The Vaginal Flora

Generality

The vagina, as well as the oral cavity, the skin, the intestine and other parts of the human body, is populated by numerous microorganisms. However, it is not a passive and disadvantageous colonization, but a real system of protection against other potentially pathogenic microorganisms. This very important "ecosystem" is called vaginal bacterial flora.

Importance of Vaginal Flora

If we think for a moment about its anatomical location, we can easily see how the vagina is exposed to the risk of contamination by faecal microorganisms. For this reason, when the intimate parts are dried and cleaned, a movement should always be carried out from the front to backwards and not vice versa.

Sexual intercourse also represents a possible source of infection; besides the sperm, due to its slightly alkaline pH (7.4-7.6), decreases the vaginal acidity, favoring the engraftment and the proliferation of pathogens.

Composition

The vaginal flora of healthy women is mainly made up of lactobacilli (or Doderlein's bacilli ), which regulate the growth of the remaining bacterial flora and hinder the colonization of the vagina by hostile germs. These functions are due to their ability to:

occupy the possible sites of adhesion of the other microorganisms;
synthesize hydrogen peroxide (H ₂ O ₂, better known as hydrogen peroxide), a molecule with direct and indirect bactericidal action (stimulates the activity of white blood cells);
acidify the vaginal environment (pH 4-4.5), metabolizing glycogen and producing lactic acid.

Alterations and vaginosis

In addition to lactobacilli, the vaginal bacterial flora also consists to a lesser extent of other microorganisms, such as streptococci, enterobacteria, anaerobic microorganisms, gardnerella, candida and mycoplasma. Some of these, even though they are potentially pathogenic, are not able to carry out their harmful action (precisely because they are kept in limited numbers by lactobacilli and the immune system). However, it may happen that the "good" vaginal flora alters, both qualitatively and quantitatively, and is thus overwhelmed by a mixed flora, rich in "bad" germs. This condition, commonly known as bacterial vaginosis, is established, for example, when taking antibiotics and immunosuppressive drugs, when suffering from diabetes or undergoing severe psychophysical stress. This condition is evidenced by the onset of a bad vaginal odor, sometimes associated with white-greyish and milky leaks.

Vaginosis - What to do

To restore the normal vaginal bacterial flora, specific products can be used based on lactic acid (which re-establishes an optimal pH for the proliferation of lactobacilli) and glycogen (which provides them with the nutrition necessary to grow). There are also topical therapies based on lactobacilli and specific antibiotics for certain microorganisms.

For further information: Read also: Drugs for Bacterial Vaginosis Treatment »

Prevention and Hygiene

To keep the vaginal flora in balance is important:

properly clean intimate areas. Both poor personal hygiene and obsessive cleansing contribute to altering the local microflora. We recommend the use of a soap with physiological pH (4 or 5), while intimate deodorants and internal washes should be limited.
Avoid wearing synthetic underwear, such as jeans and pants that are too tight, as they retain moisture and heat, creating favorable conditions for the development of harmful microorganisms. The same goes for the panty liners, which should be changed frequently in the days of flow.
The continued rubbing of the garment against the genitals can also cause local irritation. Better to choose cotton, which guarantees better transpiration than synthetic fibers.
Always use condoms in occasional sexual intercourse; if an infection is suspected (signaled by symptoms such as itching and bad smelling losses) sexual rest is important until the medical diagnosis and, if this is positive, until the end of any antibiotic therapy. Always extend care to your partner, even if symptom-free.
Avoid the common use of towels and underwear, at home, in the hotel, or in any other condition.
Avoid staying long with the wet swimsuit.
Follow a healthy and balanced diet (in particular, reduce the consumption of sweets and simple sugars); occasionally giving oneself regenerating breaks and practicing regular physical exercise; these small attentions to one's body will be rewarded with a better immune efficacy and, consequently, with a better balance of the vaginal flora.