Reviewed!)

For this article, I have looked through user opinions and scientific material to determine which oral probiotics can serve as comparable alternatives to suppositories. Moreover, I have shortlisted some effective probiotic suppositories for you as well.

As quoted in research papers, the vaginal microbiome of approximately 70% of healthy women is abundant in Lactobacillus species instead of having a greater diversity.

Furthermore, major species that are dominant in the vagina are namely L. crispatus, L. gasseri, L. iners, and L. jensenii.

Therefore, Lactobacilli-containing oral probiotics supplements might be equally beneficial as suppositories. This is because these species may eventually colonize the vaginal microbiome regardless of their administration route.

In the sections below, you will find all details regarding if oral pills can be used as suppositories and which probiotic strains you need to seek in them to treat your vaginal yeast and bacterial infections. 

Last but not least, I’ve also shared the 3 best probiotic suppositories out there, that you can try today!

Can I Use A Probiotic Capsule As A Suppository – Safety And Efficacy Explained!

Yes, you may use a probiotic capsule as a suppository to insert the good vaginal bacteria down there.

Many users on different online forums have expressed how injecting probiotics from pills into the vagina imparts a similar benefit.

Although manufacturers specifically develop oral probiotic supplements to target women’s vaginal health via the mouth. Still, changing the route may not create a large difference in effectiveness.

But before you set out to explore the non-conventional route, here is the consumer and researcher’s point of view on the safety and effectiveness of using oral pills in the vagina:

User Experience Supports The Use Of Oral Probiotics As Suppository

In this Reddit post, East-Pomegranate7947 asked if oral probiotics are an adequate alternative to vaginal suppositories and if they melt correctly down there, as the commercially available ones are expensive. She also mentioned azo feminine probiotics that have 4 strains of vagina-specific bacteria, and she didn’t spot any ingredients that may irritate as well.

To this, Udderhiseye responded reassuringly and said that she looks for probiotic pills with the least additives. She usually inserted the powder inside the Jarrow Femdophilus probiotic capsules in her vagina and used the good clean love lactic acid gel alongside it right after her periods.

Scientific Evidence Also Backs The Use Of Probiotic Pills As Suppositories

In a recent 2019 clinical trial, Gregorio et al. assessed the safety of administering vaginal Lactobacilli in gelatin capsules via the intravaginal route.

In this trial, sexually active women participants were divided into three groups; one received the combination of L. reuteri and L. gasseri strains, the second received L. rhamnosus and L. gasseri strains, and the third received a placebo.

This generated a positive outcome for the intervention group as the pills were well-tolerated, did not cause any adverse effects, and increased the abundance of Lactobacilli in the study participants compared to the control group.

Now, since yeast infections and Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) are two of the most common women concerns, here is an overview of the usefulness of inserting probiotic suppositories in these conditions.

Inserting Probiotics For Yeast Infection

User experience definitely vouches for the use of probiotic suppositories for treating vaginal yeast infections.

For instance, throwRAnerdygal initiated this Reddit thread because she was looking for probiotic recommendations to treat yeast infections after hearing about their efficacy. She shared that for some years now, she has started getting yeast infections every month despite taking all the precautions. And even trying the boric acid suppositories didn’t give her permanent relief.

To this, Benjenstein replied that she used to have similar issues but using the Probaclac vaginal probiotic suppositories has worked well for her. She also shared that they are recommended to be inserted before bed for 14 consecutive days when using them for the first time.

Therefore, if you are looking for effective probiotics, then according to a 2019 review of clinical trials, L. reuteri species have the most potent antimicrobial activity against yeast.

Besides this, other Lactobacillus species like L. plantarum, L. rhamnosus, and L. acidophilus also have anti-candida effects, such as preventing biofilm formation. 

Inserting Probiotics For Bacterial Vaginosis

Like yeast infections, the public has a positive view towards the use of probiotic suppositories for Bacterial vaginosis (BV) as well.

For example, in this Reddit post, One-Breakfast-4598 asked for advice for her friend who has had recurrent BV for over 4 or 5 years, and every time she is treated with antibiotics and antifungals only. So, she was wondering if any probiotic treatment might work better.

To this, many users recommended probiotic suppositories.

One of them was ‘Chemical-Pattern-521′, who replied that she had been through the same issue and that using boric acid and vaginal probiotics did miracles for her.

Another user also testified that probiotic suppositories had been a savior for her. She shared that in the beginning, she experimented using both coconut oil and probiotic suppositories, but since using coconut oil alone had no effect, so she credits the suppositories for her recovery. 

Now, to find the most effective probiotics against BV, you may refer to a recent 2021 review of clinical trials that mentions the strains of L. acidophilus, L. rhamnosus, and L. fermentum species.

How To Make Probiotic Suppository?

Since commercial probiotic suppositories are a bit too heavy on the pocket, here is how you can make your own cheap yet effective probiotic suppository at home.

I have observed from multiple sites and Reddit stories that before making your own suppository, you need to decide two main things: oil and butter and the relevant probiotic strain for your condition.

Still, the preferred delivery medium choice is mostly coconut oil because of its antimicrobial properties. And for sourcing probiotics, choose pills with vaginal strains (especially those with Lactobacillus spp.) and those with the least additives.

Apart from this, it is better to avoid essential oils as they may cause irritation if not diluted properly. But if you still want to add them, then you may opt for 1-2 drops of tea tree, thyme, or lavender essential oils, among others.

Plus you may also add a teaspoon of boric acid if you are suffering from yeast or bacterial infections.

Now that I am done with the introduction so, here is a generalized procedure for making homemade suppositories that you may modify according to your needs.

Ingredients

• 1 cup organic Cocoa Butter
• ½ cup Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
• 300-500 billion CFU of probiotic bacteria.

Method

• Melt and combine butter and oil in a saucepan (cocoa butter and coconut oil).
• Place them aside to cool them a little.
• In a bowl, mix the powder inside the probiotic capsule or a tablet in warm water (the water shouldn’t be too hot as it may kill the viable cells).
• Now add these dissolved probiotics into the oil-butter mixture in the saucepan and stir thoroughly.
• Now pour the saucepan contents into 2–4-inch silicon suppository molds and refrigerate until it solidifies.
• If stored right, they may easily last you a month at least.

How To Use A Probiotic Suppository?

To use the vaginal suppository, simply insert it into your vagina.

It is better that you do it before going to bed as they absorb better, and drip less when you are lying down horizontally.

Plus, you may want to wear extra protective clothing as the suppository may stain your attire while it is melting inside.

Best Probiotic Suppositories (For Vaginal Health)

Probiotic suppositories are a fairly new concept, and because of their price tags, you might be looking for something that is worth every buck.

So, here are my recommendations for the best probiotic suppositories for your vaginal health 

1. Probaclac Vaginal Suppository Probiotics

The Probalac vaginal suppository is based on a multi-strain probiotic complex of three species that normally occur in the vagina.

These include the L. rhamnosus, L. acidophilus, and Streptococcus thermophilus species.

Furthermore, it has 80 times the currently recommended Lactobacilli CFU, which is effective in restoring vaginal health.

According to the website, it helps to redeem the microbial equilibrium and the acidic pH (3.5-4.5) of the vagina, which prevents and cures recurrent infections.

This claim is backed by a clinical trial in which the Probaclac suppository was evaluated in 120 women, and it reduced the recurrence of BV by 84% in the year following its use.

Additionally, research also proves that it prevents Gardnerella vaginalis infection.

Apart from this, multiple Reddit users have recommended Probaclac as an effective probiotic suppository for genital infections.

Cost

You can buy 14 intravaginal capsules along with an applicator for $28.99.

Pros 

• Effective for curing Bacterial Vaginosis or other vaginal infections.
• Available both on the official website, online and in physical stores.
• Contains over 8 billion CFUs of three probiotic species.
• Does not require refrigeration.
• Its efficacy has been evaluated by scientific studies.
• You can get free shipping for orders above $50.

Cons

• Not suitable for women with soy or dairy allergies.
• Contains titanium dioxide.

2. Love Wellness Flora Power Vaginal Probiotic Suppositories

The Flora power vaginal suppositories are developed with OB/GYNs and provide protection and support to the vagina.

It has strains belonging to L. fermentum, L. acidophilus, and L. plantarum species that are native to the vaginal microbiome, so they integrate there and fight or prevent infections.

Additionally, it contains vitamin C, which balances the vaginal pH.

The best part about it is that the website displays unbiased reviews from verified buyers, and it has an average of 4.5 rating out of 5.

Cost

You can get a single box containing 10 suppositories and an applicator for $15.39.

Pros 

• Fights vaginal odor and infections, balances pH, and re-populates the microbiome.
• Vegetarian formula that is free from gluten and dairy.
• Free from fragrance, harmful additives, and essential oils.
• Non-GMO product.
• Available on the official website and both online and physical outlets.

Cons

• Does not display the CFUs of the probiotic strains.

3. Biom Vaginal Probiotic Suppositories

The VagiBiom suppositories are not based only on probiotic strains, but they also provide prebiotics and vaginal lubricants to boost vaginovulvar health.

Its patented formula contains strains of L. crispatus, L. gasseri, L. acidophilus, and Bacillus coagulans species, along with prebiotic fiber, which enhances their adherence potential.

Apart from this, it has lactic acid and hyaluronic acid that moisturize the vaginal tissue, which prevents irritation, itchiness, odor, and general discomfort.

Cost

Its 5 probiotic suppositories will cost you $16.95.

Pros 

• Has a 3-in-1 action that reduces vaginal odor and dryness and nourishes its microflora.
• Free from parabens, titanium dioxide, triclosan, preservatives, and fragrance.
• Contains 10 billion CFU of vaginal probiotics.
• Has a vegetarian formula and is gluten-free.
• Easy to insert and does not require an applicator.
• Available at both official and other online websites as well as different marts.

Cons

• It is expensive.

Final Thoughts – Using Oral Probiotics As Suppositories

You can use oral probiotics or capsules as vaginal suppositories because both the users and researchers agree that this method is effective. 

Additionally, it is feasible to save the cost of commercial probiotic suppositories by making them home with probiotic pills.

However, if you’re not a DIY person, remember to purchase only those probiotics that have vaginal strains like L. reuteri, L. acidophilus, or L. rhamnosus so that they can attach to the vaginal lining and colonize there.

Nonetheless, keep in mind that a recent review has found that oral probiotics are more effective than suppositories. And in that case, Yourbiology’s Gut+ is my best bet!