Discussions surrounding the microbiome and how it affects our health have gained significant attention. But what exactly does it mean when we talk about the human “microbiome”? The microbiome is a community of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi found in our skin, gut, and vaginal tract.1 The microbiome aids digestion, supports vaginal health, improves cognition, and promotes overall well-being.1
Not all microbiomes in our body system are exactly the same. The gut and vaginal microbiomes are different, and understanding this difference helps us find the right solutions to avoid unwanted women’s health problems.2 The gut microbiome is more diverse, while the vaginal microbiome is more selective in strains of bacteria that keep the vagina balanced and healthy. In other words, what can be good for the gut can be bad for the vagina.2
Bacteria that help keep our gut healthy, or any bacteria that are generally harmful, can cause problems if they find their way into the gut.3 This can happen when certain bacteria travel through the gut-vaginal axis—a collection of complex pathways that connect the vaginal tract to our gut.3 This can disrupt the balance in the vagina and/or urinary system and lead to women’s health problems.3
Effects of Imbalance on the Vaginal Microbiome
Any imbalance in the vaginal microbiome can affect a woman’s gynecological health, including:
- General vaginal health and wellness: The vagina is home to specific types of bacteria. When these bacteria are lost, it can disrupt the balance and lead to physical discomfort.4
- Fertility: A reduction in beneficial bacteria leading to an imbalance can affect fertility and reproduction.5
- Sexual health: Vaginal imbalance can also affect intimacy and sexual health. Sexual activity can be uncomfortable.6,7
Factors affecting the vaginal microbiome
During a woman’s life cycle, various factors can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the vagina, including:
- Menstrual cycle and hormones: Estrogen helps maintain a healthy environment in the vagina, including maintaining a low pH level, which is important for vaginal health. If you have high estrogen levels, you are more likely to experience an imbalance.8 This can happen to women who are of childbearing age, those who take strong birth control pills, or those who take hormone treatments.9
- Contraceptives: Some birth control methods have been shown to alter the healthy vaginal microbiome. It’s a good idea to discuss with your doctor which birth control methods are right for you.10
- Menopause and Aging: When estrogen levels drop during menopause, it can affect the vaginal microbiome by reducing the vaginal flora, leading to an imbalance.5.11
- LIFESTYLE: Everything from the soap you use, your choice of underwear, and your choice of safe sex can affect your vaginal health.7 Also, the stress in our daily life can affect the balance of our body. Stress can increase levels of a hormone called cortisol, which in turn can affect our estrogen levels.5.7
- Diet: Eating processed foods with fats and carbohydrates can compromise your vaginal health. It is important to eat a balanced diet with plenty of fiber, vitamins and minerals.12,13 And don’t forget the potential benefits of high-quality probiotics!
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Bibliographical references:
1. Ogunrinola GA et al. Int J Microb. 2020? 2020:8045646.
2. Amabebe E et al. Front Immunol. 2020? 11:2184.
3. Brannon JR et al. Nat Commun. 2020? 11:2803.
4. Han Y et al. Forward Microbiol. 2021? 12:643422.
5. Lehtoranta L et al. Forward Microbiol. 2022? 13:819958.
6. Gholioff M et al. Forward Reprod Health. 2022? 4:963752.
7. Lewis FMT et al. Obstet Gynecol. 2017? 129 (4): 643–654.
8. Cheng G et al. Eukaryotic Cell. 2006? 5 (1): 180-191.
9. Mayo Clinic. Accessed 5 December 2022.
10. Gupta K et al. J Infect Dis. 2000;181(2):595-601.
11. Szymański JK et al. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(9):4935.
12. Neggers YH et al. J Nutr. 2007;137(9):2128-2133.
13. Tohill BC et al. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007, 85(5):1327-1334.
