The results do not provide sufficient evidence for or against recommending probiotics for the treatment of BV .
BACKGROUND The dominance of lactobacilli in healthy vaginal microbiota and its depletion in bacterial vaginosis ( BV ) has given rise to the concept of oral or vaginal instillation of probiotic Lactobacillus strains for the management of this condition .
OBJECTIVES To ascertain the efficacy of probiotics in the treatment of BV .
Use of complementary therapies in a sexual health clinic setting
This prospect i ve cohort study examined the health-seeking behaviour of patients diagnosed with genital warts and vulvodynia who presented to Manly Sexual Health Service from March to June 2000 . A self-administered question naire was used to assess patients ' perceptions of their condition and their use of complementary therapies .  Thirty-seven patients with genital warts and 26 patients with vulvodynia participated in the study . The use of at least one  complementary health product or method  was reported by 59 % of patients with genital warts and 96 % of vulvodynia patients ( P < 0.001 ) . Having received conflicting information and being worried about the condition was significantly associated with visits to complementary health providers . Acknowledgement of this search for complementary therapies and open discussion can help patients make informed decisions and to avoid drug interactions , and should ultimately lead to better patient care
The results do not provide sufficient evidence for or against recommending probiotics for the treatment of BV .
BACKGROUND The dominance of lactobacilli in healthy vaginal microbiota and its depletion in bacterial vaginosis ( BV ) has given rise to the concept of oral or vaginal instillation of probiotic Lactobacillus strains for the management of this condition .
OBJECTIVES To ascertain the efficacy of probiotics in the treatment of BV .