| Summary: | This study aimed to investigate the effects of lactobacilli probiotics in
preventing the recurrences of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) in 78 pregnant women
with VVC (probiotic, n = 39; placebo, n = 39) and the potential benefits on quality of
life. The lactobacilli probiotic (SynForU-HerCare; two capsules/day of 9.5 log
CFU/capsule) or placebo was administered for 8-weeks in a randomized, double-blind,
and placebo-controlled study. Subjects were assessed for vaginal and gut health
conditions at week-0, 4, and 8 via questionnaires and analyzed vaginal microbiota and
inflammatory changes. The vulvovaginal symptom questionnaire covered vulvovaginal
symptoms and quality of life. Probiotic group was exhibited the reduction of irritation
(P=0.023) and discharge (P=0.011) starting week-4 and continued after week-8 (P<0.05)
as compared to the placebo. Probiotic group was exhibited the reduction of concern
about symptoms after week-4 (P=0.010) and continued after week-8 (P=0.001),
accompanied by reduced impairment of daily activities (P=0.012) and continued after
week-8 (P=0.026). Probiotic group was exhibited the reduction of recurrences of both
emotional and social stress compared to the placebo at both week-4 and week-8
(P<0.05). Probiotic group showed higher defecation times per week at week-4 (P=0.010)
and week-8 (P=0.001) compared to the placebo group.
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