Probiotics as an Adjunct to Conventional Treatment in Vulvovaginitis: Past, Present, and Future

The reproductive health of a woman is vital not only for her general health, but also for that of her partner and child. In this regard, the vaginal microbiota, which is made up of predominantly Lactobacillus community, plays an important role in the maintenance of a woman's health. When this vaginal microbiotic ecosystem is disrupted or decreased and replaced by pathogenic microbes, it sequentially and progressively leads to vaginosis, which, in severe cases, may lead to obstetrical complications such as urinary tract infections, the enhancement of sexually transmitted infections, fertility issues, chorioamnionitis, and preterm delivery. Recent reports indicate that exogenous strains of probiotics to be useful in reestablishing a normal healthy vaginal flora and through judicious selection and delivery of probiotic strains to mitigate and eliminate the vaginosis. This review addresses the recent developments in the field and as well as evident gaps in present understanding and knowledge. Through meticulous research, these gaps can be bridged for better scientific understanding and human/patient benefit.