Like so many supplements, probiotics have been through the cycle of being the hot “it” supplement to being trashed as a waste of money. The truth — as is often the case — is a lot more nuanced. So let’s talk about probiotics for fertility and more!

What probiotics research tells us.

A recent study showed pregnancy rates were similar in frozen embryo transfers with and without probiotics, but the miscarriage rate was significantly lower with the added probiotics. In this particular study, a probiotic with the strain Lactobacillus Acidophilus was given vaginally from CD2 - CD8 (CD means cycle day).

Studies also suggest probiotics are especially helpful for people with endometriosis or PID (pelvic inflammatory disease), as the inflammation and immune system responses in these conditions can lead to vaginal microbiome changes that decrease fertility.

Chronic BV (bacterial vaginosis), ureaplasma, or other infections have been linked to decreased fertility and can all benefit from probiotic supplements too, especially when taken vaginally. Look for brands that specifically say they are formulated for vaginal microbiome health.

And remember, we’re going for the big-picture — and this is about more than just getting pregnant! A large meta-analysis showed that people who take probiotics while pregnant and lactating have more beneficial bacteria in their breastmilk which benefits the infant gut-microbiome and health outcomes. This could be particularly helpful in babies who were born via cessarian where the lack of passage through the vaginal canal leads to a less robust microbiome.

Probiotics beyond fertility.

Probiotics also seem to reduce both anxiety and depression. If you’re working with me and we’ve talked about your gut ‘kettle’ and ‘digesting emotions,’ you’ve already got an idea why this makes sense. And if you want to learn more, just ask at your next visit or learn more on-demand in the House module of my 90-day online program The Baby You Want. I dive deeper into fertility foods and moderate, sustainable, eating there too!

“Patients who received prebiotics, probiotics or synbiotics had significantly improved symptoms of depression compared with those in the placebo group.”
- BMC Psychiatry 2023

When should you take probiotic supplements?

Fill a Nutritional Gap

If you already eat naturally fermented foods — yay! That’s probably even BETTER than probiotics, and less expensive too. Unpasteurized sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, pickles, kefir, yogurt, etc are all great additions to a well-rounded diet that supports gut and whole-body health.

If you don’t eat this way and don’t want to make a dietary change, then I recommend buying one or two high quality probiotic supplements. Variety is good insurance you’ll get what you need, and rotate them by taking one or two doses every few days. Think about this like you’re adding the supplement where you’d ideally be eating fermented foods. You don’t need to consume loads and loads every single day, but adding it here and there is a long-term sustainable strategy.

Improve Your Vaginal Flora

I recommend a combination of oral and vaginal dosing, and have found the easiest way to do the vaginal doses is to make a paste with a little water or plain yogurt, put it in a washable, reusable syringe (like the ones that come with children’s pain meds), and insert it vaginally each night before bed for 6 - 10 days. Wear a pad — you know the drill!

If you’re treating an active vaginal infection (BV, Ureaplasma, yeast), I highly recommend combining this with the appropriate western medications — usually oral antibiotics or anti-fungals. Getting a culture done by your doctor will ensure they are treating the correct concern with the best medicine possible. Just say no to one-size-fits all guesses and ask for a swab and culture.

Get Proactive While Taking Antibiotics

If you’ve been prescribed antibiotics during IVF, or for an illness, it’s wise to offset the risk of secondary issues like antibiotic induced diarrhea, nausea, and yeast infections. Take probiotics orally while taking the antibiotics and continue them for 7 - 14 days after the course of antibiotics is completed. If you’re more prone to yeast infections add vaginal doses too.

Dig into the research.

Here are some resources you might like

• Remembryo.com is a great site to explore fertility specific studies — a small monthly subscription is required for full access

• Examine.com is another paid site that compiles and summarizes the best studies and research on broader topics

• To find the best supplement brands I suggest consumerlab.com or chatting up the folks that work at your local co-op

I’m always happy to discuss options in person or virtually too. I love staying up to speed on the research so that you don’t have to do it all yourself.

Don’t forget the less sexy … fiber.

Remember, feeding the good bacteria in your body is just as important as adding them. It’s true, fiber is not a sexy topic. But it’s a HUGE deal for helping all sorts of gut, brain, microbiome concerns. It’s kinda like the breath-work of nutrition. When in doubt, you won’t go wrong by eating some fiber.

I hope this post provides you with some solid, evidence-backed, sane and sustainable probiotic supplement advice that actually helps you reach your goals — and feel better along the way!

Warmly,

Nicole

Nicole Lange

LICENSED ACUPUNCTURIST
HOLISTIC FERTILITY EDUCATOR