
A Healthy Vaginal Microbiome
is Critical for Feminine Health

A Healthy Vaginal Microbiome
is Critical for Feminine Health
Lactobacillus is a Woman’s Best Pal

The “good” lactobacilli bacteria produce lactic acid which help maintain the vaginal acidity level in the normal range of pH 3.8-4.5 and makes it difficult for the “bad” microorganisms to colonize and multiply. Also certain lactobacilli produce hydrogen peroxide and other compounds often referred to as bacteriocins that suppress the growth of “bad” anaerobic microorganisms. A healthy and balanced vaginal eco-system, dominated by lactobacilli, plays a critical role in protecting against colonization and overgrowth of pathogenic microorganisms that may lead to intimate discomfort and vaginal infections.
Lactobacillus is a Woman’s Best Pal

The “good” lactobacilli bacteria produce lactic acid which help maintain the vaginal acidity level in the normal range of pH 3.8-4.5 and makes it difficult for the “bad” microorganisms to colonize and multiply. Also certain lactobacilli produce hydrogen peroxide and other compounds often referred to as bacteriocins that suppress the growth of “bad” anaerobic microorganisms. A healthy and balanced vaginal eco-system, dominated by lactobacilli, plays a critical role in protecting against colonization and overgrowth of pathogenic microorganisms that may lead to intimate discomfort and vaginal infections.

This disruption of the vaginal eco-system may be caused by:
Antibiotic treatment for vaginal as well as other infections.
Sexual activity and certain types
of contraceptives.
Change in hormone levels, stage of menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause.
Inadequate personal intimate hygiene.
Stressed lifestyle and other conditions leading to decreased immune functioning.
Use of intra-vaginal products,
including douching.
This disruption of the vaginal eco-system may be caused by:
Antibiotic treatment for vaginal as well as other infections.
Sexual activity and certain types
of contraceptives.
Change in hormone levels, stage of menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause.
Inadequate personal intimate hygiene.?
Stressed lifestyle and other conditions leading to decreased immune functioning.
Use of intra-vaginal products,
including douching.
This disruption of the vaginal eco-system may be caused by:
Antibiotic treatment for vaginal as well as other infections.
Sexual activity and certain types of contraceptives.
Change in hormone levels, stage of menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause.
Inadequate personal intimate hygiene.
Stressed lifestyle and other conditions leading to decreased immune functioning.
Use of intra-vaginal products, including douching.
Ok, Why Should I Care About My Vaginal Microbiome?
There’s an immense amount of research that now shows just how important our vaginal microbiomes are and just how personalized our approaches to managing them should be. Imbalanced vaginal microbiome profiles have been shown to be associated with increased rates of bacterial vaginosis, infertility, preterm birth and increased risk of STD. New studies have shown that imbalanced vaginal flora can lead to favorable tissue environment for HPV like viral infections1-2. Recent studies have also suggested that imbalanced flora can also be a risk factor for higher chances of ovarian cancer.

References:
1. Garrett WS Cancer and the microbiota. Science. 2015; 348: 80.
2. Reid G Cervicovaginal microbiomes—threats and possibilities. Trends Endocrinol Metab. 2016; 27: 446
3. Nene, N.R. Association between the cervicovaginal microbiome, BRCA1 mutation status, and risk of ovarian cancer: a case-control study. The Lancet 2019; 20: 1171
Ok, Why Should I Care About My Vaginal Microbiome?

There’s an immense amount of research that now shows just how important our vaginal microbiomes are and just how personalized our approaches to managing them should be. Imbalanced vaginal microbiome profiles have been shown to be associated with increased rates of bacterial vaginosis, infertility, preterm birth and increased risk of STD. New studies have shown that imbalanced vaginal flora can lead to favorable tissue environment for HPV like viral infections1-2. Recent studies have also suggested that imbalanced flora can also be a risk factor for higher chances of ovarian cancer.
References:
1. Garrett WS Cancer and the microbiota. Science. 2015; 348: 80. 2. Reid G Cervicovaginal microbiomes—threats and possibilities. Trends Endocrinol Metab. 2016; 27: 446 3. Nene, N.R. Association between the cervicovaginal microbiome, BRCA1 mutation status, and risk of ovarian cancer: a case-control study. The Lancet 2019; 20: 1171
Recurrent Bacterial Vaginosis, Does this Have to Do Something with My Vaginal Microbiome?
Yes indeed; bacterial vaginosis is a condition in which the vaginal microbiome is imbalanced. An imbalanced vaginal microbiome often contains ‘bad bacteria’ that causes a biofilm to form. Often times, antibiotics alone are not enough to disrupt this biofilm and help you get rid of bacterial vaginosis. Understanding what’s in your vaginal microbiome can help you and your doctor work towards the best solution for you.

Can your Mental Health actually affect your Vagina?
Well, the short answer is there is no short answer. It gets a little scientific but just keep up and you will understand. See the body is all about chemistry! So, in order to understand why stress could actually change your chemistry is not only very interesting but as a woman something you really should know.
But it does not have to be this way!
Reducing Stress is key to all areas of healthy living and reducing inflammation and disease. AND now you know it also has a great impact of your Vaginal Health!
The first step is recognizing the signs and symptoms of Vaginal Microbiome imbalance and taking action to learn more and make changes to improve your Vaginal Health.
Signs include:

A change in the color, odor or amount of vaginal discharge.

Vaginal redness or itching.

Vaginal bleeding between periods, after sex or after menopause.

A mass or bulge in your vagina.

Pain during intercourse.