What is the vaginal microbiota?
The vaginal microbiota is the set of microorganisms, which includes bacteria, fungi, protozoa and viruses, present in the vagina. It plays an important role in maintaining vaginal health, fighting infections and activating the immune system.
Lactobacilli: allies of women’s intimate health
The vaginal microbiota varies throughout a woman’s life and is influenced by several genetic and environmental factors (hormonal fluctuations, intimate hygiene, use of antibiotics, nutrition, smoking, etc.).
In women of reproductive age, lactobacilli represent the predominant bacterial component of the normal vaginal microbial flora. These bacteria play an important role in maintaining the acidic vaginal pH that prevents the proliferation of potential pathogens. Lactobacilli allow the maintenance of the balance between the different populations of microorganisms that colonize the vaginal mucosa (eubiosis) and secrete bacteriocines, with bacteriostatic or bactericidal activity on some microbial strains.
Particularly important is the role of the vaginal microbiota at the time of conception, during pregnancy and childbirth.
Altered vaginal microbiota: symptoms
When pathogenic microorganisms replace the normal flora dominated by lactobacilli, a state of dysbiosis results that makes the onset of vaginal infections easier.
When there is an alteration in the composition of the microorganisms that are normally present in the vagina, we speak of vaginosis. The infection can be caused by foreign germs or by the overcoming of normally present microorganisms such as Candida. Vaginitis can also be caused by microorganisms that are normally present in the intestine, such as Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis, but which become pathogenic if they migrate vaginally.
Due to constipation or irritable bowel, for example, these microorganisms can cross the intestinal walls and colonise the vagina, causing inflammation and cystitis.
External germs contracted through sexual intercourse can also cause vaginitis, and in this case we are talking about sexually transmitted diseases.
How can we ensure our vaginal microbiota is healthy?
To protect the vaginal microbiota, simple precautions must be followed:
- proper intimate hygiene, using suitable cleaning products;
- healthy diet (with a preference for fibre-rich foods such as fruit and vegetables, probiotic foods such as yoghurt and kefir);
- immediately contact your doctor in case of burning, itching or changes in the smell, color and consistency of vaginal secretions.
Why undertake a vaginal microbiota analysis?
- Most women experience episodes of vaginal dysbiosis in their lives, often caused by a lack of lactobacilli.
- Vaginal dysbiosis increases the likelihood of contracting more or less serious vaginal infections and can be associated with problems with conception, high-risk pregnancies, premature delivery and perinatal complications.
- The interaction between the microbiota and the immune system plays a fundamental role in chronic inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases, miscarriages and the various stages of female life, including pregnancy and menopause.
- The analysis of the vaginal microbiota offers a personalised therapeutic opportunity to improve women’s health at all stages of life.
Which test to perform?
The vaginal microbiome test allows us to characterize the composition and functionality of the vaginal bacterial flora to highlight any conditions of dysbiosis that make vaginal infections more likely to occur.
The test is based on gene sequencing using NGS (Next Generation Sequencing) technology and allows the identification of the vaginal microbiota with innovative genetic sequencing techniques combined with complex bioinformatic analysis.
The test is non-invasive and is performed using a simple swab.
Dr Maria Luisa Casella
