- Author: Melanie Dell’Oro
Suddenly it’s there… the itching, the fishy smell, or even redness. Is the vaginal flora simply out of balance, or could it even be a yeast infection? You’ll find everything important about vaginal flora in this post. Spoiler: Tampons dipped in yoghurt might not be the best solution…
What exactly is vaginal flora?
Vaginal flora is a community of approximately 50 different bacterial species. This includes all the types of bacteria that are also found on other body surfaces, mucous membranes, or body cavities. Lactobacilli, better known as lactic acid bacteria or Döderlein’s flora, are the most common. They are responsible for the acidic environment with a pH of 3.5–4.5 because they convert glycogen into lactic acid. Under the influence of oestrogen, glycogen is secreted by the mucosal cells of the vagina (Remember: a healthy vaginal flora is also linked to a healthy hormonal balance! Our product Estro can help you achieve a balanced oestrogen level).
The entire community of bacterial species acts like a fortress. It protects your vagina from invaders entering from the outside, such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses. This is where the unfriendly acidic environment helps against many bacteria. However, some bacteria also produce hydrogen peroxide, which damages viruses, among other things.Bacterial vaginosis - Trouble in paradise
Unfortunately, unrest can also occur within this fortress. Vaginal flora does not have a fixed composition but is constantly changing. And unfortunately, it can also turn against you: a potentially harmful composition is known as bacterial vaginosis.
Bacterial vaginosis is the most common shift in vaginal flora and occurs in approximately 10% of people with a vagina. In this case, the beneficial lactobacilli are outnumbered by potentially pathogenic bacteria such as Gardnerella. In many cases, this change is not noticeable through symptoms, but it poses a higher risk of ascending infections. This can become problematic, for example, after surgery. During pregnancy, the risk of premature rupture of membranes, premature contractions, premature birth, or other complications is increased. The body’s defence against STIs (sexually transmitted infections) is also weakened, increasing the risk of infection.
If symptoms occur, they manifest as thin, grey-creamy, sometimes frothy discharge. There may be itching or burning, and about half of those affected also experience a fishy smell in the intimate area (...poor Eva…). The pH does not necessarily have to be elevated and is therefore not a reliable indicator of vaginosis. However, the symptoms described above should definitely be checked by a doctor (especially during pregnancy, it’s better to visit the gynaecologist one too many times) so that other causes such as vaginal inflammation (vaginitis) or cervicitis (inflammation of the uterine lining) can be ruled out.
If bacterial vaginosis is diagnosed, there are various treatment options. The environment in the vagina can be locally acidified by using lactic acid or ascorbic acid preparations, or—more time-consuming but potentially more sustainable—by probiotic lactobacillus preparations, which can be administered orally or vaginally. Your doctor can also prescribe various vaginal creams (be careful when using condoms!) or special antibiotics. Antibiotics help acutely but can also damage the beneficial bacteria, increasing the risk of yeast infections. Furthermore, frequent use of antibiotics can cause bacteria to develop resistance, leading to a cycle of recurring vaginosis.
How can I support my vaginal flora?
Prevention is better than cure, so how can you prevent the balance of your vaginal flora from changing unfavourably? To do this, let’s take a brief look at the dynamics of the composition of your vaginal flora. Because, as mentioned before, nothing here is constant.
In addition to factors beyond your control, such as genetics or your cycle—the monthly menstrual cycle, but also your stage of life (puberty, pregnancy, menopause, etc.)—there are factors that can be partially influenced. These include diseases such as diabetes or the use of medications. Other factors, on the other hand, you can influence very effectively. These include hygiene, sexual behaviour, and strengthening the immune system through a healthy lifestyle.
Our tips - How to maintain a healthy vaginal flora:
Underwear:
Bacteria and fungi need several factors to grow, including warmth, moisture, and time. They find two of these in your panties. That’s why you should change your underwear daily. This reduces the time factor and takes away the potential pathogens’ cosy nest. You should also choose underwear made of breathable materials so that a warm, damp environment does not develop in the first place. Many women find cotton underwear most comfortable.
Thongs are sexy, no question. However, keep in mind that ill-fitting thongs can cause irritation in the vulvar area and promote the transport of intestinal bacteria toward the vagina.
Intimate hygiene:
Wash, but do it properly: for the intimate area, you should stick to lukewarm water. This is enough to remove the whitish deposits known by the fancy name “smegma” from the vulva. You should avoid soaps, lotions, deodorants, cleansing wipes, and yes, even pH-balanced intimate cleansing products. A 2018 study showed that people with a vagina who used such products had a 3.5 times higher risk of bacterial infections and a 5 times higher risk of urinary tract infections.
Going to the toilet:
As pleasant as it may be, you should largely avoid wet toilet paper. Commercially available wipes often contain alcohol, fragrances, and preservatives, which are particularly well absorbed through the mucous membrane in the intimate area. Instead, try reusable cotton cloths that you dampen with warm water. A bidet is also practical if you don’t have one: a so-called bidet sprayer that you fill with water allows you to clean yourself directly with water while on the toilet. It saves paper and is especially great for sensitive skin areas.
And—it may sound obvious to some, but we like to mention it again and again—wipe from front to back! This prevents you from carrying bacteria from the anal area to the vulvar area.
Condoms and/or dental dams:
To minimise transmission, especially when having multiple sexual partners, you should always place great importance on contraception. In principle. Always. This also prevents reinfection in exclusive relationships if you or your sexual partner are currently recovering from an infection.
Healthy lifestyle:
There it is again, our trio that we always praise like a mantra: a healthy, plant-based diet, exercise, and stress management. A fresh, balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and secondary plant compounds strengthens the body’s own defences. Fibre (so-called prebiotics) can have a positive effect on the intestinal flora, strengthening beneficial bacteria. This also affects the immediately adjacent vaginal flora. If you consume probiotics (live bacteria, mostly lactic acid bacteria) in the form of yoghurt, fermented foods such as sauerkraut or kimchi, or kombucha, you are also strengthening your intestinal flora. The data on the effects on vaginal flora is still limited, but there is a good chance that it also has direct benefits here. And it’s always delicious, so enjoy!
Physical activity and exercise—ideally outdoors—strengthen the immune system. And they can—and here we come directly to the third point—be part of your personal stress management. Stress is considered a risk factor for bacterial vaginosis because chronic stress weakens your immune system and has a major impact on the hormonal system. And an imbalance of sex hormones also affects your vaginal health. By the way, smoking and alcohol consumption are also stressors due to their harmful ingredients, and you should not constantly expose your body to them.
Dipping a tampon in yoghurt for a healthy vaginal flora?
Almost everyone has probably heard of this home remedy, and the rumour that it helps with unpleasant odours, yeast infections, or dryness is still going strong…
In itself, it doesn’t sound that bad at first. After all, lactobacilli are mainly found in the vaginal flora, also known as lactic acid bacteria. They are also found in yoghurt. In addition, probiotic bacterial cultures are also great for the gut, and yoghurt masks moisturise the skin.
The fact is, however, that yoghurt does not contain enough lactobacilli to fight a yeast infection. What’s more, yoghurt also contains other bacterial cultures that have no place in your vagina. Some yoghurts even contain yeasts that can quickly throw the delicate environment of the vagina out of balance.
But there’s good news: you can keep buying yoghurt. Instead of inserting it into the vagina with a tampon, you can eat it. Because, as so often, a healthy diet strengthens the body’s defences, has a positive effect on gut health, and contributes to hormonal balance, and thus, in turn, to a healthy vaginal flora.