Free U.S. shipping & money back guarantee
Article summary
The vaginal microbiome is a complex ecosystem of microorganisms. It consists of five community states, with four dominated by beneficial Lactobacillus bacteria that help maintain vaginal health. An imbalanced microbiome can lead to infections and impact overall health. Maintaining a healthy vaginal microbiome involves proper hygiene, avoiding douching, and supporting beneficial bacteria through diet and probiotics.
Why do customers love Uqora?
Innovative urinary care
Research-backed products
Money-back guarantee
Within each of us is a microscopic world made up of billions of tiny organisms like bacteria, fungi, viruses, and more. These organisms are not a part of our bodies, like our cells or organs, but instead are separate living things that reside inside of us. Together, these microorganisms make up communities within us known as microbiomes.
You may be familiar with the term microbiome as it refers to gut health, but microbiome communities exist in other places too. In this article, we’ve gathered insights specific to the vaginal microbiome.
Read on to learn all about the vaginal microbiome and its impacts, and to learn how to have your best vaginal health yet.
The vaginal microbiome is a part of the overall human microbiome.[1] Within every person’s vagina is a multifaceted community of billions of microorganisms like yeast and bacteria. The vaginal microbiome is an ever-changing thing; it’s in constant flux throughout the course of one’s life.[2]
The microorganisms in the vaginal microbiome all have a relationship with the host organism (in this case, you are the host organism!). Some of these microorganisms are beneficial to your vaginal health, like “good” bacteria.[3]
On the other hand, some of these are “bad”, or pathogenic, meaning they can cause damage or harm to the host organism.[4]
Good or bad, each and every one of these organisms makes up the vaginal microbiome.
When it comes to the vaginal microbiome, the term “balance” is often used to describe optimal vaginal health.
A “balanced” vaginal microbiome is when “good” bacteria dominate, which can help fight off or keep potentially harmful microorganisms to a minimum.
While each vaginal microbiome is unique, the balance of each vaginal microbiome tends to fall into 5 different categories, known as the vaginal community states. These were distinguished in a study examining 369 healthy, reproductive-aged women in the United States, based on composition and the presence of vaginal bacterial species.[5]
These community states are characterized by the most abundant type of bacteria within the vaginal microbiome. They are as follows:[6]
It’s important to note that more research is needed; it continues to be an ongoing process to understand how these community types evolve and change over time.
Community states I, II, III, and V are considered to be symbiotic, or healthy, states. The vagina provides a nutritious and comfortable environment for microorganisms to exist, while in turn lactobacilli, the “good” bacteria, produce antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory factors that create an environment that is inhospitable to foreign, potentially harmful microorganisms.[2] This results in a generally healthy and well-protected vaginal microbiome and overall good vaginal health.
Beyond these beneficial bacteria, other components play a crucial role in maintaining this delicate balance. One such important player is lactoferrin, a naturally occurring protein found in the vagina, as well as in other bodily fluids including saliva, tears, and breast milk[7]. Lactoferrin serves as a prebiotic and supports lactobacilli bacteria in the vagina. It has been shown to help lactobacilli create biofilm and adhere to vaginal cells, further enhancing the defense mechanisms of the vaginal microbiome.[8]
When a vaginal microbiome is unbalanced, like those in community state IV, it is known to be in a state of “dysbiosis”. Vaginal microbiomes in this state have a greater risk of infection.[15]
Remember that the vaginal microbiome is always fluctuating and changing, so dysbiosis can be an extremely temporary state, leaving little risk for infection—or it can be a lasting condition and open the doors to a host of infections.[15]
Many vaginal infections are extremely common and easily treatable. These include:
The vaginal microbiome plays a significant role in the overall human microbiome. As a result, the vaginal microbiome can have dramatic impacts on not only vaginal health, but on many different facets of your health. Remember that bacteria impacts each of our bodies differently and to a different level of severity. We also want to remind you that we have gathered this information as a resource to support your research – but it is crucial to visit your doctor with any health concern as soon as possible.
Studies have shown that the vaginal microbiome plays a significant role in terms of reproduction. Poor health of the vaginal microbiome can dramatically increase the risk of reproductive issues, including:[15]
Research has also suggested a potential link between the vaginal microbiome and certain types of gynecologic cancers. [15]
The vaginal microbiome has also been shown to influence urinary health. Dysbiosis of the vaginal microbiome is linked to acute and recurrent urinary tract infections. This may also be why menopause increases the risk of UTI, as the presence of lactobacilli drops dramatically after menopause due to a decline in estrogen, allowing other bacteria to flourish.[15]
Fluctuations in your vaginal microbiome are normal, as are occasional imbalances. However, there are steps you can take to be proactive with your vaginal microbiome and create an environment for a healthy and balanced vaginal microbiome.[15]
Your vaginal microbiome plays a significant role in both your vaginal and overall health. By fostering a healthy vaginal microbiome, you may lower your risk of infection or serious illness.