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What are the Pros and Cons of Acidophilus for Yeast Infection?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Many people enjoy good results from using acidophilus for yeast infection treatment and prevention. There are both pros and cons, however, to using this type of friendly bacteria for yeast infections. The pros include the chance to treat and prevent yeast infections naturally instead of using a traditional medicine. Acidophilus also has few side effects and can be good for the digestive system and the immune system overall. The primary cons include the fact that acidophilus is not guaranteed to work and may cause gastrointestinal symptoms in some cases.

One of the pros of using acidophilus to treat a yeast infection is the fact that it provides a natural way of treating and limiting vaginal yeast infections. It is often used by people who prefer not to use traditional medical or who have found medical cures to be ineffective. Additionally, acidophilus is often used not just to treat yeast infections, but also to prevent them. This is something most traditional yeast infection medications cannot do.

Sauerkraut contains acidophilus.
Sauerkraut contains acidophilus.

Another pro of using acidophilus is that it appears to be safe for the body. Most people who use acidophilus do not note any side effects. Likewise, it is usually safe for use by people who have a range of medical conditions. In fact, using acidophilus for yeast infections may benefit the body in other ways, including boosting the immune system, increasing vitamin and mineral absorption, and helping to reduce the severity of symptoms of digestive-system-related ailments.

Pitcher of acidophilus milk.
Pitcher of acidophilus milk.

There are few cons of using acidophilus for yeast infection treatment and prevention. The primary con is that it is not a foolproof treatment for yeast infections. A person with an active yeast infection may not experience relief from using acidophilus. The same goes for using acidophilus to prevent a yeast infection. Some people may use it and develop a yeast infection anyway.

Acidophilus is a natural remedy for yeast infections.
Acidophilus is a natural remedy for yeast infections.

The fact that using acidophilus may not be optimal for all patients may be another con. A doctor may recommend against its use if a person has a weakened immune system or a chronic gastrointestinal condition. For example, a doctor may sometimes recommend against its use if a person has irritable bowel syndrome or Crohn's disease.

Another con of using acidophilus for yeast infection may be its ability to cause gastrointestinal upset in some cases. This is, however, only likely to occur when high quantities of it are ingested. In such a case, mild stomach upset and gas may result. Diarrhea may occur as well.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Evelyn65

I have never heard that this acidophilus can be dangerous for a yeast infection. Thank you so much for sharing this information. I am glad I found this article and got this additional information. Thanks!

oopart28

@liz1103- Congratulations on your soon to be new addition! How wonderful! I wish you and your husband success in bringing a new little life into your family.

As for your question, I went through the same thing when I was pregnant. On top of that, I had to take a course of antibiotics during my second trimester. I tried to eat a serving of yogurt with acidophilus every time I had to take a pill. I don’t think you can get too much of it by eating yogurt.

If yogurt doesn’t end up being very appetizing, maybe you can take a supplement with probiotics for yeast infections. I never took the supplements, so I’m not sure.

liz1103

During my pregnancy, it seemed like my body was always imbalanced. Isn’t it lovely how our ph level changes and can throw everything off? Well, my husband and I are trying to conceive again.

I am very excited, but I am not looking forward to going through any more yeast infections. I already eat yogurt with live and active cultures. My question is how much acidophilus should I take for a yeast infection?

Charmagne

Any time I have to take antibiotics, I make sure I am getting acidophilus as well. When women take antibiotics to get rid of an infection, we face the unfortunate side effect of losing the friendly bacteria our bodies need to maintain a balance. We then become a great host for a yeast infection. Acidophilus keeps this from happening.

As long as I have taken acidophilus with my antibiotics, I’ve never even had any yeast infection symptoms. No one wants to deal with a yeast infection on a good day. I certainly don’t want to deal with one on top of being sick.

I have never had any negative side effects from taking acidophilus personally. I think it is a great preventative measure and would recommend it.

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    • Sauerkraut contains acidophilus.
      Sauerkraut contains acidophilus.
    • Pitcher of acidophilus milk.
      By: picsfive
      Pitcher of acidophilus milk.
    • Acidophilus is a natural remedy for yeast infections.
      By: womue
      Acidophilus is a natural remedy for yeast infections.
    • Acidophilus may cause gastrointestinal symptoms.
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      Acidophilus may cause gastrointestinal symptoms.
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      Contracting an STD may cause a woman to also develop a fungal vaginal infection.
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      Individuals suffering from a yeast infection may experience a burning sensation during urination.
    • Yogurt -- which contains acidophilus -- may help treat a yeast infection.
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      Yogurt -- which contains acidophilus -- may help treat a yeast infection.