This article was written in partnership with AZO Complete Feminine Balance® Daily Probiotic. All opinions are my own. This information is not intended to replace the advice of your healthcare professional.

Just like the GI tract, the female urogenital tract requires balancing.
The vagina is a naturally acidic environment which provides a natural defense throughout the month between hormonal changes like your period. Of the many bacterial colonies and yeast it contains, Lactobacilli are a dominant part of your normal bacterial flora that live within the vagina. Lactobacilli have multiple variant strains which assist the vaginal environment to keep the pH low enough to fight off the “bad” bacteria.
Lactobacilli are part of the normal/protective bacterial flora of the human vagina, GI tract, & oropharynx (the throat) – they produce lactic acid from glucose fermentation and most species of these lactobacilli are facultatively anaerobic or microaerophilic (aka: they can live in environments with or without oxygen; this is irrelevant unless you’re interested in knowing the deeper facts).

…So what does this mean? This means that this type of bacteria is good for your vagina!
Because your vagina is susceptible to a variety of factors that can really throw the environment for a spin- it’s super important to keep the “good” and “bad” bacteria in a happy balance.
This defense system can be upset by the use of medications, stress, hormones, pregnancy, condoms, sex, aging, etc…

The ‘basics’ to keeping your vagina balanced:

• Good hygiene; making sure you’re clean and dry is vital, yeast and bacteria causative to common infections flourish in wet / damp environments.

• Be mindful of how long you sit in sweaty gym clothes or wet bikinis & try to keep it minimal.

• Stay away from scented soaps and lotions around your pelvic region. Using perfumed soaps can cause some major irritation!

• Be proactive, try incorporating AZO Complete Feminine Balance® Daily Probiotic into your daily regimen to help maintain ongoing vaginal health.* (coupon available at the bottom of this post)

• Avoid external disturbances; this includes douching and tampons.

AZO Complete Feminine Balance® has clinical studies that show their probiotic blend is clinically effective & is demonstrated to:
o Work in just 7 days
o Be safe for pregnant women
o Restore and maintain the balance of good bacteria and yeast
o Optimize and help maintain a healthy vaginal pH

Please Note: Your healthcare provider is the best source of information for questions and concerns related to your medical problem. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

AZO Complete Feminine Balance® and INTELLIFLORA™ are trademarks of DSM. Results demonstrated in clinical studies.