Verified answer

It depends on what the problem is. For a yeast infection, probiotics are the way to go. Antibiotics won't do anything but make the infection worse. As the naturally occurring bacteria in the genital area is what keeps yeast in check. Antibiotics just kill more of the good bacteria.

On the other hand, If you have a bacterial infection (like bacterial vaginosis) antibiotics are the cure. They will kill the bacteria, allowing the balance of yeast to bacteria return to normal....though, it's a delicate balance, sometimes yeast infections can result. Probiotics will just make this problem worse, as probiotics promote bacteria growth, which you don't want with this problem.

The wisdom regarding vaginal infections, in holistic medicine really only takes yeast infections into account. But bacterial infections are also very common, and often misdiagnosed without medical attention.

Basically it comes down to this, neither is better. They are different treatments for completely different ailments. For either one to work, you've got to get the right treatment with the right ailment. You can actually buy OTC testing kits, to see what kind of infection you have, if you want to treat the problem at home.

For bacterial vaginoisis your only option would be antibiotics - because probiotics cannot live in the pH that the bacteria themselves create.

Antibiotics are not prescribed against yeast infections. They are a fungal infection.

Eating probiotics and expecting them to enter the reproductive tract is an idea that doesn't work well. Does it make any sense to you that putting something in your mouth, having it come out your rectum, will end up in the vagina? {that is, if that probiotic bacteria isn't broken down by stomach acid like a meal in the first place}

Antibiotics kill all bacteria in the body the illness causing and the good, essential one. Taking antibiotics only when absolutely needed, will not kill all of the good bacteria but using it too often will. Sign of itching and burning shows on very low count of the good bacteria and yeast infection means that all bacteria are killed. This bacteria needs to be replenished by using probiotics for few weeks and eating food rich in fiber as it is the good bacterias main food. The more kinds of bacteria in a capsule you can find the better. I would advice to take the probiotics first, take the max recommended per day for couple of weeks, then you can lower the dosage. The more flora protect bacteria you'll have in the body the better you will feel.

Your best bet would be to try probiotics first, before antibiotics. Why? Probiotics are found naturally in our body and produce tremendous benefits. What are some of the benefits? [1]

* Produces B-vitamins and folic acid

* Prevents carcinogenesis

* Selectively prevents the adhesion of pathogenic coliform to the cell wall

* Aids in the alleviation of “traveler's diarrhea” and constipation

* Inhibits stomach ulcer and cancer-causing Heliobacter pylori

* Relives dermatitis and other skin disorders

* Shown to reduce serum cholesterol levels

* Inhibits the growth of 23 toxic microorganisms

* Reduces lactose intolerance

* Stimulates immune system

These are just some of the benefits of the DDS-1 probiotic strain that was discovered by Dr. Khem Shahani in the 1950s while at the University of Nebraska. Now probiotics are found in certain foods like yogurt for example but in order to get a really effective dose it is recommended that you take them in supplement form.

The key is taking ones that have been shown to have proven clinical benefits to humans. So which ones are shown to help the most in humans?

DDS-1

Lactobacillus GG

Lactobacillus acidophilus , NAS

Bifidobacterium bifidum , Malyoth

Lactobacillus bulgaricus , LB-51

There are many more of course [2], but you can find the above strains in different products on the market. Some are even available in various health food stores in your area. The important thing to remember is that probiotics are found naturally in your body and that combined with a strong healthy immune system is your best chance at being healthy and well. [3]

Certain bacteria, such as those found in yogurt, help eradicate other bacteria, such as those that cause yeast infections. The bacteria in yogurt produce hydrogen peroxide which is deadly to some other types of bacteria. I would directly apply the probiotic to site rather than just hoping some make it through the digestive process and migrate from one area to another.

The difference is that antibiotics kill good bacteria along with the bad. Probiotics use good bacteria to fight off bad bacteria. Getting rid of good bacteria can allow bad bacteria to grow out of control. Thus when women are prescribed antibiotics, often they will get yeast infections.

community sites, especially ones that have a "standard" based around public opinion, like "mothers" isn't a vary good place to go to for medical information. having experience with child rearing is not the same thing as understanding how the body works, or in this case, microbiology.

the reason why some sicknesses like the one you described, which sounds like a bacterial infection, are treated by doctors with antibiotics is because the sickness is the result of bacteria, not the absence of bacteria.