Maintaining good vaginal health is important to a woman’s overall health. Problems in the intimate area can affect fertility, sexual desire and prevent reaching orgasm. Neglect can lead to problems in the relationship with a woman’s romantic partner, as well as negatively affect her self-esteem. What affects vaginal health? The vagina is a closed muscular canal that extends from the outside of the female genital area (vulva) to the cervix. Unprotected sex puts the woman (and of course the man) at risk of sexually transmitted infections. Too violent and rough sex can cause injuries in the pelvic area and lead to vaginal trauma. Certain health conditions and treatments also affect vaginal health. Endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease can cause painful sex. The use of certain antibiotics increases the risk of vaginal yeast infection. Contraceptive drugs and washing products for intimate hygiene do not always have only the effect desired by the woman. Barrier contraceptives, such as condoms, diaphragms, and related spermicides (chemicals designed to reduce the number of live sperm) can irritate the vagina, cause inflammation, or infection. Using lubricants, scented vaginal sprays, or vaginal douches is likely to make the irritation worse. During pregnancy, vaginal discharge often increases. In some cases, it is necessary to cut the tissue of the vaginal opening during childbirth (episiotomy). Vaginal birth can also reduce muscle tone in the vagina. Anxiety and depression often imply a low level of arousal and a resulting lack of desire for sex, discomfort or pain during intercourse itself. A case of sexual abuse or even a single painful sexual experience can also lead to sex-related pain. Changes in hormone levels in the human body can affect the vagina. For example, estrogen production decreases after menopause and during breastfeeding. This leads to thinning of the vaginal lining (vaginal atrophy), making sex painful. What are the safe bacteria in the vagina and why are they important? The female vagina is colonized by a diverse array of microorganisms that make up the normal microbiota and mycobiota. Lactobacillus is the most commonly isolated microorganism from the healthy human vagina, and it includes Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus iners and Lactobacillus jensenii. The function of these lactobacilli is to prevent the entry of pathogens, keeping their population under control. Disruption of the vaginal ecosystem is explained by an overgrowth of pathogens, which itself causes complex vaginal infections such as bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, and sexually transmitted infections.What are beneficial bacteria used for? It has become clear that the composition of the vaginal microbiota plays an important role in vaginal health. Due to their status as safe bacteria, lactobacilli are widely used as an alternative to conventional antimicrobial treatment (through antibiotics). They are applied by gynecologists both to prevent chronic vaginitis and to restore the vaginal ecosystem. What is vaginal dysbiosis? Vaginal dysbiosis defines the disruption of the microbial community in the vagina and is often associated with several gynecological diseases. Multiple studies have shown a link between vaginal dysbiosis and increased vaginal infections. These are trichomoniasis, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, Chlamydia trachomatis infection, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) susceptibility, and genital herpes infection. One of the most prominent features of vaginal dysbiosis is changes in vaginal pH. Vaginal pH, caused by reduced lactate concentration, among patients with vaginal infections is higher than that in healthy women. In case of untimely measures and consultation with a doctor, vaginal dysbiosis can lead to pregnancy loss, premature birth and difficult conception. References: 1. Vagina: What’s typical, what’s not. (18th January, 2022). Mayo Clinic – https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/womens-health/in-depth/vagina/art-20046562 2. Wallace Jeng Yang Chee, Shu Yih Chew & Leslie Thian Lung. ThanVaginal microbiota and the potential of Lactobacillus derivatives in maintaining vaginal health. (7th November, 2020) – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7648308/org/healthy-lifestyle/womens-health/in-depth/vagina/art-20046562 2. Wallace Jeng Yang Chee, Shu Yih Chew & Leslie Thian Lung. ThanVaginal microbiota and the potential of Lactobacillus derivatives in maintaining vaginal health. (7th November, 2020) – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7648308/org/healthy-lifestyle/womens-health/in-depth/vagina/art-20046562 2. Wallace Jeng Yang Chee, Shu Yih Chew & Leslie Thian Lung. ThanVaginal microbiota and the potential of Lactobacillus derivatives in maintaining vaginal health. (7th November, 2020) – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7648308/