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 ecosystem, dominated by lactobacilli, plays a critical role in protecting against colonization and the 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 ecosystem, dominated by lactobacilli, plays a critical role in protecting against colonization and the 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?
An immense amount of research now shows just how important our vaginal microbiomes are and how personalized our approaches to managing them should be. Imbalanced vaginal microbiome profiles have been shown to be associated with social and intimacy-related chronic conditions. New studies have shown that imbalanced vaginal flora can lead to a favorable tissue environment for 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?
An immense amount of research now shows just how important our vaginal microbiomes are and how personalized our approaches to managing them should be. Imbalanced vaginal microbiome profiles have been shown to be associated with social and intimacy-related chronic conditions. New studies have shown that imbalanced vaginal flora can lead to a favorable tissue environment for 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 cause a biofilm to form. Often, antibiotics alone are not enough to disrupt this biofilm and help you eliminate bacterial vaginosis. Understanding what’s in your vaginal microbiome can help you and your doctor work toward the best solution for you.