FAQ - Vagisan ProbioFlora Lactic Acid Bacteria

All Vagisan products are available exclusively at your local pharmacy.

No. Vagisan ProbioFlora Lactic Acid Bacteria and Vagisan Lactic Acid are both used in the aftercare and prevention of recurrent vaginal infections, but they have different approaches.

The vaginal capsules Vagisan ProbioFlora Lactic Acid Bacteria contain lactic acid bacteria (lactobacilli); their use is particularly useful when the vaginal flora has been permanently disturbed and needs to be rebuilt.

Vagisan Lactic Acid, on the other hand, rapidly acidifies the vaginal environment; this is particularly useful if there are still enough lactic acid bacteria in the vagina - the acidification supports their growth (see also "Recurrent vaginal infections​​​​​​​"). If in doubt, ask your doctor again.

"Döderlein" bacteria is another name for lactobacilli or lactic acid bacteria. A gynaecologist called Albert Döderlein was the first to discover lactic acid bacteria in the vagina, which is why they were named after him.

If you are prone to repeated vaginal infections, you can help stabilise your vaginal flora by using Vagisan ProbioFlora Lactic Acid Bacteria. A stable, acidic vaginal environment with lots of lactic acid bacteria is the best protection against vaginal infections, as these bacteria can prevent unwanted germs from multiplying in the vagina. However, if a vaginal infection is already present, you should definitely go to the doctor for a check-up to discuss appropriate treatment.

Vagisan ProbioFlora Lactic Acid Bacteria is a natural medicine for use in the vagina. The recommended dose for adults and adolescents aged 12 and over and in puberty is:

• After antibiotic treatment of bacterial vaginosis (bacterial vaginal infection​​​​​​​): insert 1 vaginal capsule deep into the vagina at night before bedtime for 6 to 8 days.
• To maintain normal vaginal flora in case of recurrent vaginal infections: Immediately after menstruation, insert 1 vaginal capsule deep into the vagina each evening for 4 to 6 days before bedtime.

When using lactobacilli (lactic acid bacteria), it is advisable to introduce the bacteria in the "mass" into the vagina. Therefore, it is recommended to introduce Vagisan ProbioFlora Lactic Acid Bacteria​​​​​​​ into the vagina once in the evening on 4-6 or 6-8 days in succession, depending on the area of application. If necessary, this application can be repeated after the next menstrual period.

Start using Vagisan ProbioFlora Lactic Acid Bacteria​​​​​​​ after your period. Then the environment is much more favourable for the growth of the lactic acid bacteria than at the time of bleeding. If your period has already started, stop using Vagisan ProbioFlora Lactic Acid Bacteria and continue after your period has finished.

No. The pack size of the medicine Vagisan ProbioFlora Lactic Acid Bacteria​​​​​​​ is based on the maximum amount of vaginal capsules needed.

No condom safety test has been carried out with Vagisan ProbioFlora Lactic Acid Bacteria​​​​​​​ Vaginal Capsules. However, the vaginal capsules do not contain any fatty substances, so that an impairment of the condom material is not to be expected. However, we generally recommend using the vaginal capsules not before but AFTER intimate intercourse.

People with lactose intolerance lack the digestive enzyme lactase. They are unable to break down milk sugar (lactose; a carbohydrate) in their diet, resulting in digestive disorders/abdominal discomfort.

Lactic acid bacteria, on the other hand, do not produce lactose (milk sugar), but lactic acid; this is a completely different substance than lactose.

Lactitol, a substance that is added in very small quantities in the Vagisan ProbioFlora Lactic Acid Bacteria​​​​​​​ Vaginal Capsules as "provisions" for the lactic acid bacteria, is also different from lactose. Lactitol is approved as a sugar substitute and is used in foods; there is no indication that it should not be suitable for people with lactose intolerance.

It should also be remembered that Vagisan ProbioFlora Lactic Acid Bacteria Vaginal Capsules are applied in the vagina and therefore no components of the product enter the intestine. Therefore, after using Vagisan ProbioFlora Lactic Acid Bacteria in the vagina, people with lactose intolerance are not likely to experience indigestion.

Vagisan Lactic Acid Bacteria is a medical product that contains live, protective lactic acid bacteria. A new legal regulation* ensures that products with living microorganisms may no longer be marketed as medical products from 2024. The product Vagisan Lactic Acid Bacteria was already approved as a medicinal product before the deadline and will be marketed under the new name Vagisan ProbioFlora Lactic Acid Bacteria.

Vagisan Lactic Acid Bacteria contains the same active ingredients and the same concentration of active ingredients as Vagisan ProbioFlora Lactic Acid Bacteria. Both preparations are therefore equally effective and safe. 

The efficacy and safety of the lactic acid bacteria are unchanged in both the medical device and the medicinal product.

* Regulation (EU) 2017/745 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 April 2017 concerning medical devices, Chapter 1 (6).