Probiotics for Bladder and Urinary Tract Health

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common infections affecting women, and almost half will experience at least one in their lifetime. For many, UTIs don’t just come once and go away; they return again and again, leading to repeated antibiotic prescriptions. While antibiotics are usually the go-to treatment, they don’t always prevent infections from coming back, and overusing antibiotics can often make the cycle worse.

That’s where probiotics enter the conversation. Probiotics aren’t a cure for UTIs (so if you think you have one, you should always speak to your healthcare provider), but certain strains may play a role in prevention and supporting long-term urinary health.

By supporting a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut, vagina, and urinary tract, probiotics may make it harder for bad bacteria to take hold. Research is still evolving, but studies suggest that specific strains of Lactobacillus and other beneficial microbes can help lower the risk of recurrent urinary tract infections. Keep reading to learn how probiotics support the bladder and urinary tract, which strains are most promising, and what to look for when choosing a supplement. 

Do probiotics help with urinary tract infections?

While antibiotics are necessary and effective at treating bacterial infections like UTIs, they don’t always prevent recurrence. On top of that, overuse of antibiotics contributes to resistance, meaning harmful bacteria become harder to treat over time.

That’s where probiotics may help. Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when taken in the right amounts, may help restore balance to the body’s linked microbiomes. By supporting a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut, vagina, and urinary tract, probiotics may make it harder for bad bacteria to take hold. Research is still evolving, but studies suggest that specific strains of Lactobacillus and other beneficial microbes can help lower the risk of recurrent urinary tract infections.

While there’s no single “cure” probiotic, the evidence suggests that the right strains can play a helpful role in prevention. For people dealing with frequent UTIs, probiotics may offer a safe, antibiotic-sparing strategy to support bladder and urinary tract health.

The gut-vaginal-urinary axis explained

The gut, vagina, and urinary tract are more connected than you might think. The gut often acts as a reservoir for pathogenic bacteria like E. coli, which can travel to the vaginal and urethral area and then into the bladder, sparking an infection. Research shows that many of the bacteria found in urine during UTIs can actually be traced back to the gut.

A healthy vaginal microbiome (usually dominated by protective Lactobacillus species) creates a natural defense system against these unwanted invaders. But when this balance is disrupted, whether by antibiotics, hormonal changes, or other factors, it can leave the urinary tract more vulnerable. The urinary tract itself has its own microbiome, which isn’t sterile as once thought, and certain bacteria like Lactobacilli may help guard against infection.

The challenge is that antibiotics, while effective at treating and preventing UTIs, can disturb both gut and vaginal microbiomes, sometimes making the problem worse in the long run and fueling antibiotic resistance. Probiotics, on the other hand, aim to restore balance. Oral and vaginal strains of Lactobacillus have been shown in clinical trials to reduce UTI recurrences. While antibiotics are still needed to treat UTIs, probiotics offer a safe, microbiome-friendly approach that may help lower risk with fewer side effects.

Why antibiotics alone aren’t enough for recurrent UTIs

There’s no question that antibiotics are highly effective at preventing and treating urinary tract infections. In fact, for women with recurrent UTIs, antibiotic prophylaxis (the use of antibiotics as a preventative measure) can reduce recurrence rates by up to 95%. That’s why antibiotics remain the gold standard for UTI management, and why they’re an essential part of treatment when an infection is active.

But antibiotics aren’t perfect. Long-term use can come with downsides, including an upset stomach, yeast infections, and disruption of the gut and vaginal microbiomes. Over time, this disruption may make the body more vulnerable to new infections and contribute to antibiotic resistance, which is a growing concern. That’s why expert groups like the American Urogynecologic Society and European Association of Urology recommend reassessing antibiotic use regularly, rather than relying on them indefinitely.

This is where probiotics may play an important role. While they can't treat or prevent urinary tract infections as effectively as antibiotics, studies show that certain strains (especially vaginal Lactobacillus) can reduce recurrence compared to a placebo, with far fewer side effects. Probiotics help restore the beneficial bacteria that antibiotics often wipe out, making them a useful addition to the bigger picture of urinary tract health — especially if you suffer from recurrent UTIs.

Best probiotic strains for UTI and bladder health

Not all probiotics are created equal. Different strains serve different purposes, and for urinary tract health, a few stand out in research (the reason we’ve included them in our Women’s Complete Probiotic).

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14

This duo has been studied extensively in women’s health. Both strains can colonize the vagina and are thought to prevent harmful bacteria from attaching to the bladder lining. Clinical trials show they may reduce recurrent UTIs, particularly when used together.

Lactobacillus crispatus

Among all lactobacilli, Lactobacillus crispatus has some of the strongest evidence. Vaginal administration has been shown in randomized controlled trials to significantly reduce UTI recurrence, with high vaginal colonization correlating with fewer infections.

Lactobacillus acidophilus

Commonly found in many probiotic supplements, Lactobacillus acidophilus helps maintain an acidic vaginal pH, making it harder for pathogens to thrive. While evidence is less robust compared to Lactobacillus crispatus, it still supports overall microbiome balance.

Lactobacillus plantarum

Known for its role in gut health, Lactobacillus plantarum may also contribute to vaginal and urinary health by producing antimicrobial compounds and supporting a balanced pH.

Top probiotic products for UTI

With so many probiotics on the market, it can be hard to know which one to choose. The best options for UTI prevention contain clinically studied strains, especially Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1, and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14.

Evvy Women’s Complete Probiotic is specifically designed to deliver advanced 3-in-1 microbiome support for gut, urinary, and vaginal health. Unlike generic probiotics, it includes strains backed by research for preventing recurrent UTIs and maintaining a protective vaginal microbiome. Other probiotic products may help with gut health, but they often lack the strains most studied for urinary health. Evvy Women’s Complete Probiotic also includes Vitamin D, a nutrient well known for supporting immune function and urinary tract health.

Plus, it’s formulated with the right colony-forming units (CFUs) to ensure effectiveness — the right strains at clinically studied doses. With probiotics, more isn’t always better, and our Women’s Complete Probiotic is guaranteed to deliver that amount at the end of its two-year shelf life, so you can trust you’re getting the full benefit, not just an inflated number at the time of manufacturing.

While no product is guaranteed to prevent urinary tract infections, Evvy’s Women’s Complete Probiotic was built with the science of the vaginal microbiome in mind, making it one of the best daily supports for reducing UTI risk and promoting long-term balance.

How to choose the right probiotic for UTI prevention

Not all probiotics on the shelf are equal, so it helps to know what to look for.

What to look for on a label

Check for specific strain names (like L. rhamnosus GR-1, not just “Lactobacillus rhamnosus”) and CFUs — higher isn’t always better, but effective doses in studies often range from 1–10 billion per serving. The delivery method matters, too. Oral probiotics can help via the gut, while vaginal suppositories deliver beneficial bacteria directly where they’re needed. It’s also helpful to check that a probiotic has been third-party tested for safety, purity, and allergens.

When to talk to a clinician before starting probiotics

If you have frequent urinary tract infections, have a weakened immune system, are pregnant, or are already on other medications, it’s best to check in with your clinician before starting probiotics. They can help tailor a prevention strategy that includes probiotics alongside other proven approaches.

Additional ways to support urinary tract health

Probiotics aren’t the only tool for preventing urinary tract infections. Day-to-day habits and caring for your microbiome play a huge role in keeping your bladder and urinary tract healthy.

Hydration and diet tips

Staying hydrated is one of the simplest and most effective ways to support urinary health. Drinking enough water helps flush bacteria from the urinary tract before they have a chance to cause problems. 

Diet matters, too. A fiber-rich diet supports gut health, which in turn influences the vaginal and urinary microbiomes. Adding foods like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables helps feed beneficial bacteria in the gut. Fermented foods (such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, or kimchi) can provide natural probiotics that may help maintain balance across your microbiomes.

Avoiding disruptors like douches and unnecessary antibiotics

Your microbiome is delicate, and certain habits can unintentionally throw it off balance. Douches or scented feminine hygiene washes marketed for “freshness” can strip away protective Lactobacilli in the vagina, leaving you more susceptible to infection. 

Antibiotics, while often necessary and lifesaving, can also disrupt both the gut and vaginal microbiomes when used frequently or unnecessarily. This can set the stage for recurring UTIs or yeast infections. The key is to use antibiotics when truly needed, and to talk to your clinician about probiotic strategies to protect and restore your microbiome afterward.

Role of vaginal microbiome testing in UTI prevention

Because every woman’s microbiome is unique, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to UTI prevention. Evvy’s Vaginal Health Test can provide a personalized window into your health. Testing can reveal whether you have protective strains like Lactobacillus crispatus, or if your microbiome is dominated by bacteria associated with higher UTI risk. With this information, you and your healthcare provider can make smarter, more targeted decisions, like choosing probiotics that match your microbiome’s needs, or addressing other imbalances that may be contributing to infections.

FAQ

Should you take a probiotic if you have a urinary tract infection?

If you currently have a UTI, the most important step is to see your healthcare provider. Probiotics alone can’t cure a UTI, and antibiotics are the only proven way to treat an active infection. That said, they can still play a supportive role. Taking probiotics after antibiotic treatment may help restore balance to your urinary, gut, and vaginal microbiomes, all of which can be disrupted by antibiotics. This can be especially helpful in reducing side effects like yeast infections or digestive issues. Over the long term, certain probiotic strains may also lower your risk of recurring UTIs. So while probiotics shouldn’t replace antibiotics, they can be a useful complement for both recovery and prevention.

What probiotics do urologists recommend for UTIs?

Urologists often point to a few specific probiotic strains that have shown the most promise in clinical studies for UTI prevention. Lactobacillus crispatus stands out, especially in vaginal formulations, with evidence linking it to lower rates of recurrence. The combination of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14 has also been studied extensively and may help reduce UTI risk when taken orally or vaginally. These probiotics work by colonizing the vagina, lowering the pH, and making it harder for harmful bacteria, like E. coli, to grow. While probiotics can’t replace antibiotics during an active infection, these Lactobacillus strains are the most talked about in urology for preventing urinary tract infections.

What brand of probiotics is best for UTIs?

When choosing a probiotic for UTIs, focus less on the brand and more on finding a formulation that contains clinically studied strains specifically linked to urinary and vaginal health. Many over-the-counter probiotics focus on gut bacteria, which won’t necessarily protect the bladder. That’s why Evvy Women’s Complete Probiotic is designed with research-backed strains designed to support the vaginal and urinary microbiomes, including Lactobacilli that have been shown to help lower UTI recurrence risk. While no probiotic can guarantee UTI prevention, choosing one built for women’s urinary and vaginal health (instead of just digestion) gives you the best chance of meaningful support.

Can probiotics cause UTIs?

Probiotics are generally very safe and well-tolerated, and there’s no evidence that they can cause UTIs. The strains used in probiotic supplements are considered beneficial microbes that naturally live in the gut and vagina. Their role is to help maintain balance and create an environment that discourages the growth of harmful bacteria, not to trigger infections. In fact, probiotics are being studied as a way to reduce UTI risk, not increase it.

Are probiotics helpful for bladder infections?

Yes, but with an important caveat: probiotics won’t treat an active bladder infection, so antibiotics are still needed in that situation. Where probiotics may help is in prevention and recovery. By supporting the vaginal and urinary microbiomes, certain probiotic strains can make it harder for pathogenic bacteria to colonize the urinary tract. This means probiotics may lower the likelihood of recurrent bladder infections, especially when used regularly as part of a broader prevention strategy. They also help restore balance after antibiotics, which can wipe out beneficial bacteria along with the harmful ones. So while they’re not a replacement for medical treatment, probiotics can absolutely be a helpful long-term ally in protecting bladder health.

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