We're used to associating the word bacteria with something we don't want in our bodies, but things aren't quite like that in reality - 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 infections. The problem is that it is very easy to disturb the delicate balance of these microorganisms. So let's see how it works, what it is made of and how we restore/maintain the balance of the vaginal flora.

What does vaginal flora mean and what is its importance?

Let's first clarify what the 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 infection or a genital infection or 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 several different species of microorganisms that live in the vagina and form 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, namely the bacteria that make up a healthy vaginal microbiome, including:

• Lactobacillus crispatus;

• Lactobacillus gasseri;

• inert Lactobacillus;

• Lactobacillus jensenii;

So when we talk about a 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, for protection against infections). Lactobacilli also produce lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide that prevent unhealthy bacteria from multiplying.

Vaginal flora imbalance

We now come to the topic with which I 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 lactobacillary flora changes, the production of hydrogen peroxide becomes insufficient to prevent infections, and the risk of an inflammation or urogenital disease increases. This is how, for example, Candida infection or bacterial vaginosis can occur. So to this imbalance between lactobacilli and other microorganisms in the vagina we mean, in fact, 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 due to which other unpleasant symptoms may appear. Here are the main signs and conditions associated with such an imbalance:

• Inflammation: itching, irritation, burning sensation;

• Abnormal vaginal discharge;

• Pains;

• Bad smell: which intensifies especially after an unprotected sexual act, when the higher pH associated with the seminal fluid makes the smell stronger;

• Candidiasis: caused by the growth of fungi called Candida;

• Bacterial vaginosis: caused by the rapid and abnormal multiplication of microbes from the outside;

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

• sexually transmitted diseases;

• Pelvic inflammatory disease;

• Labor and premature birth;

• Problems with in vitro fertilization and pregnancy loss due to a low level of lactobacilli.

Risk factors for vaginal flora imbalance

Now we tell you why we always maintain that it is very easy to unbalance the bacillary flora: the risk factors are very varied, both physically and psychologically. What does this mean? That is, many of your habits in the hygiene ritual, in the lifestyle, or even in the 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, throwing your flora out of balance. 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.

Improper use of tampons

Or... using the "wrong" tampons. But let's take them in order:

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

Likewise, if you have poor menstrual flow and use a super absorbent pad for heavy flow, it can cause small cuts in your vagina due to an overly dry environment. Which will allow bacteria to enter your bloodstream and cause new inflammation. All of these things can disturb 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, fragrances 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 good to use organic, hypoallergenic, pH-neutral cotton pads that won't unbalance your vaginal flora, nor cause allergies or inflammation. Enroush organic tampons are made from 100% GOTS certified organic cotton and are gynecologically and dermatologically tested and approved. That's how we've made sure to 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 to the point of overwhelming lactobacilli and causing vaginal flora infections. So take care of your immune system by ensuring your daily requirement of vitamins and minerals.

Hormonal fluctuations

Fluctuations in estrogen levels in the body can also change 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 at menopause, thinning and drying the vaginal tissues, thus increasing your predisposition to flora imbalances and infections.

Unhealthy diet

The specialized literature of recent years attests to the fact that the flora in the genital and intestinal tracts communicate continuously and influence your psychological state, immunity and metabolism. In turn, they also interact with other organs, influencing your state of health and balance.

A diet in which we have an excess of fat and sugar, and where important nutrients are deficient, will have negative effects on the general state of health, effects that will also be reflected in the health of the vagina and flora. Conversely, a diet rich in vitamins and minerals is associated, according to studies, with a balance of vaginal flora and a reduced risk of bacterial vaginosis and HPV.

Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the vaginal flora as well as the intestinal flora. Some studies even show us that a balanced consumption of probiotics containing Lactobacillus strains contributes to restoring and maintaining healthy vaginal flora. But we need more research to find out exactly what amount of probiotics is 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 do vaginal douches.

Specialists in gynecology and women's health do not recommend vaginal washes either with water or other substances. Like incorrect or excessive hygiene, they can change the acidity of the natural pH of the vagina, disturbing the balance of the flora and thus increasing your predisposition to infections, irritations and BIP (pelvic inflammatory disease).

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

If you prefer to use other products that give you a clean feeling, then make sure you choose a natural intimate gel, free of fragrances and harmful chemicals. Enroush intimate gel is antibacterial, made with 95% natural ingredients and without fragrances or parabens, formulated together with gynecologists and dermatologists to take care of your vulva and vagina as you deserve.

Certain medications

Antibiotics are used to treat infections caused by bacteria in the human body. But in the vagina, antibiotics can destroy 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 level of stress

Apparently you could say that there is no connection between vaginal flora (a physical aspect) and stress (a mental health aspect). But it exists because cortisol, a stress hormone, rises when you're agitated or tired. And a high cortisol level can cause lactobacilli levels to drop, thus destroying your vaginal flora.

That's why it's good, especially during difficult times, to practice activities or habits to keep your stress level 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 the situation is beyond 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 female smokers. Furthermore, compounds left behind by 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

The number of studies suggesting a link between sexual activity and bacterial vaginosis, i.e. the imbalance of the vaginal flora, is also increasing. Especially following unprotected sex or multiple new partners, and not just because of sexually transmitted diseases.

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

Other factors that can create a vaginal imbalance

I've only listed your 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 pay attention to:

• Sweating: It is normal to sweat in the intimate area, especially in the hot summer. But it is important to change your clothes and underwear and stay as little as possible with wet material in contact with the skin. Even after a workout or after swimming, don't stay too long in the same wet clothes, because the wet 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 allow the skin to breathe, which causes and keeps sweating - and we go back to what we just discussed.

• Wet places: the sauna and swimming pool are two more examples of environments that can increase the risk of disturbing your vaginal microbiome. Pool water, for example, most often contains chlorine, which can destroy the good bacteria in the vagina.

• Chemicals your skin comes into contact with: We mean conditioner and laundry detergent, perfumes and other harmful chemicals in personal care 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.

Restoration of vaginal flora - Treatment methods:

With so much at risk of being destroyed, how does the vaginal flora recover from such an imbalance? Basically, 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 the treatment is to restore your flora composed mainly of lactobacilli. For this, there are two main options that specialists can recommend:

• Probiotics for the vaginal flora: they are generally administered as a dietary supplement, in the form of pills for the vaginal flora;

• Eggs for vaginal flora: They contain species of lactobacilli that should multiply and restore your vaginal flora to health.

Whatever the treatment, the most important thing is to follow the indications of the gynecologist, because the specialist is the one who can give you the most suitable recommendations according to your own medical history and diagnosis.

Complications 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, because they involve a high degree of discomfort. However, when we talk about an unhealthy flora, we also implicitly talk about bacterial vaginosis or other infections or conditions, which in turn can cause other complications. So in the end, you can even get to:

• Premature birth;

• Loss of pregnancy;

• Difficulties with in vitro fertilization;

• Aggravation 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 infection. 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 to do it:

• Avoid harsh soaps, scented wipes and vaginal douches: Anything that involves excessive washing and introducing foreign bacteria into your vagina comes with a big NO. Avoid harmful chemicals such as perfumes or parabens from coming into contact and disturbing 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 the 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 in time so as not to give lactobacilli the opportunity to be outnumbered by other species of bacteria;

• Wear clothes made of natural materials and take care of the detergents used: choose clothes made of cotton or other light materials that let your skin breathe, without synthetic fibers, even more so when it comes to underwear. Also make sure that the detergents you use do not contain toxic ingredients for your intimate health;

• Adopt the healthiest lifestyle possible: as we told you above, the microbiome of the gut and that of the vagina are always communicating, and everything that includes your diet will also affect your intimate health. Try to eat 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.

• Do not postpone visits to the gynecologist: whether we are 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 flora normal vaginal and intimate health.