What is the vaginal microbiome?

The vaginal microbiome is one of many communities of microbes in our bodies, others include the gut, mouth and the skin. These communities consist of bacteria, yeast and viruses. Microbiomes can play beneficial, protective roles, or they can become dysbiotic (imbalanced) and cause us problems. In a healthy vaginal microbiome, lactobacillus should dominate the environment to keep it acidic, free from pathogens and yeast overgrowth.

Yeast and viruses may be found in a vaginal microbiome too, however, lactobacillus and other health factors should keep these at bay. Pathogenic bacteria may appear in the vaginal microbiome if the environment is compromised. These pathogens may come from the gut or from a partner. If they proliferate, symptoms such as discharge, burning or an unusual smell may occur. In addition, these microbes may increase one’s risk of a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), and they have been associated with poorer fertility outcomes.