WOMEN’S HEALTH: LET’S TALK GOOD BACTERIA 

WOMEN’S HEALTH: LET’S TALK GOOD BACTERIA 

The vaginal flora refers to the ecosystem of different species of bacteria that are present in the vagina these bacteria help maintain an ideal environment to keep the vagina healthy and avoid infections. They also help maintain an ideal pH level and promote Lactobacillus type of good bacteria that is essential in gynecological health.

The types of bacteria found in the vaginal microflora will vary from individual to individual, but a healthy vaginal microbiome is made up mostly by a genus of bacteria called Lactobacillus. In fact, it is estimated that at least 95% of the average vaginal flora should be made up from the Lactobacillus genera of bacteria and predominantly the following species:

• Lactobacillus reuteri
• Lactobacillus rhamnosus
• Lactobacillus crispatus
• Lactobacillus gasseri
• Lactobacillus iners
• Lactobacillus jensenii

The importance of the vaginal microbiome:

So how exactly do friendly bacteria protect against vaginal infection? Let’s take a look.

Production of lactic acid:

This function is what keeps the vagina's pH balance at a slightly acidic level and prevents the growth of yeast, bad bacteria and other pathogenic organisms which prefer a more alkaline environment. This function is why Lactobacilli have their name. Fun fact: the pH balance of a healthy vagina is around 4.5, which is the same as wine, tomatoes, and beer!

Production of hydrogen peroxide and other substances which inhibit the growth of unfavorable or ‘pathogenic’ strains of bacteria and yeast:

Anything that upsets the delicate balance of the vaginal microbiome gives pathogens a chance to overgrow and cause intimate health infections. Bad bacteria can grow in the vaginal flora for many reasons:

• Sexual intercourse
• High-sugar diets
• The use of perfumed body wash products
• Antibiotics
• Stress is also known as a potential triggers.

If the vaginal microbiome is disrupted and vaginal pH levels exceed 4.5, it becomes the ideal breeding ground for infections such as:

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) - BV is the most common vaginal infection in those ages 15-44, with one in three individuals with a vagina thought to suffer from it at some time in their lives.

Yeast infections - Also known as thrush. These are typically caused by unfriendly yeasts from the Candida family.

Article credit : Cocci Beauty