Did you know that your body consists of 30 trillion cells? And did you know that in addition to your own cells, the cells of way more than 30 trillion microorganisms are always in and around your body? Sounds scary, but don’t worry – it is not.
In fact, most of these cells are from bacteria and other microorganisms that help you with activities such as protecting you from harmful diseases. The sum of these non-human cells in and around your body is called the body’s microbiome. You might have already heard about the gut microbiome, but many other types of microbiome often get forgotten. One example of this is the vaginal microbiome, which is crucial for your intimate health and has the following functions:
- Protecting your body from infections that can result in bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis, and sexually transmitted diseases;
- Supporting fertility.
Many women face problems linked to an imbalanced vaginal microbiome. This imbalance can be due to improper intimate hygiene, humidity levels, health conditions, antibiotic use, and others. Vaginal microbiome disruptions may lead to frequent vaginal infections, and the usual treatment involves antibiotics.
Many women aren’t aware that most of these medications only offer temporary relief and don’t equilibrate their vaginal flora. This lack of sustainable solutions can leave them feeling embarrassed, dealing with unnecessary expenses, and experiencing discomfort.
Dr. med. Virginia Franco, founder of YONI Solutions and a gynecologist specializing in intimate health, states, “It is important for all women to maintain a balanced and healthy vaginal microbiome to promote overall health and well-being”.
To achieve this, she recommends practicing good hygiene, such as avoiding vaginal douching and refraining from wearing tight clothing. Furthermore, women should prioritize vulva hygiene and engage in safe sexual practices, while also limiting stress, alcohol consumption, and smoking to protect the balance of their vaginal microbiome.
Regular visits to a healthcare provider are essential.
According to an article published by Nebraska Medicine in February 2019, incorporating fermented foods and drinks like yogurt into one’s diet can help boost the number of beneficial bacteria in the vagina.
Don’t forget that staying hydrated helps maintain vaginal lubrication and reduces the risk of infections.
Food supplements, specificaly addressed to the vaginal microbiome, are currently being used by many women worldwide. Assessing the most prevalent bacteria in each woman’s allows for personalised supplements to be indicated to meet your individual needs.
Do you want more information on how you can find out if your vaginal microbiome is balanced, what microbes are present, and how you can get personalized food supplements? Then click on the link.
