For Women Probiotics

Recommended use

• For best results take 1 capsule daily, preferably with breakfast
• May be increased to 2 capsules per day if desired or professionally directed.
• For those unable to swallow capsules, open and mix contents with cool food/drinks.
• Do not exceed recommended daily dosage.
• Can be taken intensively or on an ongoing basis (daily) For Women can safely be taken alongside other supplements in the Optibac range.
• Suitable from 4 years onwards

Storage instructions

• For best results, do not remove desiccant sachet from the glass jar and close lid firmly after each use.
• Store in a cool, dry place below 25°C and out of direct sunlight. For maximum potency, can be refrigerated after opening.

Customer questions

All questions answered by probiotic experts Dr Kate Stephens PhD (Food and Microbial Sciences) BSc(Hons) Medical Microbiology and Kerry Beeson BSc (Nut. Med.) Nutritional Therapist.

What are women’s probiotics?

Most probiotics are suitable for all genders. However,some strains, such as Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14^®*, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1^®*, and Lactobacillus paracasei F-19^®, have been shown to survive to reach the vaginal flora. These strains have been specifically researched for the support of vaginal health and urinary tract issues*, and are regarded as specific vaginal probiotics. They can be found in the Optibac Probiotics For Women supplement.

What are women’s probiotics good for?

Women’s probiotics help to support the vaginal flora, even when taken orally¹. A healthy vagina typically contains Lactobacilli bacteria which produce lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide. These substances help to keep the all-important pH balance in the vagina at an optimum pH of 4.5 (slightly acidic), reducing the risk of bad bacteria colonising in the intimate area.

How do I choose the best probiotic for women?

The best women’s probiotic supplements contain friendly bacteria specifically researched in women, with the same billions count used in supporting research studies. Optibac Probiotics For Women contains strains used in gold standard clinical trials ^2-4 and found to offer benefits for a variety of vaginal health issues* using 2.5 billion live cultures daily.

How long does it take for women’s probiotics to work?

Even when taken orally, vaginal probiotic strains, such as those found in Optibac Probiotics For Women, are proven to reach the vagina alive in 3-4 days.  These vaginal live cultures have been shown in clinical trials⁵ to colonise in the vagina after just one week.

When is the best time to take probiotics for women?

It’s best to take women’s probiotic supplements at breakfast time, as this is when stomach acidity is at its most neutral. Taking vaginal probiotics with food further helps to buffer the acid and assist the passage of the live cultures into the gut and on to the vagina. If you forget to take them with breakfast, just take with another meal or snack.

How long should you take women’s probiotics for?

This depends on individual needs. Occasional users might choose a seven-day intensive course for occasional vaginal health issues, but most women feel more confident when taking vaginal probiotics daily. Optibac Probiotics For Women comes in three sizes: 7 days, 30 days, and 90 days, but is designed for long-term daily use.

Are women’s probiotics safe during pregnancy?

It is perfectly safe to take Optibac Probiotics For Women during pregnancy for vaginal health support*. However, pregnant women may prefer to consider a probiotic supplement designed for pregnancy, such as Optibac Probiotics Pregnancy, which contains live cultures specifically researched in pregnant women.

Will vaginal live cultures help my digestion?

The live cultures in Optibac Probiotics For Women prefer to live in the vaginal flora, but other probiotic strains prefer to live in the gut. This is why many people choose to take a probiotic digestive supplement, such as Optibac Probiotics Every Day, alongside their vaginal live cultures so that they have all-round support for their gut and vaginal flora*.

Who can take vaginal probiotics?

Vaginal probiotic supplements, such as Optibac Probiotics For Women, are designed to complement the natural vaginal flora, and support vaginal health*. They may be appropriate and helpful for cis women, trans men, or non-binary people with a vagina. 

Safety

Probiotics are not recommended for those with serious medical conditions e.g. those who are severely immunosuppressed, have pancreatitis, are in the ICU, have melaena, have a central venous catheter, short bowel syndrome, or patients with open wounds following major surgery; unless under a doctor's care. Keep out of reach of children.

This is a dietary supplement and is not intended to prevent, treat or diagnose any medical conditions. Dietary supplements should not be used as a substitute for a healthy diet and lifestyle. If you are taking any medications or have a serious medical condition, consult a doctor before use. Optibac supplements will not cause dependency and may be used on an ongoing basis.

References

1. Morelli L, Zonenenschain D, Del Piano M, Cognein P. Utilization of the intestinal tract as a delivery system for urogenital probiotics. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2004;38(6 Suppl). doi:10.1097/01.mcg.0000128938.32835.98
2. Martinez RCR, Franceschini SA, Patta MC, et al. Improved treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis with flXXXXXXole plus probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14. Lett Appl Microbiol. 2009;48(3):269-274. doi:10.1111/j.1472-765X.2008.02477.x
3. Martinez RCR, Franceschini SA, Patta MC, et al. Improved cure of bacterial vaginosis with single dose of tiXXXXXole (2 g), Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1, and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Can J Microbiol. 2009;55(2):133-138. doi:10.1139/W08-102
4. Beerepoot MAJ, Ter Riet G, Nys S, et al. Lactobacilli vs antibiotics to prevent urinary tract infections: A randomized, double-blind, noninferiority trial in postmenopausal women. Arch Intern Med. 2012;172(9):704-712. doi:10.1001/archinternmed.2012.777
5. Anukam K.C. et al., (2006), ‘Augmentation of antimicrobial met*******ole therapy of bacterial vaginosis with oral probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14: randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial’. Microbes Infect. 8(6): 1450-4.

*Health professionals can read more about these strains on the Probiotics Database: Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14^® and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1^®

Ingredients

Probiotic blend: Lactobacillus paracasei F-19^®, Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14^®, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1^®; maltodextrin (non-GMO), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, vegetable magnesium stearate

Each capsule guarantees 2.5 billion CFU.

Suitability

• Vegetarian
• Vegan
• Dairy free
• Suitable during pregnancy
• Suitable during breastfeeding
• Suitable in menopause
• Gluten free
• Yeast free
• Soy free
• GMO free
• No added sugars
• Free from artificial flavorings, colorings and preservatives
• No chemicals and parabens

Customer questions

All questions answered by probiotic experts Dr Kate Stephens PhD (Food and Microbial Sciences) BSc(Hons) Medical Microbiology and Kerry Beeson BSc (Nut. Med.) Nutritional Therapist.

Is For Women dairy free and vegan?

Yes, For Women is a dairy free and vegan supplement. This means it’s one of the best probiotics for women with lactose intolerance or a milk allergy.

Following the taxonomic updates issued by a global team of scientists and published in April 2020, which look more closely at the Lactobacillus genus, a reclassification has been advised for the L. paracasei, L. rhamnosus and L. reuteri species. The active ingredients in For Women may therefore also now be referred to as Lacticaseibacillus paracasei F-19^®, Limosilactobacillus reuteri RC-14^® and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GR-1^®.

Customer reviews

• Re: Optibac for for Women - I had suffered from recurring bladder infections since having a hysterectomy at 40 (I'm now 59) and immediately entering into menopause. I used to be low dose antibiotics for years but I still got bladder infections! One day I went to my local health food store for my normal Optibac (to help my digestion) and the sales assistant recommended the Optibac for Women. I thought - "really! Like that's going to help my bladder infections". I bought a jar of 30 capsules! After 25 days I returned and purchased 90 capsules and haven't looked back. I have only had one bladder infection in a year and have completely come off the low dose antibiotic! It also provides good bacteria for the vagina - I never have any odour. I don't know how it works but it does.

  Sharon - 26th August 2022

• This product works! I am in menopause and I am on a low dose HRT patch and progesterone, but the optibac pill everyday stops vaginal and vulvar burning . It truly works ! I love this product .

  Anne - 21st August 2022

• The product is good for women and I love this product. After one month of using this product, my body is feeling better, the itchy symptoms of the vagina are getting less and I enjoy my life more. Thanks

  Hoai - 16th August 2022

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USA Shipping

Coronavirus Update

We ship all USA orders from our warehouse in Hampshire in the UK. Due to the ongoing global pandemic many US, European and Worldwide postal routes are seeing increased transit times. Delivery times provided on this site are therefore a guide and not a guarantee. Express Services largely remain unaffected however these routes are typically subject to local tax and duties at customs.

USA standard shipping: $4.99

International postal order - typically deatched and delivered within 5-10 working days.
Free standard shipping on orders over $100.

USA express shipping: $6.99

We use DHL and orders are typically dispatched and delivered within 2-5 working days.

Good to know

• We'll send you an email to confirm once your parcel has been dispatched.
• For delivery queries, please email enquiries@optibacprobiotics.com. 
• We are unable to ship orders to PO boxes.
• Product prices on this website are always shown in US dollars (USD $) and exclude tax - tax is not applicable as orders are fulfilled from the UK.

Worldwide Delivery

• We deliver to more than 50 countries.
• Shipping is charged at cost - please note that duties may apply.
• Please allow 3-7 working days for delivery within Europe and 5-12 days to all other destinations. Includes order tracking.  
• If you are located within the United Kingdom or Europe, we recommended switching to our UK website.
• International deliveries might currently take a little longer due to the global coronavirus situation. Please refer to the webpage of our international delivery provider DHL to confirm the number of days it takes to receive your order and whether they currently ship to your country.
• Most international delivery prices are dependent on the size and weight of your order and where it is being sent. You'll be shown the final price of shipping in the checkout, before payment, once we have your address and order details.
• Long distance shipping and short-term exposure to high temperatures will not compromise the viability of our products. Customers living in very hot countries should store the products out of direct sunlight and refrigerate if the option is available.

For more details regarding international orders, currency conversion and applicable tax for orders outside the USA, please take a look at our delivery FAQ.