The Effect of Lactofem Oral Probiotic Capsule on Lactobacilli Colonization and Some Vaginal Health Parameters.

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVE

Healthy vaginal ecosystem is conserved with the connection of vaginal epithelium and flora in which lactobacilli play a significant role. The present study aimed to examine the effect of lactofem oral probiotic capsule on Lactobacillus colonization and some other vaginal health indices in women aged 18-55 years.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

This interventional, double-blind controlled clinical trial was conducted on 70 women with Nugent score = 4-6 and vaginal pH >4.5. The participants were divided into an oral probiotic group and a control group. The oral probiotic group was required to take one 500 mg lactofem capsule daily for 2 months, while placebo was prescribed for the control group. Samples from 6 visits were examined during the period of prescription. The data were analyzed using the SPSS statistical software, version 18.

RESULTS

The results showed no significant difference in the average colonization of vaginal Lactobacillus in the 2 groups before and during the intervention (p = 0.26). Also, no significant difference was observed in the 2 groups' Nugent mean scores before and after the intervention up to the 60th day. However, a statistically significant difference was found in this regard on the 70th day (p = 0.032). Moreover, the results indicated no significant difference in the 2 groups' mean vaginal pH before and after the intervention (p = 0.101).

CONCLUSION

Lactofem oral capsule could improve the participants' Nugent scores, but caused no change in Lactobacillus colonization or vaginal pH.