VagiBiom vaginal suppositories are formulated to support vaginal health by incorporating probiotics, prebiotics, and hyaluronic acid.
These suppositories aim to restore the vaginal microbiome, alleviate discomfort associated with dryness and irritation, and maintain a healthy vaginal environment.
VagiBiom suppositories are marketed at those experiencing vaginal symptoms such as redness, itching, burning, or general discomfort.
Are VagiBiom products any good for BV?
VagiBiom vaginal suppositories are a natural treatment for maintaining vaginal health and may help some people overcome vaginal infections like bacterial vaginosis (BV).
But, VagiBiom lacks clinical research into the longer-term impacts of use and is not considered by My Vagina as a treatment. Still, it could be used as a management strategy or as the probiotic component of a larger treatment plan.
See Killing BV for more information on effective treatments for BV.
Ingredients and benefits of VagiBiom
Probiotics
VagiBiom contains a blend of specific Lactobacillus strains, including Lactobacillus crispatus Bi16, Lactobacillus gasseri Bi19, Lactobacillus acidophilus Bi14, and Bacillus coagulans Bi34.
These strains are used to create and maintain an acidic vaginal environment to prevent the overgrowth of harmful pathogens. Probiotics in the suppositories produce lactic acid, which lowers vaginal pH.
Studies demonstrate that these probiotics improve vaginal health indices, reduce Nugent scores (indicative of bacterial vaginosis), and alleviate symptoms such as itching and dryness1.
Prebiotics
The suppositories include prebiotics such as enzyme-hydrolyzed dextrin and oligofructose, which nourish beneficial bacteria. These prebiotics promote the growth and stability of Lactobacillus strains within the vaginal microbiota, supporting their long-term health benefits1.
Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is a key ingredient that provides intense hydration, alleviating vaginal dryness and enhancing tissue elasticity. Its inclusion ensures that the vaginal environment remains comfortable, which is particularly beneficial in the late stages of low estrogen in perimenopause and postmenopause.
Coconut long-chain fatty acids
The suppository base is made from coconut fatty acids, known for their antimicrobial properties. These ingredients provide gentle application. Coconut fatty acids support the suppository’s structural integrity and slow-release delivery mechanism1.
Clinical evidence and efficacy of VagiBiom
Effectiveness in treating bacterial vaginosis
VagiBiom has been clinically tested in randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies. Research involving perimenopausal women with bacterial vaginosis demonstrated significant improvements in vaginal health.
The product reduced vaginal pH from 5.9 to 4.5 over 28 days and improved Vaginal Health Index (VHI) scores while lowering Nugent scores, a marker of bacterial overgrowth.
Women using VagiBiom also experienced rapid relief from symptoms like itching and discomfort compared to those receiving a placebo1.
Restoring vaginal microbiome diversity
Studies confirm that VagiBiom promotes the diversity and abundance of Lactobacillus species, which is important for some people for a healthy vaginal microbiome.
Specific strains, such as Lactobacillus helveticus and Lactobacillus hamsteri, emerged as beneficial indicators in treated individuals, correlating with improved vaginal health outcomes1.
Safety profile of VagiBiom
VagiBiom is free from parabens, preservatives, titanium dioxide, triclosan, and gluten, ensuring a natural and hypoallergenic solution. Clinical trials reported no significant adverse effects, affirming its safety for regular use over extended periods.
Quality of research into VagiBiom
Pros
The only published clinical study into VagiBiom offers valuable insights into the use of microbiome-focused therapies for vaginal health. Its strengths lie in its rigorous, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled design, which minimises bias and enhances the reliability of its findings.
The researchers utilised robust clinical endpoints, including Vaginal Health Index (VHI), Nugent scores, and vaginal pH, to measure outcomes effectively. Additionally, using advanced 16S rRNA sequencing for microbiome analysis is a novel approach, providing a deeper understanding of microbial shifts during treatment.
Cons
Small sample size
However, the study has notable limitations that impact its applicability. The small sample size of 66 participants, with only 46 in the treatment group and 20 in the placebo group, significantly limits its generalisability to broader populations.
Just 14 people actually had microbiome testing
The microbiome analysis subset is even smaller, with just 14 participants in the VagiBiom group, making the findings less robust.
A larger, more diverse cohort is necessary to strengthen the evidence and confirm the product’s efficacy across various demographics.
No follow up after 28 days
Furthermore, while the study targets a clinically significant group—perimenopausal women prone to bacterial vaginosis—the lack of follow-up beyond 28 days leaves questions about the long-term benefits and recurrence rates.
My Vagina clinical naturopaths – and many other practitioners – have a three-month minimum to claim a clinical cure of BV.
Slightly antimicrobial coconut base was used in placebo also
Another issue is the reliance on placebo suppositories containing coconut fatty acids, which may have inherent antimicrobial properties. This could have confounded the results, as the placebo group also experienced improvements in clinical parameters, potentially reducing the observed effect size of VagiBiom.
No other factors taken into consideration
The study also did not account for external factors such as diet, sexual activity, or concurrent medications that might influence vaginal health, leaving room for uncontrolled variables to affect the outcomes.
While not diminishing the study’s innovative approach, these limitations suggest a need for more comprehensive research to validate its findings.
VagiBiom instructions for use
Proper usage of VagiBiom suppositories is essential for achieving optimal results. Begin by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
If the suppository feels soft, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or run cold water over it before opening the wrapper.
To open the wrapper, locate the bullet point, peel open the wings, and moisten the suppository with water or lubricant gel.
Insert the suppository gently into the vagina while in a comfortable position, such as lying down or standing with one leg raised. Use the product before bedtime for convenience and effectiveness.
Manufacturer and availability of VagiBiom
VagiBiom suppositories were developed by Biom Pharmaceutical Corporation and are based in Sarasota, Florida, USA.
The company specialises in microbiome-based solutions and innovative healthcare products. VagiBiom is available for purchase through major retailers such as Walmart, Amazon, and Publix, ensuring easy access for users in the United States.
References
- 1.Vivekanandan V, Khan ZH, Venugopal G, et al. VagiBIOM Lactobacillus suppository improves vaginal health index in perimenopausal women with bacterial vaginosis: a randomized control trial. Sci Rep. Published online February 9, 2024. doi:10.1038/s41598-024-53770-1