Best Probiotics for Yeast Infections: Strains, Products, and Prevention

Antifungal treatments are usually the go-to for treating yeast infections, but if you’re dealing with repeat infections, you’ve probably wondered: Is there anything I can do to stop it?

The answer may lie in (the right) probiotics. These “good bacteria” are best known for keeping your gut happy, but they also play a powerful role in maintaining a healthy vaginal microbiome — your body’s natural defense system against bacterial and yeast overgrowth. The right probiotic strains can help restore balance, prevent recurrences, and support overall vaginal wellness.

Keep reading to learn more about the science behind probiotics and yeast infections, the most effective strains, and compare leading probiotic products. 

What are probiotics, and how do they relate to yeast infections?

Probiotics are friendly live microorganisms, like certain bacteria and yeasts, that help keep the balance of good microbes in our bodies. You can find them naturally in some foods, but they’re also available as dietary supplements. Probiotics are wonderful for supporting healthy bacterial communities in our gut and vagina. By fostering a balanced microbiome, they can help prevent an overgrowth of a fungus called Candida, which is responsible for yeast infections. Keeping this balance helps our body’s natural defenses and contributes to a healthier immune system and overall microbial environment.

A yeast infection (vaginal candidiasis) often happens when the natural balance of microbes in the vagina shifts, allowing Candida to multiply. The vaginal microbiome is normally dominated by Lactobacilli, which produce lactic acid and help maintain low pH and suppress unwanted organisms. When this balance is disturbed (because of antibiotics, hormonal changes, or other triggers), yeast infections can follow. Some researchers believe that probiotics may help restore that healthy balance. However, it’s important to emphasize that while the theory is strong, the clinical evidence is still evolving, and probiotics aren’t a guaranteed cure on their own.

Gut and vaginal microbiome balance

Our bodies host thriving microbial communities in many places, especially in the gut and the vagina. These two ecosystems are deeply connected through what scientists call the gut-vagina axis, a communication pathway between the digestive tract and vaginal microbiota. What happens in one often influences the other.

In the gut, a diverse mix of microbes helps with digestion, immunity, and nutrient absorption. When that balance is disrupted, beneficial bacteria can decline, allowing opportunistic organisms to flourish. This imbalance doesn’t just affect digestion; it can also send ripple effects that influence immune responses, inflammation, and even microbial “spill-over” that impacts vaginal health.

In the vagina, the microbiome is normally dominated by one or a few Lactobacillus strains that keep the environment slightly acidic (pH around 3.8-4.5). This acidity acts as a natural shield against yeast and harmful bacteria. But when Lactobacilli levels drop, and yeast or other microbes gain ground, symptoms like itching, discharge, and irritation can appear.

Keeping both the gut and vaginal microbiomes healthy is key to preventing yeast infections and supporting recovery, and probiotics may play an important role in maintaining that delicate balance across the gut-vagina axis.

Candida overgrowth and vaginal yeast infection triggers

Yeast infections happen when the balance between Candida and the body’s natural defenses is disrupted. Normally, small amounts of Candida live harmlessly in the vagina, but certain factors can cause it to multiply and lead to infection. Common triggers include:

• Antibiotic use: Antibiotic treatment can kill off good bacteria like Lactobacillus, which usually keep Candida under control.
• Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, birth control pills, or hormone therapy can raise estrogen levels and make it easier for yeast to grow.
• Diabetes or insulin resistance: High sugar levels in vaginal fluids can feed yeast and promote overgrowth.
• Weakened immune system: Having a health condition like HIV or medications such as corticosteroids can reduce your body’s ability to manage Candida levels.
• Certain hygiene products or contraceptives: Spermicides, some IUDs, and perfumed washes can irritate the vaginal area or alter its balance.
• Chronic stress: Ongoing stress can weaken immune defenses and make yeast infections more likely.

When Candida (usually, Candida albicans) multiplies unchecked, it can cause a vaginal yeast infection. In such cases, symptoms include itching, burning, thick white discharge, and irritation. The role of probiotics here is to help re-establish the beneficial bacterial barrier so that Candida doesn’t overwhelm the system.

Do probiotics help with yeast infections? What the evidence says

Probiotics may play a helpful role in managing and preventing yeast infections — but there are some important caveats. They can support the vaginal flora, promote healthy bacterial growth, and make the vaginal environment less hospitable to yeast. However, they’re not a magic fix or a replacement for antifungal treatment.

Probiotics, especially Lactobacillus species, help maintain a balanced and resilient vaginal flora — a key defense against Candida. This balance supports long-term vaginal health and may reduce the risk of recurrence after an infection. Still, it’s important to understand that probiotics cannot treat an active yeast infection on their own. They work best as an addition to standard care, not as a standalone cure.

Research supports this supportive role. Clinical studies show that probiotics may improve short-term results when used with antifungal medications for vulvovaginal candidiasis, leading to higher cure rates and fewer relapses within the first month. However, evidence for long-term beneficial effects remains limited and inconsistent. Some trials report symptom improvement and reduced recurrence with probiotic–antifungal combination therapy, while others show little added effect.

One major caveat is that not all probiotics are created equal. Different studies use different strains, doses, and delivery methods, which makes results difficult to compare. For example, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14 have shown promise in several studies, while others may not have the same impact. The specific strain matters — and choosing one backed by clinical evidence is key.

The good news is that probiotics are generally safe, well-tolerated, and may help restore microbial balance after antifungal or antibiotic use. They can support immune health and reduce the chances of Candida taking over again. But high-quality research is still needed to identify the best strains, doses, and regimens.

Long story short: probiotics can help strengthen and maintain a healthy vaginal microbiome, but they appear to work better as adjuncts rather than stand-alone cures, and the type of probiotic strain, dose, and context (e.g., along with antifungals) likely matter.

Probiotics alongside antifungal treatment

Using probiotics alongside traditional antifungal medications, like azole drugs, can be helpful for women with frequent yeast infections. Studies show that adding Lactobacilli to antifungal treatment can lead to better results and fewer returning infections, compared to using antifungal medicine alone. However, since the studies vary in terms of strains, treatment lengths, and what they measure, we should be careful in interpreting the results. For women with recurring yeast infections, a well-selected probiotic, taken under a doctor’s guidance, may help improve their body's ability to fight infections.

Probiotics for prevention during antibiotic use

Another potential benefit of probiotics lies in prevention, particularly in contexts where the microbial balance is likely to be disrupted — such as during or shortly after taking antibiotics. 

Taking antibiotics can sometimes disrupt the balance of good bacteria in your body, which may allow Candida and bacteria to thrive. Some studies suggest that taking probiotics during this time may help reduce the risk of yeast growth or recurring vaginal infections. However, it’s important to note that while this idea shows promise, there is not a substantial amount of solid evidence specifically supporting the prevention of yeast infections. It’s a good strategy to consider, but remember it should not replace good hygiene practices, monitoring your symptoms, or consulting with your healthcare provider.

Best probiotic strains for yeast infections

If you’re considering probiotics in support of yeast infection prevention or management, choosing the right strains is important. Here are some of the most promising Lactobacillus strains to look for:

• Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1: One of the more widely studied strains in vaginal health, it has shown the capacity to adhere to vaginal epithelial cells and to help re-populate beneficial flora.
• Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14: Often studied alongside GR-1, this strain has been used in trials targeting vaginal microbial balance and improving outcomes in conjunction with other interventions.
• Lactobacillus crispatus: This strain is frequently dominant in a healthy vaginal microbiome and is thought to play a key role in maintaining low pH and resisting yeast and other microbes.
• Lactobacillus acidophilus: A classic probiotic strain often found in gut and vaginal probiotics; it shows antifungal potential in lab models and may assist in reducing Candida colonization.
• Lactobacillus plantarum: Emerging research suggests this strain may help inhibit the growth of unwanted bacteria and fungi, and support vaginal microbiota stability.

When choosing a probiotic to help with yeast infection support, it's a good idea to look for products that mention specific strains (or combinations) known for their benefits. Make sure the probiotic is high quality — ideally, one that has been tested by a third party — and contains a clinically-backed amount of colony-forming units (CFUs). 

Best probiotic products for yeast infections

When choosing a probiotic for vaginal health, it’s best to pick one designed for women’s vaginal health, using clinically supported strains. 

Evvy Women’s Complete Probiotic is specially designed to support women’s unique, interconnected microbiomes. It features multiple clinically studied Lactobacillus strains chosen to support the vaginal, gut, and urinary tract microbiomes — all of which work together. This targeted support helps maintain healthy microbial diversity and can lower the chances of Candida overgrowth.

After antifungal treatment, Evvy’s Vaginal Probiotic Suppositories offer an even more direct way to help restore and rebalance the vaginal microbiome. Together, these products make a great team for supporting ongoing comfort and preventing future imbalances like yeast infections.

FAQs about probiotics and yeast infections

Will taking a probiotic get rid of a yeast infection?

Taking a probiotic alone won’t get rid of a vaginal yeast infection in most cases. While some studies show probiotics may enhance the effectiveness of treatment and reduce recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis, conventional antifungal therapy remains the most effective treatment. If you suspect a yeast infection, it’s best to consult your healthcare provider for diagnosis and appropriate medication first, then consider probiotics as supportive.

What is the best probiotic for yeast infections?

The best probiotic would be one specially formulated for both gut and vaginal health, containing strains such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1, L. reuteri RC-14, L. crispatus, L. acidophilus, or L. plantarum. The product should specify these strains, list CFUs, and be third-party tested. Targeted, clinically-researched formulas like Evvy Women’s Complete Probiotic and Vaginal Probiotic Suppositories, which emphasise vaginal microbiome support, may offer the most targeted benefit.

Can too much probiotics cause a yeast infection?

It’s very unlikely that taking standard-dose probiotics will cause a vaginal yeast infection in a healthy person. Most research indicates probiotics are safe and adverse effects are rare. However, if you have a severely compromised immune system or a rare underlying condition, it’s wise to check with your doctor before starting any probiotic supplement.

Do probiotics help prevent yeast infection while taking antibiotics?

Yes, there is a plausible benefit in taking probiotics during or after antibiotic use, because antibiotics kill off beneficial bacteria that help keep yeast in check. Some observational and small trial data suggest probiotics may reduce subsequent yeast or vaginal infections in this setting. However, this is not guaranteed, so combining probiotics with other prevention strategies (e.g., good hygiene, breathable clothing, practicing safe sex) is best.

Can probiotics cause or worsen yeast infections?

There’s no strong evidence that probiotic treatment causes or worsens yeast infections in healthy people. Research shows minimal risk of probiotic-triggered yeast overgrowth. That said, because the vaginal microbiome is complex, using a probiotic not designed for vaginal health (or using it incorrectly) won’t necessarily help, and might give a false sense of security. Always pair probiotic use with a correct medical diagnosis and treatment when needed.