Supplement analysis backed by scientific evidence · PT

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Moderate evidenceWomen's health

Lactobacillus Crispatus

The species that dominates a healthy vaginal microbiome. A specific live-biotherapeutic strain reduces bacterial vaginosis recurrence after antibiotics, which is not the same as any capsule labelled L. crispatus working.

Evidence last reviewed: August 2026

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What the science says

  • Preventing bacterial vaginosis recurrence Moderate evidence

    A randomized trial of vaginally applied L. crispatus CTV-05 (Lactin-V) after antibiotic treatment found recurrence in about 30 percent of the treated group versus 45 percent on placebo at 12 weeks. This is a single well-conducted trial of a specific investigational product.

  • Benefit depends on clearing the infection first Limited evidence

    A secondary analysis of that trial found the strain's effectiveness was concentrated in women whose bacterial vaginosis had actually responded to the preceding antibiotic course. It appears to work as maintenance, not as a treatment on its own.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseThe studied product is a vaginal applicator of live L. crispatus CTV-05, used daily for four days then twice weekly for ten weeks after antibiotics. Oral and vaginal retail capsules use different, unstudied strains at doses of roughly 1-10 billion CFU.
SafetyWell tolerated in trials, with vaginal discharge and itching the main reports and no excess of serious events. Live biotherapeutics have not been studied in pregnancy or in immunocompromised women. A retail product is not interchangeable with the trial strain.

Scientific references

Where to buy

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