Probiotic lactobacilli in formulas and hygiene products for the health of the urogenital tract.

Lactobacilli are the predominant microorganisms of the healthy human vagina. A novel alternative for the prevention and treatment of female urogenital tract infections (UGTI) is the inclusion of these microorganisms as active pharmaceutical ingredients in probiotic formulas, and more recently in female hygienic products. Probiotics are defined as "live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host." A list of requirements must be considered during the development of probiotic product/formula for the female urogenital tract (UGT). This review aims to resume the requirements, probiotic characteristics, and clinical trial applied to determine the effect of probiotic and potentially probiotic strains on different woman's physiological and pathological conditions, and in preterm birth prevention. A revision of female hygienic products available in the world market is included, together with novel studies applying nanotechnology for Lactobacillus incorporation in hygienic products. Further studies and well-designed clinical trials are urgently required to complement the current knowledge and applications of probiotics in the female UGT. The use of probiotic formulas and products will improve and restore the ecological equilibrium of the UGT microbiome to prevent and treat UGTI in women under different conditions.

Do panty liners promote vulvovaginal candidiasis or urinary tract infections? A review of the scientific evidence.

Panty liners are used to absorb light menstrual flow, vaginal discharge, or urine leakage, or to maintain a clean, dry feeling. Allegations that panty liners may trap heat and moisture to promote vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) or promote colonization by microbes that contribute to urinary tract infections appear to be unfounded. As reviewed herein, measurements of the impact of panty liners on skin temperature and skin surface moisture had no clinically meaningful effect on cell densities of genital microflora. Epidemiological investigations of a potential link to VVC were either negative or were inconclusive because of confounding factors. Although enteric microbes reside on the vulva and perineum, no evidence exists that panty liner use promotes urethral colonization by enteric microbes. Moreover, a series of 13 randomized prospective trials of panty liners or ultra-thin pads demonstrated no clinically significant adverse effects either on the skin or on isolation frequencies or cell densities of representative genital microflora. Post-market surveillance systems suggest a low incidence of complaints. Evidence from vulvar clinic patients reveals no significant contribution of these products to persistent vulvar symptoms. Taken together, the scientific evidence supports the conclusion that panty liners are safe when used as intended and do not promote VVC or urinary tract infections.