The vaginal flora is a collection of microorganisms that live in the vagina. They closely interact with the female body and affect its health.
The normal vaginal microflora is dominated by representatives of the lactobacilli: L. crispatus, L. gasseri, L. iners and L. jensenii.

Lactobacilli produce:
- lactic acid, which creates an acidic environment unsuitable for the vital activity of pathogenic microorganisms;

- hydrogen peroxide, lysozyme and other antibacterial substances that attack harmful bacteria.
This creates an environment that prevents colonization of the vagina by foreign microorganisms
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How are the intestines and vaginal microflora related?
It is believed that, through evolution, bacteria from the intestines entered the vagina, where the vaginal microbiota arose. There are studies that support the connection between the intestinal microbiota and the bacterial community of the vagina. In studying this connection, scientists have hypothesized that the intestines may be a reservoir for vaginal lactobacilli.
Some scientists suggest that the vaginal microflora can be influenced by probiotics - these are live bacteria that are beneficial to the body.
By consuming foods rich in probiotics (yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, pickles), you can maintain the number of beneficial microorganisms in the intestines. They, in turn, compete with pathogens and inhibit their growth.
But so far, scientists do not have a clear idea of ​​​​how taking probiotics affects the vaginal microbiota. More research is needed to reveal a positive effect. However, the beneficial effect of probiotics on the intestinal microbiota has been proven. And the health of the intestinal microbiota indirectly improves the state of the vaginal microflora.

Vaginal microflora, pregnancy and childbirth
During pregnancy, the woman’s body is completely restored. The vaginal microbiota also changes: the number of lactobacilli, enterococci, streptococci, staphylococci, moraxella increases.
Such changes are necessary for the formation of a healthy microflora in the newborn. When the baby passes through the birth canal, the body is colonized with microorganisms that create a normal microbiota of the intestine, skin and respiratory tract. Thus, the mother’s body passes on to the child a healthy microbiota, which is necessary for the normal functioning of the immune system. Children born by cesarean section have no contact with the vaginal microflora. Bacteria that are common in the hospital are more often found in the feces of such newborns. Babies born vaginally get most of their microbiota from their mothers, while babies born by cesarean section get most of their microbiota from the hospital environment. A few years ago, scientists conducted a study in which babies born by cesarean section were cleansed with their mothers’ vaginal secretions, which made the microbiota more similar to that of babies born naturally after the procedure. However, it is not yet possible to say for sure that one method of obtaining microbiota is better.

Vaginal dysbiosis
The composition of the vaginal microbiota depends on age, hormonal changes, antibiotic use, and lifestyle. It usually changes several times from birth to postmenopause. The replacement of normal microflora by pathogens leads to diseases. The most common conditions associated with changes in the vaginal microbiota are bacterial vaginosis and vulvovaginal candidiasis.
Bacterial vaginosis
In bacterial vaginosis, protective lactobacilli are replaced by opportunistic microorganisms, such as Bacteroides, Mobiluncus spp., Veillonella spp., Gardnerella vaginalis, Atopobium vaginae, Megasphera spp., Leptotrichia spp. and others. There is no single cause of bacterial vaginosis, it is caused by an imbalance between microbes.
Characteristic manifestations of bacterial vaginosis: abundant white or light gray discharge with a stale fishy odor, discomfort, burning and itching, irritation of the vulva. Bacterial vaginosis increases the risk of sexually transmitted infections, and during pregnancy, it increases the risk of complications. The cause of bacterial vaginosis is not yet fully understood. Scientists are studying the connection between sexuality and dysbiosis. Sexual contact is believed to be a possible risk factor for women.
Vulvovaginal candidiasis
In vulvovaginal candidiasis, the vaginal mucosa is damaged by fungi of the genus Candida. Candidiasis is sexually transmitted and can occur in both women and men. Vulvovaginal candidiasis is often referred to as thrush. Typical manifestations of vaginal candidiasis: itching, burning in the vulva and vagina, pain in the vagina, curd-like discharge, whitish coating that is easily removed, swelling and redness of the mucous membrane, urination disorders.
Bacterial vaginosis and candidiasis can only be diagnosed by a doctor based on characteristic complaints and laboratory test data. If you notice any of the listed symptoms, you should consult a gynecologist.

Vaginal dysbiosis and intimate hygiene
Proper intimate hygiene is an important factor in maintaining a healthy vaginal microbiota