At a glance
| What it is | A lactic acid bacterium; often dominant in a healthy vaginal microbiome |
| Strain in FemiCore | LCr86 |
| Amount in FemiCore | Not disclosed (part of 50 mg probiotic blend; CFU not given) |
| Best evidence | Small phase 2 trial of a vaginal L. crispatus product for recurrent UTI |
| Oral evidence for bladder health | Not found |
| Key caution | Severe illness or weakened immunity |
What it is
Lactobacillus crispatus is one of several Lactobacillus species that commonly live in the vagina. When lactobacilli dominate, they produce lactic acid, which keeps the vaginal environment acidic and less friendly to many unwanted bacteria. L. crispatus-dominated communities are often described in research as particularly stable. Because the vagina sits close to the urethra, researchers have studied whether boosting L. crispatus might lower the risk of bacteria reaching the bladder.
Lactobacilli have also been detected in the bladder itself. The 2012 study by Wolfe and colleagues used sequencing to show that bacteria are present in many women’s bladders even when standard cultures are negative. See what is the urinary microbiome?.
The key study: Lactin-V
Stapleton and colleagues (Clinical Infectious Diseases, 2011) ran a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial in 100 premenopausal women with a history of recurrent UTI. After antibiotics for a current infection, women used either Lactin-V (an L. crispatus vaginal suppository) or a placebo: daily for five days, then weekly for ten weeks.
| Result | Lactin-V | Placebo |
|---|---|---|
| Women with a recurrent UTI | 7 of 48 (15%) | 13 of 48 (27%) |
| Relative risk | 0.5 (95% CI 0.2–1.2), not statistically significant overall | — |
Among women whose vaginas stayed highly colonized with L. crispatus, the risk of recurrence was much lower (relative risk 0.07). The authors concluded that larger efficacy trials are warranted.
Why this doesn’t transfer directly to FemiCore
- Route: Lactin-V was placed in the vagina. FemiCore is swallowed. Whether oral L. crispatus reaches and colonizes the vagina in meaningful amounts isn’t shown for this product.
- Strain: Lactin-V used a specific strain; FemiCore uses LCr86. We found no published human studies on LCr86.
- Dose: Lactin-V had a defined dose. FemiCore lists only the 50 mg total for five strains.
- Outcome: The trial measured UTI recurrence, not bladder control or leaks.
Thinking of trying FemiCore?
Check the seller’s current price and read the 60-day refund terms before you order. Talk to your doctor first if you take medication.
Affiliate link. Opens the seller’s official order page.Probiotics and UTI more broadly
NCCIH reports that a 2015 review of nine studies (735 participants) “did not find evidence of a beneficial effect” of probiotics for preventing UTIs. The field is active, and L. crispatus remains one of the more promising candidates, but the evidence isn’t settled.
Dose and CFU
Probiotic effects depend on getting enough live organisms of the right strain. The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements recommends looking for CFU at the end of shelf life, because weight includes dead organisms. FemiCore lists only milligrams, so we can’t assess its L. crispatus dose.
Side effects and safety
Lactobacilli are generally well tolerated by healthy people; mild bloating or gas can occur. NCCIH warns that the risk of harmful effects from probiotics is greater in people with severe illnesses or compromised immune systems. If you have a weakened immune system, ask your specialist before taking any probiotic.
What would better evidence look like?
For L. crispatus in FemiCore to be considered proven, we would want to see:
- a human study showing that oral LCr86 reaches and colonizes the vagina or bladder;
- a randomized trial showing fewer UTIs, or better bladder symptoms, compared with placebo;
- a clear dose in CFU that matches what is in the capsule.
None of these exists for FemiCore as far as we could find. That doesn’t mean it can’t work; it means we can’t say it does.
Role in FemiCore
L. crispatus is the most scientifically interesting ingredient in FemiCore and gives the “microbiome balance” claim some real-world grounding. But the grounding comes from a different route of use, a different strain and an undisclosed dose.
Our assessment
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is it a sensible strain to include? | Yes |
| Human evidence for FemiCore’s form (oral)? | Not found |
| Dose known? | No (no CFU) |
| Main caution | Weakened immunity |
Bottom line
Including L. crispatus shows the formula follows current research directions. Just don’t read the Lactin-V results as evidence that a FemiCore capsule will reduce UTIs or leaks; the study tested something quite different.
Frequently asked questions
Is oral L. crispatus as good as vaginal?
That hasn’t been shown. The best-known L. crispatus trial for recurrent UTI used a vaginal suppository, not an oral capsule.
What does Lactobacillus crispatus do?
It is a common, often dominant species in a healthy vaginal microbiome and produces lactic acid that keeps the environment acidic.
Does L. crispatus prevent UTIs?
A small trial of a vaginal L. crispatus suppository showed fewer recurrences (15% vs 27%), but the overall difference was not statistically significant. Oral forms haven’t been shown to work.
How much L. crispatus is in FemiCore?
Not disclosed. It is part of a 50 mg probiotic blend with no CFU count.
Ready to compare packages?
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Affiliate link. Opens the seller’s official order page.Sources
- Stapleton AE et al. Randomized, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial of a Lactobacillus crispatus probiotic given intravaginally for prevention of recurrent UTI. Clin Infect Dis. 2011;52(10):1212-1217
- Wolfe AJ et al. Evidence of uncultivated bacteria in the adult female bladder. J Clin Microbiol. 2012;50(4):1376-1383
- NCCIH: Probiotics – what you need to know
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: Probiotics fact sheet for health professionals
Keep learning
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. FemiCore is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Information on this page is for education only. If you have bladder symptoms such as pain, blood in the urine, fever or sudden changes, see a health care professional.