The Best Probiotics for Fertility: How Gut & Vaginal Health Impact Conception
Probiotics are well known for gut health, but they also play a role in fertility and reproductive health too. A balanced gut and vaginal microbiome are essential for reproductive health, supporting everything from hormone regulation to implantation success.
So let’s explore the best probiotics for fertility, their benefits, and how to include them in your diet to optimise your chances of conception.
How Do Probiotics Affect Fertility?
The microbiome is comprised of trillions of bacteria in the gut and reproductive tract, which plays a crucial role in fertility health.
But how?
Well, disruptions in microbial balance, known as dysbiosis, can contribute to conditions such as bacterial vaginosis, inflammation, and poor reproductive outcomes.
Research suggests that Lactobacillus-containing probiotics may help restore microbial balance, particularly in cases of vaginal or endometrial (the uterine lining) dysbiosis, which is linked to reduced fertility and IVF failure.
While research suggests probiotics may support a healthy microbiome, there isn’t enough evidence to recommend them routinely for asymptomatic women undergoing IVF.
What is the Vaginal Microbiome?
The vaginal microbiome is a unique ecosystem, home to over 200 bacterial species found in the vaginal canal leading up to the cervix. Just like a fingerprint, each microbiome is distinct to every individual, and it can be shaped by a variety of factors, including:
- Genetics
- Ethnicity
- Environment
- Fluctuations during your menstrual cycle
- Hygiene practices, such as the use of powders, deodorants, or douching (which are not recommended, by the way)
- Sexual habits
As mentioned above, Lactobacillus is a key beneficial bacteria commonly found in probiotic-rich foods like yogurt. This species thrives in an acidic environment and plays an essential role in supporting your body’s ability to fight infections, prevent microbiome imbalances (dysbiosis), guard against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), maintain healthy mucus production, and ensure a healthy pregnancy and vaginal delivery (Mendling et al., 2016).
Recent data has highlighted higher rates of Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) an imbalance of the bacterial community of the vagina in those who experience recurrent implantation failure (RIF) whilst undergoing IVF implicating the role of the vaginal microbiome further in fertility success, especially implantation.
Gut Health & Fertility: The Connection
Your gut microbiome influences overall health, hormone balance, and immune function— all of which are critical for fertility. A healthy gut supports optimal nutrient absorption, which ensures you’re getting essential vitamins and minerals needed for conception, such as folate, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Eating a wide variety of fruits, vegetables and fibrous foods can help to maintain a diverse microbiome.
Learn more about gut health and the role on reproductive hormones and fertility health
The Best Probiotic Strains for Fertility
Certain probiotic strains have been studied for their impact on reproductive health, particularly those from the Lactobacillus family, As this can optimise the vaginal microbiota, which may help improve fertility outcomes, some of the species we recommend to clients in-clinic include:
- Lactobacillus crispatus – Plays a key role in a healthy vaginal microbiome and is associated with lower rates of bacterial vaginosis (BV), which can impact conception.
- Lactobacillus fermentum – Supports vaginal microbiota and may help prevent dysbiosis.
- Lactobacillus acidophilus – Promotes gut health and supports vaginal microbiome
- Lactobacillus delbrueckii – Aids in maintaining a balanced vaginal environment conducive to conception.
Each of these probiotics may support fertility in specific situations or when certain conditions are present. However, we recommend consulting a dietitian or fertility specialist before starting any probiotic regimen or supplements to ensure it aligns with your individual needs.
Chat probiotics and supplements with one of our expert fertility dietitians through our Express Prenatal Supplement Consult.
Probiotics for Pregnancy: Benefits & Safety
Consuming probiotics during pregnancy is generally considered safe and has been linked to potential benefits, including better digestive health – Probiotics can ease pregnancy-related bloating, constipation, and nausea and improving asymptomatic dysbiosis before IVF. However, recent data showed that some people who take a probiotic during pregnancy have an increased risk of a serious pregnancy complication called pre-eclampsia, researchers are not sure what the link is just yet but as a result the blanket use of probiotics in pregnancy has been rolled back significantly.
While early research suggests that certain probiotics may play a role in supporting fertility, more studies are needed before specific recommendations can be made.
The evidence is still evolving, and factors like probiotic strain, dosage, and individual health conditions need to be carefully considered.
Until we have clearer guidelines, it’s best to seek personalised advice from a dietitian or fertility specialist before making any changes to your routine.
Best Probiotic Foods for Fertility
Probiotics can be consumed in supplement form or through food sources. While supplements provide targeted strains, probiotic-rich foods offer a greater diversity of probiotic species and additional nutrients beneficial for fertility.
Probiotic Yoghurt & Kefir – Contain live cultures of Lactobacillus strains, supporting gut and vaginal microbiota.
Fermented Foods – Sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, and tempeh provide natural probiotics to enhance gut health (note: some fermented foods may not be suitable during pregnancy).
Prebiotic-Rich Foods – Prebiotics, found in fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds, act as fuel for our probiotics, ensuring they thrive and survive.
Optimising Gut & Vaginal Microbiome Health for Fertility
Optimising your gut and vaginal microbiome through using probiotics may positively impact fertility by reducing inflammation, which can impact hormone health, and enhance the reproductive tract health. While more research is needed, incorporating Lactobacillus-rich probiotics—either through diet or supplements—could be a valuable step in your fertility journey. As always, consult your dietitian or fertility specialist before commencing any supplements.
Need personalised fertility nutrition guidance? Book a consultation with The Dietologist today!
