For Women

30 capsules |up to 1 month's supply

4.7/5 (167 reviews) Read verified product reviews
4.7/5 (167 reviews) Read verified product reviews
Louise Mason BA (Hons) Dip CNM Nutritional Therapist, Dip CNM Naturopath, mANP
This is my favourite specialist product for the vaginal microbiome and it's easy to take as a small, oral capsule - no pessary involved.
Louise Mason
Louise Mason BA (Hons) Dip CNM Nutritional Therapist, Dip CNM Naturopath, mANP

Who is it for?

For Women contains friendly bacteria strains especially found in the vaginal & urinary tracts, scientifically proven to reach the intimate area, and to complement the vaginal flora. It is suitable for women of all ages and is backed by over 30 years of research.

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FREE UK delivery on orders over £40.

UK express - Monday to Friday delivery.

See our Delivery & Returns for more information.

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  • Vegan

    Vegan

  • No dairy

    No dairy

  • Yeast free

    Yeast free

  • Gluten free

    Gluten free

  • During pregnancy

    During pregnancy

  • During menopause

    During menopause

Key benefits

Friendly bacteria for women

  • A specialist supplement Specifically designed for the vaginal microbiome not the gut
  • Quality, multi-strain formula Containing the world-renowned combination of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1®Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14®, and now also with Lactobacillus paracasei F-19®
  • Highly researched Backed by over 25 studies and 30 years of research showing safety and quality 
  • Clinically proven To survive to reach the vagina
  • A more natural option Contains strains natural to the vaginal tract and supports natural PH levels 
  • Easy to take A small oral capsule for daily use. Can be taken alone or alongside other supplements like cranberry, natural anti-bacterials and anti-fungals
  • Highly recommended From the UK’s most trusted & recommended brand of friendly bacteria supplements.

Making a difference 

Womankind supported by Optibac

For every pack of For Women purchased, we donate to the international women's rights charity, Womankind Partnership. Since 2014, you have helped us raise more than £678,000! Read more about the Optibac and Womankind Worldwide partnership.

Optibac Probiotics strains

  • Lactobacillus paracasei F-19®
  • Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1®
  • Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14®
See full ingredients list
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Intimate flora

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Proven to reach the vagina

Customer reviews

4.7/5 (167 reviews)
  • Been taking these for a couple of months now. Absolutely amazing they are a game changer, especially if you're sensitive and suffer from irritation down below... I'll never stop taking these now ! !

    Loopy- 16th May 2023

  • This product deserves an excellent review, since it has helped me strengthen and protect my intimate part, thanks to its ingredients and Live Cultures: Lactobacillus Paracasei F-19, Rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus Reuteri RC-14) help to the vaginal microbiota. I recommend it to all women. my gynecologist recommended this product and again I feel healthy and happy.

    Angelica Fernández- 15th May 2023

  • I suffer with sensitivity below, I started using these tablets fantastic will be ordering again

    Susan- 12th May 2023

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Help & advice

Speak to our team of experts (nutritionists, microbiologists and nutritional therapists) any time for free advice, with absolutely no obligation to buy.

Camilla Gray
Camilla Gray DipCNM Nutritional Therapist
optibac

Why choose us?

We are the UK's most trusted & recommended brand of friendly bacteria supplements.

† As determined in an independent survey of 1000 British women.

  • How to use

  • Ingredients

  • Leave a review

  • Delivery & returns

  • How to use

    Recommended use

    For Women can be given to adults and children, from 4 years onwards, with the following recommendations:

    • For best results take 1 capsule daily, preferably with breakfast
    • May be increased to 2 capsules per day if desired or professionally directed.
    • Do not exceed recommended daily dosage.
    • For those unable to swallow capsules, open and mix contents into cool food/drinks.
    • Can be taken intensively or on an ongoing basis (daily).
    • For Women can safely be taken alongside other supplements in the Optibac range.
    • This supplement is designed to complement the natural vaginal flora and whilst called For Women, we acknowledge it may also be appropriate and helpful for trans men or non binary people. Please contact us if you're unsure which supplement to take - we're here to help!

    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.

    Safety

    Live cultures 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.

    Vaginal health supplements are not intended to prevent, treat or diagnose any medical conditions. If taking probiotic supplements for vaginal health, note that these should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy 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.

  • Ingredients

    Ingredients

    Maltodextrin (natural source); Live cultures: Lactobacillus paracasei F-19®, Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14®, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1®; vegetarian capsule: hydroxypropyl methylcellulose; stabiliser: microcrystalline cellulose; anti-caking agent: vegetable magnesium stearate

    Each capsule guarantees 2.5 billion live cultures.

    Suitability

    • Vegetarian
    • Vegan
    • No dairy
    • Suitable during pregnancy
    • Suitable during breastfeeding
    • Suitable in menopause
    • Gluten free
    • Yeast free
    • Soy free
    • GMO free
    • No added sugars
    • Free from artificial flavourings, colourings and preservatives
    • No chemicals and parabens
    Format Capsule
    No. Live Cultures 2.5 billion
    Recommended Use 1 capsule daily
    Age Range Adult
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  • Delivery & returns

    UK Delivery

    Free UK Delivery over £40 
    Free standard UK delivery is automatically applied at the checkout when you spend £40.

    Standard 2nd class: £2.50
    Allow 4-10 working days (Monday - Friday) for delivery 

    1st class: £3.95
    Allow 1-3 working days (Monday - Friday) for delivery 

    Express Next Day (Tracked): £6.95 (Dispatching Friday 30th December)
    Order before 2pm for 1-2 working day delivery to most of the UK*. Orders placed on Friday will be delivered on Monday (next working day). Requires signature.

    Shipments will be dispatched via DHL or FedEx, the service will be selected depending on the delivery location.

    *Express delivery may exclude the Channel Islands, Herm Island, Isle of Man, Isle of Wight, Northern Irish postcodes BT18 & upwards, Sark, Scottish borders and offshore and a small number of remote mainland destinations as determined by our delivery courier. 

    Good to know

    • We'll send you an email to confirm once your parcel has been dispatched.
    • For delivery queries, please call us on +44 (0)1264 339 770 or email enquiries@optibacprobiotics.com
    • Orders placed before 2pm are typically dispatched on the same working day.
    • Delivery within the UK and Northern Ireland has a fixed price, regardless of the size and weight of your order. 
    • Delivery times are estimates and not guaranteed unless otherwise stated.

    International Delivery

    We offer an excellent worldwide delivery service. For more details, please take a look at our delivery FAQ.

    Returns

    If you have changed your mind, you can return goods, at your cost, unopened within 14 days for refund or exchange, this does not affect your statutory rights.

Customer Questions

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

Most friendly bacteria supplements are suitable for all genders. However, several strains, such as Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14®* and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1®*, and Lactobacillus paracasei F-19®, survive to reach the vaginal flora and prefer to colonise there. They are regarded as specific vaginal live cultures and can be found in the Optibac Probiotics For Women supplement.

 Women's live cultures supplements, such as Optibac Probiotics For Women, contain vaginal live cultures which complement the natural vaginal flora. They aren't harmful for men but are most appropriate and helpful for cis women, trans men, or non-binary people with a vagina.

The best women’s live cultures supplements contain friendly bacteria specifically researched in women, with the same billions count used in supporting research studies. Optibac Probiotics For Women strains were used in gold standard clinical trials (1, 2,3)  at the same strength of 2.5 billion live cultures per capsule daily. 

References
(1). 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 (2). 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 (3). 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
Read More

This depends on individual preference. Some women take a seven-day intensive course when needed, but most women feel more confident when taking vaginal live cultures daily. Optibac Probiotics For Women comes in three sizes: 7 days, 30 days, and 90 days, but is designed for long-term daily use. Take with food, ideally breakfast, when stomach acidity is closer to neutral.

Taken orally, vaginal live cultures, such as those in Optibac Probiotics For Women, are proven to reach the vagina alive in 3-4 days and to colonise in the vaginal flora in one week. Once there, what do women's live cultures do for women? Lactobacilli bacteria in the vaginal flora produce lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide, which help to keep the all-important pH balance in the vagina at an optimum pH of 4.5 (slightly acidic).(1,2).

References
(1). 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. (2). 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
Read More

Friendly bacteria for women help to support the vaginal flora, even when taken orally(1). 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).

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
Read More

It’s best to take your women’s probiotic supplement at breakfast time, as this is when stomach acidity is at its most neutral. Taking it 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.

It is perfectly safe to take Optibac For Women during pregnancy; however, pregnant women may prefer to consider a supplement designed for pregnancy, such as Optibac Pregnancy, which contains live cultures specifically researched in pregnant women.

Yes, For Women does not contain any dairy and is a vegan supplement. This means it’s one of the best live cultures for women with lactose intolerance or a milk allergy.

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

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