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From less bloating to fewer UTIs, probiotics offer a range of potential benefits to women. Here are the products our dietitians recommend.

Probiotics are made up of healthy bacteria and yeast and support important functions of your gut microbiome, including nutrient absorption and immunity. They may also be useful for a range of digestive conditions.

Importantly, probiotics offer benefits specifically for women, such as supporting urinary tract and vaginal bacterial balance and protecting against bacterial infection. They may even help with acne.

Read on to learn how probiotics can support women’s health and to see our recommendations.

Pricing guide

The cost of women’s probiotics, like any vitamins or supplements, varies widely. The products on our list span from less than $20 to more than $75. This range is indicated in the article as follows:

  • $ = less than $20
  • $$ = $21–$35
  • $$$ = $36–$50
  • $$$$ = $51–$80
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Price rangeIntended supportCFU count Other active ingredients
Garden of Life Once Daily Women’s Probiotic3$$• digestive
• immune
• vaginal		50 billionprebiotics
Mindbodygreen Probiotic+3$$$$• weight
• immune
• digestive		32 billion—
HUM Nutrition Private Party3$$• vaginal health
• urinary tract		10 billioncranberry extract
Ritual Synbiotic+3$$$$• digestive
• immune		11 billion• prebiotics
• postbiotics
Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic$$$• digestive
• immune
• skin
• heart		53.6 billion (AFU)prebiotics
RenewLife Women’s Care Probiotic$• digestive
• immune
• vaginal
• urinary tract		25 billion—
Ora Lady Bugs Women’s
Probiotic & Prebiotic3		$$$• digestive
• vaginal
• urinary tract
• immune		16 billion—
Olly Probiotic + Prebiotic Gummies3$• digestive
• immune		500 millionprebiotics
Culturelle Women’s 4-in-1 Protection$$• digestive
• immune
• vaginal		15 billionprebiotics
Bio-Kult Pro-Cyan$$• urinary tract
• vaginal
• immune
• digestive		1 billion• vitamin A
• cranberry extract

3 Third-party tested by an accredited lab to ensure purity and potency.

  • Dietitian review: Each product on this list was reviewed by registered dietitians Rachael Ajmera, MS, RD, and Kelli McGrane, MS, RD.
  • Probiotic strains: We included products that contain probiotic strains that can offer support for bloating and UTIs, among other benefits for women.
  • Ingredient quality: All products are made with high quality ingredients and are free from fillers, preservatives, and artificial ingredients.
  • Storage: Probiotics have various storage requirements, and we included both shelf-stable and refrigerated probiotics.
  • Third-party testing: Many of the products included are tested by independent labs to verify purity and potency.
  • Vetting: Each product and brand has been vetted to ensure that it meets Healthline’s medical and business standards. You can read more about our vetting process.

There are a few key factors to keep in mind when shopping for a probiotic supplement:

  • Specific strains: Not all probiotic strains behave the same way, so consider which ones are included in the product. If you want to improve digestion, for example, you might look for a probiotic containing Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM and Bacillus coagulans. Alternatively, if you’re concerned about vaginal health, look for strains like Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus reuteri, and/or Lactobacillus rhamnosus. These and other strains may also help with bloating or to reduce the frequency of UTIs. Learn more about the best probiotic strains for women below.
  • Other ingredients: Some probiotics will include additional ingredients like prebiotic fiber, postbiotics, or cranberry extract. These may offer additional benefits but could also be problematic for some people. For example, prebiotic fiber could actually worsen digestive symptoms in individuals with IBS. Alternatively, a probiotic that includes cranberry extract might further support vaginal health.
  • CFU count: The CFU count in a probiotic supplement refers to the number of live bacteria it contains. Most supplements provide 1–10 billion CFU per serving, though this can vary. Look for a product that contains at least 100 million to 1 billion CFU, which is the minimum effective daily dose for probiotics.
  • Storage needs: Most probiotics are shelf-stable and can be stored at room temperature, while others require refrigeration because they are more sensitive to heat and moisture.
  • Third-party testing: Selecting a probiotic that has been tested by an independent lab or certified by a third-party organization, such as NSF International, can help verify its safety, quality, and strength.
  • Dietary restrictions: Some products may be certified gluten-free or vegan, which is a key consideration for those with strict dietary needs.

Important probiotic strains for women

  • Bacillus coagulans: Often found in fermented foods, this strain may alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
  • Bifidobacterium lactis: Bifidobacterium lactis is naturally present in dairy products and may help strengthen the gut barrier and improve bowel movement frequency in adults looking for a probiotic for constipation.
  • Bifidobacterium longum: Known for supporting a healthy gut, bifidobacterium longum assists in breaking down carbohydrates and fighting off harmful bacteria.
  • Lactobacillus acidophilus: Common in yogurt and fermented foods, this strain supports vaginal health by preventing the growth of harmful bacteria and may aid in digestion.
  • Lactobacillus plantarum: Lactobacillus plantarum is present in fermented foods like kimchi and sauerkraut and may be beneficial for heart health and decreasing the risk of heart disease. It also has antimicrobial properties and may help increase the number of beneficial bacteria in the vagina, which could help prevent yeast infections.
  • Lactobacillus reuteri: Naturally occurring in the gut and breast milk, this strain may protect against vaginitis and supports overall vaginal health, but more research is needed.
  • Lactobacillus rhamnosus: Lactobacillus rhamnosus is naturally present in the intestine and can help ease digestive discomfort and support a balanced microbiome.
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If you do not consume many probiotic foods and experience chronic vaginitis or UTIs, you may consider a probiotic. While probiotics in general can be helpful for supporting the gut microbiome — which may in turn strengthen immunity and support mental health, among other things — they can be particularly impactful for women’s bodies.

Probiotics offer a range of potential benefits specifically for women, including:

  • possibly helping balance the vaginal microbiome
  • helping restore gut bacteria after a round of antibiotics and they may prevent diarrhea associated with antibiotic use
  • alleviating symptoms related to IBS, ulcerative colitis, and other digestive conditions
  • supporting heart health

Some probiotics also contain prebiotics to support digestive health. Prebiotics provide fuel for the beneficial bacteria in your gut.

A note on probiotic supplements

No two microbiomes are the same, and probiotics may affect people differently. For this reason, it could take some trial and error to find a supplement that works for you.

Keep in mind that probiotics aren’t necessary or appropriate for everyone. Those who regularly consume probiotic-rich foods and are generally healthy may not require additional supplementation.

Consult with a healthcare professional to determine if probiotics could be beneficial for you, particularly if you’re considering them for medical reasons or experience side effects from their use.

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Probiotics offer a variety of potential benefits specifically for women, including supporting digestive health, as well urinary tract and vaginal bacterial balance.

Some probiotics may also help restore a healthy gut microbiome after taking a round of antibiotics, which can have negative effects on the gut.

While some women may benefit from taking a probiotic, not everyone needs one, and for some individuals, it could actually do more harm than good.

Thus, it’s important to discuss probiotics with your doctor first to determine the appropriate strain for your needs and whether you need one at all.

Bifidobacterium lactis and Lactobacillus casei are two probiotic strains that have been shown to help improve constipation.

Synbiotics may also be beneficial for constipation as well, but more research is still needed.

Some women may benefit from taking a probiotic supplement for managing digestive and vaginal health and boosting immunity. Some women may not need them at all.

Because the benefits of probiotics vary greatly depending on the strain, it’s important to talk with a healthcare professional about which probiotic product might be best for your health needs.