Efficacy of vaginal probiotic capsules for recurrent bacterial vaginosis: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study

Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2010 Aug;203(2):120.e1-6. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2010.05.023.

Abstract

Objective: We assessed the effectiveness of vaginal probiotic capsules for recurrent bacterial vaginosis (BV) prevention.

Study design: One hundred twenty healthy Chinese women with a history of recurrent BV were assigned randomly to daily vaginal prophylaxis with 1 capsule (Probaclac Vaginal; Nicar Laboratories, Inc, Blainville, Quebec, Canada) that contained 8 billion colony-forming units of Lactobacillus rhamnosus, L acidophilus, and Streptococcus thermophilus (n = 58 women) or 1 placebo capsule (n = 62 women) for 7 days on, 7 days off, and 7 days on.

Results: Probiotic prophylaxis resulted in lower recurrence rates for BV (15.8% [9/57 women] vs 45.0% [27/60 women]; P < .001) and Gardnerella vaginalis incidence through 2 months (3.5% [2/57 women] vs 18.3% [11/60 women]; P = .02). Between the 2- and 11-month follow-up period, women who received probiotics reported a lower incidence of BV and G vaginalis. Aside from vaginal discharge and malodor, no adverse events were reported in either study group.

Conclusion: Short-term probiotic prophylaxis is well tolerated and reduces BV recurrence and G vaginalis risk through 11 months after treatment.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Intravaginal
  • Adult
  • Capsules / administration & dosage
  • China
  • Confidence Intervals
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus
  • Lactobacillus acidophilus
  • Middle Aged
  • Odds Ratio
  • Patient Selection
  • Probability
  • Probiotics / administration & dosage*
  • Recurrence
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Streptococcus thermophilus
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vaginosis, Bacterial / diagnosis
  • Vaginosis, Bacterial / drug therapy*
  • Vaginosis, Bacterial / microbiology*

Substances

  • Capsules