Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Lactobacillus crispatus is supported by emerging scientific evidence for its use in preventing and potentially treating bladder infections, particularly recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women. L. crispatus is a dominant species in the healthy vaginal microbiota, where it helps maintain a low pH and inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria, including uropathogens such as Escherichia coli. Several clinical studies have shown that women with recurrent UTIs often have reduced levels of L. crispatus in their vaginal microbiome, making them more susceptible to infections that can ascend to the bladder.

Interventional studies have used vaginal suppositories or capsules containing L. crispatus to restore healthy flora. For example, a randomized, placebo-controlled trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine (Stapleton et al., 2011) found that women who received intravaginal L. crispatus had significantly fewer recurrences of UTIs compared to placebo. Mechanistically, L. crispatus produces hydrogen peroxide and other antimicrobial compounds that inhibit uropathogen colonization.

Although L. crispatus is not a front-line treatment for acute bladder infection, and oral probiotics containing this strain have less consistent results, its use as a preventive strategy for recurrent bladder infections is increasingly evidence-based. More research is needed to optimize strains, dosing, and administration routes. In summary, the use of L. crispatus for bladder infection prevention is partly justified by current scientific evidence, meriting a moderate rating.

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