Many people enjoy good results from using acidophilus for yeast infection treatment and prevention. There are both pros and cons, however, to using this type of friendly bacteria for yeast infections. The pros include the chance to treat and prevent yeast infections naturally instead of using a traditional medicine. Acidophilus also has few side effects and can be good for the digestive system and the immune system overall. The primary cons include the fact that acidophilus is not guaranteed to work and may cause gastrointestinal symptoms in some cases.
One of the pros of using acidophilus to treat a yeast infection is the fact that it provides a natural way of treating and limiting vaginal yeast infections. It is often used by people who prefer not to use traditional medical or who have found medical cures to be ineffective. Additionally, acidophilus is often used not just to treat yeast infections, but also to prevent them. This is something most traditional yeast infection medications cannot do.
Another pro of using acidophilus is that it appears to be safe for the body. Most people who use acidophilus do not note any side effects. Likewise, it is usually safe for use by people who have a range of medical conditions. In fact, using acidophilus for yeast infections may benefit the body in other ways, including boosting the immune system, increasing vitamin and mineral absorption, and helping to reduce the severity of symptoms of digestive-system-related ailments.
There are few cons of using acidophilus for yeast infection treatment and prevention. The primary con is that it is not a foolproof treatment for yeast infections. A person with an active yeast infection may not experience relief from using acidophilus. The same goes for using acidophilus to prevent a yeast infection. Some people may use it and develop a yeast infection anyway.
The fact that using acidophilus may not be optimal for all patients may be another con. A doctor may recommend against its use if a person has a weakened immune system or a chronic gastrointestinal condition. For example, a doctor may sometimes recommend against its use if a person has irritable bowel syndrome or Crohn's disease.
Another con of using acidophilus for yeast infection may be its ability to cause gastrointestinal upset in some cases. This is, however, only likely to occur when high quantities of it are ingested. In such a case, mild stomach upset and gas may result. Diarrhea may occur as well.