Vaginal Microbiome Health
Did you know that much like the gut, the vagina has its own microbiome? Unlike the gut, which thrives on a diverse microbiome, when it comes to the vagina less is more. This sensitive microbiome is maintained by a strain of bacteria called lactobacillus, that should dominate this ecosystem.
A lactobacillus dominant microbiome is important for:
〰️ Protection against UTIs
〰️ Reducing transmission of STIs
〰️ Reducing incidence of Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) and thrush
〰️ Supporting fertility
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Recurring thrush, BV or itching, pain or changes in discharge are signs of an imbalance in vaginal bacteria that needs to be addressed.
THRUSH
Thrush is a yeast infection caused by the overgrowth of candida in either the vagina, gut or mouth. Recurrent thrush, or Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (RVVC) can present as:
〰️ vulval itch
〰️ soreness and burning, including during urination
〰️ vaginal discharge - often thick & white
〰️ vaginal redness
〰️ pain during intercourse
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Factors that are implicated in recurrent thrush include:
〰️ Hormone imbalance
〰️ Stress
〰️ High sugar diet
〰️ Vaginal microbiome health
〰️ Gut health
〰️ Poor immune function
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To treat recurrent thrush, we need to understand the specific drivers behind the condition, however treatment generally involves:
〰️ Removing sugar
〰️ Addressing candida overgrowth through antifungal & antimicrobial herbs
〰️ Increase lactobacillus in the vaginal microbiome through strain specific probiotics
〰️ Modulating hormones
〰️ Supporting immune function
〰️ Supporting the nervous system
〰️ Partner treatment
BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS (BV)
Bacterial vaginosis (or BV) is a condition that results from an overgrowth of certain microbes in the vaginal microbiome, resulting in dysbiosis. It is often a multi-factorial condition, and can be both stubborn to treat and significantly impact the quality of life of the individual.
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Common symptoms of BV include:
〰️ thin watery, white or grey discharge
〰️ strong or unusual odour, often described as 'fishy'
〰️ deep vulval itch or discomfort
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Factors involved in BV include:
〰️ Antibiotics
〰️ Disruption to the ph of the vagina (through washing with soap, specific lubricants, menstrual blood, semen etc)
〰️ Stress
〰️ OCP
〰️ Poor immune function
〰️ Hormonal patterns
〰️ Lifestyle factors
〰️ Sexual activity
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Eradicating BV is important as it can contribute to a range of different issues including reinfection and increased susceptibility to UTI's and STI's, increased risk of miscarriage, premature birth and low birth weight babies.
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Standard treatment of BV is antibiotic therapy, however this serves to wipe out our protective lactobacillus species that are meant to dominate the vaginal microbiome, resulting in increased risk of vaginal dysbiosis and conditions such as thrush, UTI's and BV itself, creating a vicious cycle.
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Naturopathic treatment of BV involves:
〰️ Addressing the individual's specific drivers of BV
〰️ Increasing lactobacillus species in the vaginal microbiome
〰️ Optimising vaginal pH
〰️ Modulating hormones
〰️ Supporting the nervous system
〰️ Partner treatment
〰️ Supporting the gut microbiome
RECURRENT URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS (UTI’S)
The vaginal microbiome influences urinary tract health through the presence of the protective Lactobaccillus species found in the vagina. The gut microbiome also has an important impact on the urinary microbiome via the gut / vaginal / bladder axis. This is due to the ability of intestinal bacteria to translocate from the peri-anal region to the vagina and urethra.
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Opportunistic bacteria, such as E.coli & Enterococcus faecalis are implicated in recurrent UTI's.
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First and foremost, vaginal microbiome testing is important to identify the presence of opportunistic microbes, to inform treatment.
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To minimise the occurrence of UTI's:
〰️ ensure adequate hydration to support urinary elimination and bladder health
〰️ increase dietary intake of garlic for its anti-microbial properties
〰️ minimise sugar, alcohol & caffeine as these are urinary irritants and disrupt a healthy gut microbiome
〰️ personal & sexual hygiene: wipe front to back, urinate after intercourse, avoid toxic lubricants and flavoured/scented condoms, use organic sanitary products
〰️ avoid washing the vaginal area - it is self cleaning! And wear organic cotton/bamboo underwear to allow the area to breathe
〰️ consider seeing a Naturopath to assess your personal drivers for recurrent UTI's, and explore treatment options such as specific probiotic strains & tailored urinary antibacterial herbs
VAGINAL MICROBIOME TESTING
Given the overlap of symptoms when it comes to vaginal health conditions, testing is crucial in order to identify the specific microbes at play, to inform specific treatment.
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Different microbes require different modes of treatment to eradicate, however all vaginal microbiome conditions require restoration of the protective Lactobacillus species (which should dominate this environment) through supplementing with lactobacillus specific probiotic strains.
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For more information regarding vaginal microbiome testing, or if you would like support on your vaginal health journey please reach out or book an appointment.
