Vaginal flora - The secret key to women's intimate health
Here at VagiVital, we've talked a lot about vaginal health, but one topic that rarely gets the attention it deserves is vaginal flora, or the microbiome in the vagina. The vagina, like the gut, contains a complex network of microorganisms that play a crucial role in our immune system, wellbeing and intimate balance. But what exactly is the vaginal flora and why is it so important?
WHAT IS VAGINAL FLORA?
The vaginal flora, or microbiome, is a unique part of the body's ecosystem - a ‘separate room’ that is different from other parts of the body. What makes the vaginal microbiome special is that it consists of a relatively small number of different types of bacteria, most of which belong to the Lactobacillus group. The role of these little ‘soldiers’ is to maintain a low pH value, produce lactic acid and protect against infections by creating an acidic environment that discourages the growth of harmful bacteria. Research shows that a healthy vaginal pH is between 3.8 and 4.2, which is crucial for keeping the vagina protected and balanced. What's even more fascinating is that this microbiome starts to develop already in newborn girls, and before the first menstrual period, the bacterial composition is already similar to that of an adult woman.
THE MICROBIOME'S ROLE IN OUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
The vaginal flora is one of the body's first lines of defence. By maintaining an acidic environment, the Lactobacillus bacteria create the conditions for what we call ‘the vagina's natural defences’. In addition to lactic acid, they also produce small amounts of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which has a direct inhibitory effect on harmful microorganisms. This defence mechanism not only protects us from common infections such as bacterial vaginosis and fungal infections, but also from more serious diseases such as HIV, gonorrhoea and chlamydia.
When the balance of the microbiome becomes unbalanced - for example due to antibiotics, hormonal changes or excessive use of soaps and intimate products - a so-called dysbiosis can occur. This means that harmful bacteria gain the upper hand, which can lead to irritation, discomfort and a weakened barrier against other infections. A common consequence of this is bacterial vaginosis, which is characterised by foul-smelling discharge, irritation and an elevated pH value. In bacterial vaginosis, the amount of Lactobacillus is greatly reduced, allowing other bacteria, such as Gardnerella vaginalis, to grow and further disturb the balance.
HOW TO GET RID OF BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS
Vernivia Vaginal Mousse by VagiVital is an antibiotic-free treatment for bacterial vaginosis that restores vaginal balance in just 7 days and relieves foul-smelling vaginal discharge within 12 hours. Vernivia mimics the vagina's own immune system, creating an optimal environment and restoring balance 🙌
HORMONES' IMPACT ON THE MICROBIOME
The endocrine system, or hormones, play an important role in regulating the composition of the vaginal microbiome. Oestrogen, for example, stimulates the growth of Lactobacillus by increasing the production of glycogen, which serves as food for these good bacteria. It's also why the vagina is particularly sensitive during menopause, as reduced estrogen levels lead to fewer Lactobacillus bacteria and increased vaginal pH. This can lead to irritation, fragility of the mucous membranes and a greater risk of recurring infections.
During pregnancy, the opposite happens: Estrogen levels increase and the growth of Lactobacillus thrives, further strengthening protection. Hormones are therefore an important factor to consider when talking about vaginal health.
HOW IS THE VAGINAL MICROBIOME AFFECTED?
Environmental factors that can upset the balance include excessive use of intimate soap, unprotected sex and even some contraceptives. In addition, research suggests that genetic factors play a role. Women in different parts of the world have different types of vaginal flora, suggesting that our microbiome is as individual as we are. For daily intimate care, choose VagiVital V Cleanser - a 100% soap- and fragrance-free intimate care product that gently cleanses and maximises moisture ❤️
Buy VagiVital Moisturising Cleanser here.
DO WE NEED MORE RESEARCH?
No doubt about it! Our vaginal flora is an exciting and partly unexplored area. Today we already know that it changes throughout a woman's life - from birth, through the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause. However, we need to learn more about how we can best support this microbiome and how we can prevent the imbalances that affect so many women today.
Take care of your microbiome and Stay Pussytive ❤️
/Fanny Falkman Grinndal
Business Manager Nordics
Peptonic Medical AB
fanny.falkman-grinndal@peptonicmedical.se
WHAT IS VAGINAL FLORA?
The vaginal flora, or microbiome, is a unique part of the body's ecosystem - a ‘separate room’ that is different from other parts of the body. What makes the vaginal microbiome special is that it consists of a relatively small number of different types of bacteria, most of which belong to the Lactobacillus group. The role of these little ‘soldiers’ is to maintain a low pH value, produce lactic acid and protect against infections by creating an acidic environment that discourages the growth of harmful bacteria. Research shows that a healthy vaginal pH is between 3.8 and 4.2, which is crucial for keeping the vagina protected and balanced. What's even more fascinating is that this microbiome starts to develop already in newborn girls, and before the first menstrual period, the bacterial composition is already similar to that of an adult woman.
THE MICROBIOME'S ROLE IN OUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
The vaginal flora is one of the body's first lines of defence. By maintaining an acidic environment, the Lactobacillus bacteria create the conditions for what we call ‘the vagina's natural defences’. In addition to lactic acid, they also produce small amounts of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which has a direct inhibitory effect on harmful microorganisms. This defence mechanism not only protects us from common infections such as bacterial vaginosis and fungal infections, but also from more serious diseases such as HIV, gonorrhoea and chlamydia.
When the balance of the microbiome becomes unbalanced - for example due to antibiotics, hormonal changes or excessive use of soaps and intimate products - a so-called dysbiosis can occur. This means that harmful bacteria gain the upper hand, which can lead to irritation, discomfort and a weakened barrier against other infections. A common consequence of this is bacterial vaginosis, which is characterised by foul-smelling discharge, irritation and an elevated pH value. In bacterial vaginosis, the amount of Lactobacillus is greatly reduced, allowing other bacteria, such as Gardnerella vaginalis, to grow and further disturb the balance.
HOW TO GET RID OF BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS
Vernivia Vaginal Mousse by VagiVital is an antibiotic-free treatment for bacterial vaginosis that restores vaginal balance in just 7 days and relieves foul-smelling vaginal discharge within 12 hours. Vernivia mimics the vagina's own immune system, creating an optimal environment and restoring balance 🙌
HORMONES' IMPACT ON THE MICROBIOME
The endocrine system, or hormones, play an important role in regulating the composition of the vaginal microbiome. Oestrogen, for example, stimulates the growth of Lactobacillus by increasing the production of glycogen, which serves as food for these good bacteria. It's also why the vagina is particularly sensitive during menopause, as reduced estrogen levels lead to fewer Lactobacillus bacteria and increased vaginal pH. This can lead to irritation, fragility of the mucous membranes and a greater risk of recurring infections.
During pregnancy, the opposite happens: Estrogen levels increase and the growth of Lactobacillus thrives, further strengthening protection. Hormones are therefore an important factor to consider when talking about vaginal health.
HOW IS THE VAGINAL MICROBIOME AFFECTED?
Environmental factors that can upset the balance include excessive use of intimate soap, unprotected sex and even some contraceptives. In addition, research suggests that genetic factors play a role. Women in different parts of the world have different types of vaginal flora, suggesting that our microbiome is as individual as we are. For daily intimate care, choose VagiVital V Cleanser - a 100% soap- and fragrance-free intimate care product that gently cleanses and maximises moisture ❤️
Buy VagiVital Moisturising Cleanser here.
DO WE NEED MORE RESEARCH?
No doubt about it! Our vaginal flora is an exciting and partly unexplored area. Today we already know that it changes throughout a woman's life - from birth, through the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause. However, we need to learn more about how we can best support this microbiome and how we can prevent the imbalances that affect so many women today.
Take care of your microbiome and Stay Pussytive ❤️
/Fanny Falkman Grinndal
Business Manager Nordics
Peptonic Medical AB
fanny.falkman-grinndal@peptonicmedical.se