Application of Prebiotics and Postbiotics in Vaginal Infections

Abstract

Vaginal health is crucial for women's overall well-being. Decades of research have established that colonization and dominance by Lactobacillus species are fundamental characteristics of a healthy vaginal microbiota. Susceptibility factors, including menstruation, pregnancy, sexual activity, antibiotic overuse, and vaginal douching, can disrupt this microbial community. Such disturbances may lead to pathogenic overgrowth, resulting in common infections like bacterial vaginosis (BV) and vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). The dominance of vaginal Lactobacillus is essential for preventing these conditions. Recently, the use of prebiotic and postbiotic preparations to support the growth of vaginal lactobacilli has gained considerable interest. Although research on their vaginal application is still in its early stages, growing evidence suggests that prebiotics and postbiotics can help regulate the vaginal microbiota by promoting beneficial probiotics and inhibiting pathogens, thereby maintaining vaginal health. This review compiles published evidence on the use of prebiotics and postbiotics in managing vaginal infections, aiming to overcome the limitations of existing treatments and provide insights for clinical practice.