Her choice: Dealing with lactobacilli,vaginitis, and antibiotics

Vulvovaginal candidiasis is a common problem for women, yet there are many gaps in knowledge about candida’s pathogenesis, immunity, and its reputed association with antibiotic use. Women often self-diagnose and self-manage the problem, yet one of the most common folk remedies used, the probiotic lactobacillus, has no biologically plausible mechanism to explain any beneficial actions and no rigorous evidence to support its effectiveness. This paper explores these issues and summaries potential areas for further research.