Vaginal microbiome
- important for intimate health
According to scientists, every adult consists of an average of around 30 trillion body cells and 38 trillion bacterial cells. Most of these microorganisms reside in the large intestine, followed by the dental plaque, small intestine, saliva, skin, stomach and duodenum. The vaginal microbiome, also known as the vaginoma, is the microbial community of bacteria and other microorganisms found in the vagina.
It plays a crucial role in maintaining vaginal health and pH balance. According to experts, the vaginal microbiome consists of around ten to one hundred billion bacteria belonging to more than 560 different species. Which bacteria are actually present in the vaginoma is very individual and subject to daily fluctuations. Factors such as cycle phase, sexual and sporting activity, genetics, diet, illnesses or external influences such as antibiotics all play a role.
Many people may not be aware of this:
The microbiome of the vagina and that of the gut are closely linked and interact with each other. There is evidence that the microbiome of the intestine can influence the microbiome of the vagina and vice versa. Lactobacilli, which are found in both the intestine and the vagina, play an important role in this.
Lactobacilli are known to play a protective role in the vagina by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria through the production of lactic acid. It has been shown that oral ingestion of lactobacilli, such as probiotics, actually has an effect on the vaginal microbiome. These bacteria can enter the intestine and be transported from there to the vagina, which can lead to a change in the bacterial composition.
It is also interesting to note that the microbiome of the vagina and the gut can communicate with each other not only via bacterial interactions, but also via the immune system. The two microbiomes therefore appear to form a dynamic network that can be influenced by lifestyle, diet and medication.
The role of lactobacilli in the vaginoma
A healthy vaginoma is mainly dominated by lactic acid bacteria (lactobacilli), which produce an acidic pH value below 4.5 and thus inhibit the growth of pathogenic microorganisms such as yeast fungi or harmful bacteria. Infections therefore have no chance at all. Of the more than 260 species of lactic acid bacteria known today, around 20 are found in the vaginal flora (including Lactobacillus crispatus, L. iners, L. gasseri, L. jensenii).
A healthy balance of lactic acid bacteria also has a decisive influence on the immune system: they trigger the production of certain immunological messengers, which strengthens the vaginal barrier function and protects the mucous membrane of the vagina from infections.
How does an imbalance develop in the vaginoma?
If there is an imbalance in the vaginoma, this is referred to in technical jargon as dysbiosis. It can be triggered by various factors:
Taking antibiotics:
They are intended to disable pathogenic bacteria,but unfortunately they also attack the beneficial ones in the microbiome, including lactobacilli. As a result, the growth of harmful bacteria and yeasts can be promoted. Infections and inflammations have an easier time of it.
Hygiene practices:
Aggressive soaps or shower lotions, intimate sprays but also vaginal douches can change the pH value of the vagina and thus disrupt the natural microbiome of the vagina.
Hormonal change:
During pregnancy in particular, the microbiome can change due to hormonal fluctuations, which increases the risk of a vaginal infection.
Sexual activity:
Frequently changing partners or unprotected sexual intercourse can also disrupt the microbiome.
Nutrition and lifestyle:
Too much fat and sugar, just like chronic stress, are not good for the microbiome in the long term.
Tampons, panty liners & co:
Hygiene products are not a problem when changed regularly. However, if they are worn over a longer period of time, this can promote the growth of harmful yeasts or bacteria.
Age & genetic factors:
Especially during the menopause, but also with increasing age, the hormonal environment changes. This can affect the pH value in the vagina and increase susceptibility to infections.
Public swimming pools:
Under certain circumstances, a visit to the swimming pool can also affect the balance of the vaginal flora. On the one hand, the chlorine contained in the water can irritate the vaginal mucosa. Secondly, wet swimwear that is worn for long periods of time can encourage the growth of unwanted microbes.
What are the consequences of a disturbed balance of vaginal bacteria?
If the balance of the vaginoma is disturbed by the factors mentioned above, various health problems can occur. One of the most common consequences of a disturbed bacterial vaginal flora is bacterial vaginosis. Anaerobic bacteria, which are normally only present in small quantities in a healthy vagina, quickly take over. Typical symptoms are increased discharge, itching, burning or pain when urinating. Untreated bacterial vaginosis can be particularly dangerous for pregnant women, as the risk of premature labor increases dramatically.
It can also lead to an increase in yeast fungi and, in the worst case, to a yeast infection as a result of disturbed vaginal flora. Typical symptoms are redness, itching and swelling in the genital area. Some sufferers also complain of a burning sensation when urinating. Furthermore, an unbalanced vaginal microbiome can increase the risk of urinary tract infections. This is because the urethra and vagina are connected. Harmful bacteria can therefore pass unhindered from the vagina into the urethra. In most cases, a urinary tract infection manifests itself through frequent and painful urination or blood in the urine.
An imbalanced microbiome also increases the risk of fertility problems. The reason: a disturbed vaginal flora can reduce the chances of successful conception, as it can impair uterine access or sperm absorption.
