Many women experience changes in their vaginal health as they get older. Hormonal shifts – such as those associated with pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause – can all lead to vaginal health issues.
Dryness and frequent infections are common signs that vaginal health is not at its best. Certain vitamins and supplements can help to benefit vaginal health by supporting healthy pH levels, benefitting the vaginal microbiome and helping fight off infections. Today, we’re sharing some of the best vitamins for vaginal health.
What are the best vitamins for vaginal health?
Vitamin E
Vitamin E contains antioxidant properties that may help protect the vaginal 1 area from damage.
Taking vitamin E regularly may also help to keep the vagina lubricated and prevent dryness. Keeping vitamin E levels adequate may also help prevent and treat infections. You can get vitamin E naturally through certain foods such as olive oil, nuts, seeds, and avocados, or you can take it as a dietary supplement.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps to maintain normal cell function and prevent vaginal infections. Vitamin D has also been found 2 to improve vaginal pH and prevent dryness in postmenopausal women. Vitamin D supports the immune system, so deficiency may cause you to be more susceptible to infections that affect the vaginal and surrounding areas, such as yeast infections, UTIs, and bacterial vaginosis. Your body gets vitamin D through sunlight, but you can also take supplements to boost your levels. Natural sources of vitamin D include eggs, dairy products, and fish.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is commonly taken for its immune system support. It has antioxidant properties that help the body detox and fight infections. Natural sources of vitamin C include strawberries, bell peppers, and kale. One study 3 found that regular supplementation with vitamin C worked as a successful treatment for bacterial vaginosis.
Sea buckthorn oil
Sea buckthorn oil is a natural supplement derived from the seeds and berries of the sea buckthorn plant. This oil can be ingested as a supplement or applied topically to support vaginal health. It is rich in nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and E. These components help support vaginal health by improving the health of the mucous membranes 4 of the vagina.
Fish oil
Fish oil is commonly taken because it is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are essential to overall health and provide various health benefits, including reducing inflammation and benefitting heart health. Fish oil supplements also support vaginal health by reducing vaginal dryness and the risk of infections. You can boost your fish oil intake by eating more fish, or you can take fish oil supplements that come in capsule form.
Garlic pills
Garlic naturally provides antibacterial and antifungal support. Taking garlic tablets may help treat symptoms of vaginal infections and prevent future infections. You can ingest more garlic through your diet or get a stronger boost by taking a garlic supplement. One case report 5 found that garlic can treat certain vaginal infections.
Cranberry supplements
Cranberries have an acidic pH which causes them to help support healthy pH levels in the vagina. Many people are familiar with cranberry pills to treat UTIs and other vaginal infections. Because cranberries are naturally so acidic, they can also help to kill harmful bacteria and prevent infections. You can ingest cranberry by drinking pure cranberry juice or taking cranberry pills.
Probiotics
Probiotics are rising in popularity for their support of gut health. Many people don’t realize that probiotics can support other areas of the body, including the vagina. Just like the gut, the vagina also has healthy bacteria that live there naturally. Taking probiotics helps to support these healthy bacteria, preventing harmful bacteria from taking over and causing infections like yeast infections, vaginitis, and UTIs.
You can get probiotics by taking them as a supplement or eating certain foods high in probiotics. Food sources of probiotics include fermented foods such as sauerkraut, yogurt, and kombucha. Some probiotics are specifically formulated to benefit vaginal health, so if you are taking them for this purpose, make sure to find a probiotic designed to target vaginal health specifically.
Get IV Therapy
Whether you're at home, a hotel, or work, Drip Hydration will come to you - schedule your mobile IV treatment now.
What’s the best way to take vitamins for vaginal health?
You can take daily supplements to support your vaginal health by purchasing vitamins and taking them by mouth daily. Always check with your doctor before incorporating a new supplement into your daily routine–especially if you have underlying medical conditions or are taking other medications.
If there is a specific vitamin that you’re particularly low in, known as a deficiency, you may benefit from IV therapy. IV therapy provides the body with a boost of vitamins in a fast-absorbing and effective form. An IV infusion will go directly to your bloodstream rather than having to pass through the digestive tract first, as traditional vitamins do. Ongoing IV therapy can be incredibly beneficial, but even one treatment can boost your body. IV infusion formulas often contain multiple vitamins at once, so it’s a great way to get a wide range of nutrients in one treatment.
Final thoughts
There’s no denying the fact that many parts of the body change with age. Vaginal health commonly declines with hormonal changes such as pregnancy and menopause. Women who experience changes in vaginal health may experience various uncomfortable symptoms. Taking steps to boost vaginal health can improve your quality of life and help you live life to the fullest. It may be as simple as taking a new vitamin daily or beginning treatment with IV therapy. Talk with your doctor about what types of vitamins and supplements are best for you to take to support your vaginal health.
In-Home IV Treatments With Drip Hydration
Drip Hydration offers mobile IV treatments in the comfort of your home. Once you book your appointment, a certified nurse will come to your desired location and administer the treatment, which usually takes less than an hour. During this time, you can do anything you’d like, such as relax under a warm blanket or watch TV. Drip Hydration will also go to hotels, worksites, or other locations upon request.
You can either browse our treatment options and decide which is best for you or speak to a representative who can help you choose what you need based on your health goals. To schedule your appointment or learn more, contact us today!
Learn More