We are used to associating the word bacteria with something we don't want in our bodies, but that's not really the case - there are indeed bacteria that can harm us, but there are also so-called good bacteria, and the latter are the ones we want when we talk about vaginal flora.

Your vagina needs these good bacteria to protect you from vaginal and urinary tract infections. The problem is, it's very easy to upset the delicate balance of these microorganisms. So let's take a look at how it works, what it's made of, and how to restore/maintain the balance of vaginal flora.

What is vaginal flora and how important is it?

Let's first clarify what microbial flora is. In short, it includes all the species of bacteria found in the vaginal tract.

Depending on its composition, the flora can be healthy or unbalanced, either due to a urinary tract infection, a genital infection, or a sexually transmitted disease. So let's see what a normal vaginal flora looks like that maintains the balance of bacteria in your vagina.

What is the vaginal microflora composed of?

There are many different species of microorganisms that live in the vagina and make up the microflora. There are studies that have found up to 250 bacteria in the vaginal tract, including species of fungi, such as Candida. As long as they do not multiply abnormally, the microbial flora is safe.

But for the most part, lactobacilli predominate, the bacteria that make up a healthy vaginal microbiome, including:

• Lactobacillus crispatus;
• Lactobacillus gasseri;
• Lactobacillus inert;
• Lactobacillus jensenii;

So when we talk about normal vaginal flora, we are implicitly talking about lactobacilli. They contribute to maintaining a healthy vaginal pH (between approx. 3.8 and 4.5, slightly acidic, to protect against infections). Lactobacilli also produce lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide that prevent the growth of unhealthy bacteria.

Imbalance of vaginal flora

Now we come to the topic with which we opened the article, namely the fact that the balance between lactobacilli and bad bacteria, i.e. microbes from the external environment, is very fragile. And the latter can multiply very quickly in your vagina.

When the lactobacilli flora changes, the production of hydrogen peroxide becomes insufficient to prevent infections, and the risk of inflammation or urogenital disease increases. This can lead to, for example, Candida infection or bacterial vaginosis. So this imbalance between lactobacilli and other microorganisms in the vagina is actually referred to as a destroyed vaginal flora.

Symptoms & Conditions Associated with Imbalanced Flora

When lactobacilli no longer predominate in the bacterial flora of the vagina, there is a predisposition to various infections, which can lead to other unpleasant symptoms. Below are the main signs and conditions associated with such an imbalance:

• Inflammation: itching, irritation, burning sensation;
• Abnormal vaginal discharge;
• Pain;
• Unpleasant odor: which intensifies especially after unprotected sexual intercourse, when the higher pH associated with seminal fluid makes the odor stronger;
• Candidiasis: caused by the proliferation of fungi called Candida;
• Bacterial vaginosis: caused by the rapid and abnormal multiplication of microbes from outside;

In addition, there are also studies that associate bacterial vaginosis with a high risk for other conditions and health problems:

• Sexually transmitted diseases;
• Pelvic inflammatory disease;
• Premature labor and birth;
• Problems with in vitro fertilization and pregnancy loss, due to a low level of lactobacilli.

Risk factors for vaginal flora imbalance

Now we'll tell you why we always say that it's very easy to unbalance the bacterial flora: the risk factors are very varied, both physically and psychologically. What does this mean? That is, many of your habits in your hygiene ritual, in your lifestyle, or even in your emotional and psychological state, can turn into risk factors.

How you take care of your body and your mental health can influence your vaginal pH, unbalancing your flora. So let's take a look at these risk factors below, so you know what to look out for in the future to maintain a healthy urogenital flora.

Incorrect use of tampons

Wow… using tampons “incorrectly”. But let’s take them in order:

First of all, what does it mean to use a tampon incorrectly and how can it upset your vaginal flora? Well, bacteria can accumulate and multiply quickly on your tampon, especially if you don't change it often enough.

Likewise, if you have a light menstrual flow and use a super absorbent tampon for heavy flow, it can cause small cuts in your vagina due to a too dry environment. This will allow bacteria to enter your bloodstream and cause new inflammation. All of these things can disrupt the microbial flora present in your vagina.

And secondly, how can a tampon be considered incorrect? We are referring here to conventional tampons, which can contain plastic, dioxins, perfumes and other harmful chemicals. Especially in women with sensitive skin, these chemicals can lead to irritation and allergies. In addition, the vagina has a very high absorption power and will automatically absorb some of these chemicals into your body, as you wear the tampons month after month.

That's why it's always a good idea to use organic cotton, hypoallergenic, pH-neutral tampons that won't upset your vaginal flora or cause allergies or inflammation. Enroush organic tampons are made from 100% organic cotton and are gynecologically and dermatologically tested and approved. This is how we made sure we take care of you with healthy menstrual products that protect your vaginal bacterial flora.

Weakened immune system

A weakened immune system favors the accumulation and multiplication of pathogens. For the vaginal microbiome, this means that microbes can multiply until they outnumber the lactobacilli and cause vaginal flora infections. So take care of your immune system by ensuring your daily vitamin and mineral needs.

Hormonal fluctuations

Fluctuations in estrogen levels in the body can also alter the vaginal flora. During pregnancy, for example, studies show a decrease in the number of bacterial species and their diversity in the vaginal tract, especially towards the uterus.

Birth control pills and menopause are two other factors that can cause hormonal fluctuations. Estrogen levels drop drastically during menopause, thinning and drying out vaginal tissues, thus increasing your susceptibility to flora imbalances and infections.

Unhealthy diet

Recent literature suggests that the flora in your genital and intestinal tracts communicate continuously and influence your psychological state, immunity, and metabolism. In turn, they interact with other organs, influencing your health and balance.

A diet high in fat and sugar, and lacking in important nutrients, will have negative effects on overall health, effects that will also be reflected in the health of the vagina and its flora. On the other hand, a diet rich in vitamins and minerals is associated, according to studies, with a balanced vaginal flora and a reduced risk of bacterial vaginosis and HPV.

So it's important to pay attention to both your vaginal and intestinal flora. Some studies even show that a balanced consumption of probiotics containing Lactobacillus strains helps restore and maintain healthy vaginal flora. But we need more research to find out exactly how much probiotics are beneficial.

Vaginal douches

We tell you this at every opportunity, and we use every opportunity to remind you: unless your gynecologist has specifically recommended it, DO NOT douche.

Gynecologists and women's health specialists do not recommend vaginal douches with water or other substances. Like incorrect or excessive hygiene, they can change the acidity of the natural pH of the vagina, disrupting the balance of flora and thus increasing your susceptibility to infections, irritations and PID (pelvic inflammatory disease).

The self-cleaning function of the vagina is enough so that you don't need anything else. Just water, only on the outside of the vagina (at the vulva), once a day, for proper intimate hygiene.

If you prefer to use other products that make you feel clean, then make sure you choose a natural intimate gel, free of perfumes and harmful chemicals. Enroush intimate gel is antibacterial, made with 95% natural ingredients and free of perfumes or parabens, formulated together with gynecologists and dermatologists to take care of your vulva and vagina the way you deserve.

Certain medications

Antibiotics are used to treat infections caused by bacteria in the human body. However, in the vagina, antibiotics can kill both bad and good bacteria (lactobacilli). So a drug treatment such as antibiotics can alter your vaginal flora and pH balance, increasing your vulnerability to infections.

High stress level

You might say that there's no connection between vaginal flora (a physical aspect) and stress (a mental health aspect). But there is, because cortisol, a stress hormone, increases when you're stressed or tired. And high cortisol levels can cause a decrease in lactobacilli, thus destroying your vaginal flora.

That's why it's good, especially during difficult times, to practice activities or habits that keep your stress levels under control. You can use breathing, relaxation or meditation techniques, prioritize your rest and physical activity, and even talk to a specialist if you feel that the situation is overwhelming you.

Smoking

Studies suggest that lactobacilli are also sensitive to the level of tobacco in the body. Researchers say that tobacco can increase the level of pathogenic bacteria and decrease that of lactobacilli in women who smoke. Moreover, compounds that remain after smoking have been observed in cervical mucus. So yes, smoking is a risk factor and has a negative impact on the microbial flora.

Sexual activity

There is also a growing number of studies suggesting a link between sexual activity and bacterial vaginosis, or the imbalance of vaginal flora. Especially following unprotected sexual contact or with multiple new partners, and not just due to sexually transmitted diseases.

Bacteria from outside are introduced into the vagina, while the vaginal pH can change from its naturally slightly acidic state because semen is alkaline ‒ things that disrupt the normal flora and increase the risk of infections. The easiest way to prevent all of these problems is to use a barrier method (a condom).

Other factors that can create a vaginal imbalance

We've listed just the major risk factors above, but there are plenty of other things in your daily routine that can affect your flora balance. So it's a good idea to also pay attention to:

• Sweating: It is normal to sweat in the intimate area, especially during the hot summer months. But it is important to change your clothes and underwear and to spend as little time as possible with wet material in contact with the skin. Even after a workout or after swimming, do not stay in the same wet clothes for too long, because the humid environment favors the accumulation of bacteria and the imbalance of the natural flora.
• The clothes you wear: if your clothes or underwear are too tight and made of synthetic fibers, they don't let your skin breathe, which causes and maintains sweating ‒ and we get back to what we just discussed.
• Wet places: Saunas and swimming pools are two more examples of environments that can increase the risk of disrupting your vaginal microbiome. Swimming pool water, for example, often contains chlorine, which can kill the good bacteria in your vagina.
• Chemicals your skin comes into contact with: This includes fabric softener and detergent, perfumes, and other harmful chemicals in intimate hygiene products. Avoid artificial substances as much as possible and opt for natural ingredients.
• Contraceptive methods: the IUD is another known risk factor for vaginal flora.

Vaginal flora restoration - Treatment methods:

With so many risks of being destroyed, how does the vaginal flora recover after such an imbalance? In principle, your doctor will recommend a treatment that may or may not return the species and number of bacteria to normal.

It is clear that the goal of treatment is to restore a flora composed mainly of lactobacilli. To do this, there are two main options that specialists can recommend:

• Probiotics for vaginal flora: they are generally administered as a dietary supplement, in the form of vaginal flora pills;
• Vaginal flora ovules: contain species of lactobacilli that should multiply and restore a healthy vaginal flora.

Whatever the treatment, the most important thing is to follow your gynecologist's instructions, as the specialist is the one who can give you the most appropriate recommendations based on your own medical history and diagnosis.

Complications of unbalanced vaginal flora

There are not many complications that can occur as a result of imbalances in the vaginal flora, but the symptoms are already unpleasant, as they involve a high degree of discomfort. However, when we talk about an unhealthy flora, we are also talking about bacterial vaginosis or other infections or conditions, which in turn can cause other complications. So in the end, you can even end up with:

• Premature birth;
• Pregnancy loss;
• Difficulties with in vitro fertilization;
• Worsening of other urogenital infections or diseases.

Tips for maintaining vaginal flora

When you keep your vaginal flora in balance and your vaginal pH at its normal values, you ensure your body's effectiveness in protecting you from infections. So you have every reason to want to take care of your vaginal health, and we'll end this article by giving you some tips on how you can do just that:

• Avoid harsh soaps, scented wipes, and vaginal douches: anything that involves excessive washing and introducing foreign bacteria into your vagina is a big NO. Avoid letting harmful chemicals like perfumes or parabens come into contact with and disrupt the delicate balance of your intimate area. Use only water and, possibly, a natural intimate gel.
• Choose your tampons carefully and change them on time: if you use tampons during menstruation, choose natural ones made of 100% organic cotton, which do not contain dioxins, chlorine, pesticides, plastic, perfumes, synthetic fibers, etc. Also make sure that you change them on time so as not to give lactobacilli the opportunity to be outnumbered by other species of bacteria;
• Wear clothes made from natural materials and be careful with the detergents you use: choose clothes made from cotton or other light materials that let your skin breathe, without synthetic fibers, especially when it comes to underwear. Also make sure that the detergents you use do not contain ingredients that are toxic to your intimate health;
• Adopt a healthy lifestyle: as I told you above, the gut and vaginal microbiomes are constantly communicating, and everything you include in your diet will also affect your intimate health. Try to consume foods rich in vitamins and minerals, manage your physical activity, stress, and rest as well as possible, and avoid excess fat, sugar, and tobacco. This way, you strengthen your immune system, protect your reproductive health, and at the same time take care of yourself and your body.
• Don't postpone visits to the gynecologist: whether we're talking about a consultation for certain symptoms or a routine check-up, visits to the specialist and following the recommendations received are extremely important to prevent imbalances, restore and maintain your normal vaginal flora and intimate health.