Doctors Opinion

Dr. Roxanne Pero, OB-GYN Why I Started Recommending Women's Probiotics to My Patients

After 12 years in practice, I've had the same conversation with patients hundreds of times. They come in feeling frustrated—dealing with recurring discomfort, dryness, or that general sense that something's "off" down there. Lab results come back normal, but they still don't feel like themselves.

That's when I started looking deeper into vaginal microbiome health, and honestly, it changed how I practice medicine.

Here's what I've learned: about one in three women will deal with microbiome imbalances at some point. Sometimes it's obvious—recurrent infections, irritation, or discomfort. But often, it's subtler. You might just feel slightly off, or notice you're more prone to UTIs during stressful periods.

The reality is, our modern lives are tough on vaginal health. Stress, hormonal birth control, antibiotics, even wearing leggings to the gym—it all disrupts the delicate balance of good bacteria that keeps everything functioning properly.

A few years ago, I started suggesting women's probiotic supplements to patients who were struggling with recurring issues. The results were encouraging enough that I began recommending them more broadly—not just for treatment, but for prevention.

What probiotics actually do: They help maintain the right pH balance and support the good bacteria (mainly lactobacilli) that naturally protect against infections and irritation. Think of it as reinforcing your body's existing defense system.

Who benefits most: Women who get frequent UTIs, anyone who's taken antibiotics recently, those dealing with hormonal changes, or honestly, anyone who wants to be proactive about their health. I've seen particularly good results in patients who travel frequently or have high-stress jobs.

The bigger picture: Gut health and vaginal health are more connected than most people realize. Supporting your microbiome can help with digestion, immune function, and even mood regulation. It's not a magic cure-all, but it's one of those simple interventions that can have surprisingly broad benefits.

I personally take a women's probiotic daily—have for about two years now. As someone who's constantly exposed to different environments in the hospital, I wanted that extra layer of protection.

A few important notes: Not all probiotics are the same. Look for ones specifically formulated for women, with strains like Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus reuteri. And while probiotics are generally very safe, if you're immunocompromised or have serious underlying health conditions, check with your doctor first.

The bottom line? If you're dealing with recurring issues, a daily probiotic is worth trying. Give it 6-8 weeks to see results—microbiome changes take time. Even if you're not having problems now, think of it as an investment in staying comfortable and confident long-term.

Your body works hard to keep you healthy. Sometimes it just needs a little support.

—Dr. Roxanne Pero, OB-GYN Board certified, practicing in women's health for 12 years