Vaginal flora are the community of microorganisms that live in the vagina: bacteria, fungi and viruses. Beneficial bacteria, especially the Lactobacilli, provide the bulk of a healthy vaginal flora that keeps a slightly acidic environment (pH 3.8 to 4.5) that protects against other pathogens.
Good bacteria, or what are known as probiotics, produce lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide, which helps keep bad bacteria from growing and inflicting things like yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis (BV).
These microorganisms restore the balance of vaginal health, and any alteration of that balance could lead to symptoms such as itching, irritation, abnormal discharge, or odor. The first thing to understand is what factors influence vaginal flora.
Factors Affecting Vaginal Flora
Several factors influence the health and balance of vaginal flora:
- Hormonal Changes: Hormone related fluctuations, including those that occur during menstruation or menopause or pregnancy, can change the vaginal environment. For instance, Lactobacilli are encouraged to grow more during pregnancy and menstruation, when there are higher estrogen levels, keeping the flora healthy.
- Antibiotic Use: Antibiotics are a necessary part of fighting infection, but can alter the balance of bacteria in the vagina. As they kill both of the ‘good’ and harmful bacteria, antibiotics can cause yeast overgrowth or fungal imbalances.
- Diet and Nutrition: Probiotics and fiber abundant foods can help nourish the beneficial bacteria that lives in the vagina. On the other hand, if your diet is filled with sugar and processed foods things can go downhill a lot quicker than this—and that’s because sugar and processed foods tend to encourage the growth of harmful bacteria or yeast.
- Hygiene Practices: Douching or over washing the vagina can unbalance the normal flora. Your vagina is self-cleaning, so don’t overdo it with the scrunching and don’t waste your time scrubbing with harsh soaps or scented products that will dry and irritate the area.
- Sexual Activity: Sexual activity can change whether unprotected, and introduce bacteria which can change the vaginal microbiome. To keep a vaginal healthy it’s important to practice safe sex.
Imbalance signs of a Vaginal Flora
If the balance of bacteria in the vagina changes, women may begin to have different symptoms. Some common signs include:
● Discharge that isn’t normal (thick, white, grayish, or greenish, or greenish in color).
● A strong, fishy odor.
● Itching or burning.
● Sexual or urination pain or discomfort.
If vaginal flora is out of balance, it can cause conditions like vaginal yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis, or BV. In particular it’s very common, which is known as BV, because harmful bacteria outgrow the good Lactobacilli. If you experience any of these symptoms, see a gynecologist in Lahore to find out what’s causing it and what to treat it with.
Maintaining Healthy Vaginal Flora Tips
Here are some practical tips to help maintain a healthy vaginal flora:
1. Proper Hygiene Practices
The external genital area (vulva) is clean with a mild, unscented soap and water. Don’t douche, it will knock the shit out of the natural bacteria in there and make that icky crevice imbalanced. So let your vagina do its natural cleaning process.
2. Balanced Diet
Supporting vaginal health is vital to have a well balanced diet. Add foods high in probiotics, like yogurt, kefir and sauerkraut. They can help grow good bacteria in the vagina. It also further helps in general health and prevents yeast overgrowth through eating fiber rich foods such as whole grains, organic fruits, and organic vegetables.
3. Probiotics
Eating (or taking) probiotics is good for vaginal health. Antibiotic treatment or times of hormonal fluctuation can unbalance the normal balance of vaginal bacteria; probiotics, such as Lactobacillus may help, however. Before starting a supplement regime, consult your doctor.
4. Safe Sexual Practices
Always using condoms can help prevent infections and prevent harmful bacteria from entering a vagina. If you have discomfort or irritation after sex, it’s possible your doctor can help you figure out what could be causing it and what you can do about it.
5. Avoiding Irritants
Do not use scented products like feminine sprays, powders or scented toilet paper that will irritate the vaginal area. Most of these products have chemicals, which affect the natural pH balance or dry the skin as well as causing itching.
6. Regular Check-ups
It’s important to have regular gynecological check ups to monitor your vaginal flora. Early detection of any potential problems, such as infections or abnormal growths, is one of the benefits of a routine exam that can help you to keep reproductive health in good shape.
When to See a Doctor
If you start to develop persistent symptoms such as unusual discharge, irritation, or a foul odor, then it’s good to see the best gynecologist in Karachi. While imbalance of vaginal flora commonly exists, it may need treatment by antibiotics or antifungals or probiotics. Sometimes, having recurrent infections may need a more specialized treatment plan.
Conclusion
Keeping a healthy vaginal flora is extremely important for the overall reproductive health. Following these tips should keep your vaginal microbiome in good shape — practice good hygiene, maintain a balanced diet, use probiotics, and be careful when having sex. If you notice any symptoms of an imbalance, always check with your healthcare provider just to be sure that you are being treated properly.
