How to maintain the balance of your vaginal flora?

The balance of vaginal flora is a health issue for many women. It influences many aspects, such as vaginal dryness, pain related to sexual intercourse, and even fertility. However, it can be easily disrupted: pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause have a strong effect on the vaginal flora, while illnesses and their treatments can also disrupt its balance. To maintain the balance of your vaginal flora throughout your life, several treatments and actions exist. As the head of the Gapianne e-concept store, dedicated to well-being and intimate comfort since 2020, we specialize in intimate dryness, and the balance of vaginal flora is a subject that particularly interests us. In the following article, we offer you not only advice but also treatments and products to maintain the balance of your vaginal flora on a daily basis.

Reminder of what vaginal flora is

Also called vaginal microbiota , Doderlein flora or intimate flora , the vaginal flora is a set of microorganisms naturally present within the vagina. It develops at the beginning of puberty and lines the vaginal mucosa and protects the body against intrusions and the development of pathogenic germs, such as bacteria and fungi.

The microorganisms in the vaginal flora are mainly bacteria that could be loosely described as “good” or “bad” for the body. It is their balance that creates a healthy vaginal flora: the “good” bacteria, lactobacilli, should represent 90% of the vaginal microbiota.

The composition of the vaginal flora changes throughout life depending on different factors: hormones, lifestyle, illnesses, periods of life, etc.

✋ Vaginal flora should not be confused with intestinal flora. As the name intestinal flora suggests, it is the set of microorganisms present in the intestine. Its regulation is also essential but has nothing to do with that of the vaginal flora.

What is a healthy vaginal flora?

A healthy vaginal flora is a vaginal flora that fulfills its role of protecting the vaginal mucosa on a daily basis. It is composed of 90% good bacteria , lactobacilli . How do you know if you have a healthy vaginal flora? Beyond the study of the bacteria in your vaginal flora, several symptoms can reassure you that it is functioning properly:

• You have a well-hydrated vagina: a healthy vaginal flora contributes to the proper hydration of the vulva and vagina. If you don't feel tight or dry in your vulva and you don't need lubricant during sex or masturbation, all the lights are green: your vaginal flora seems healthy! Conversely, if you experience intimate dryness or a lack of lubrication during penetrative sex, it's likely that your vaginal flora is unbalanced: we'll talk about this later.

Also read: Comparison of the best products for moisturizing a vulva >

• Your vaginal discharge is normal: throughout your menstrual cycle, vaginal discharge , including cervical mucus , changes in texture and color. If your vaginal flora is healthy, your discharge will generally be thick and whitish at the beginning of your cycle, viscous and translucent, liquid during ovulation , and thick and yellowish just before your period. You may also observe some traces of blood in your discharge (it will then be brown or pink), just after your period, during ovulation or before your period. Conversely, greenish or blue vaginal discharge that has a particularly strong smell is a symptom of vaginal conditions (yeast infections, STIs, etc.).

The intimate flora is very fragile

The balance of the intimate flora is unfortunately particularly fragile. Many factors can destabilize it and lead to rather unpleasant consequences.

Causes of flora imbalance

There are many causes of vaginal flora imbalance. Some are within your control—others are not.

• Genetics: As is often the case in health, genetics and heredity are factors that can contribute to imbalances in the vaginal flora. If the women in your family often have problems in this area, it is possible that you will have the same. In the same vein, it is possible that you are fragile in this area of your body – where others suffer from tonsillitis and gastroenteritis;
• Hygiene: Uncontrolled intimate hygiene can cause bad bacteria to rise in your vagina, contributing to an imbalance in the vaginal flora. Please note: douching and using perfumed soaps in this area of the body can cause an imbalance in the vaginal flora;
• Moments in life: periods, pregnancy, childbirth and menopause can lead, due to the hormonal imbalances they cause, to an imbalance in the vaginal flora;
• Sexual intercourse: Semen that remains in the vagina after sexual intercourse can upset the balance of good and bad bacteria in the vaginal flora. It has a more basic pH than vaginal flora (more acidic) and can lead to the multiplication of bad bacteria;
• Illnesses and medical treatments: Illnesses and the medical treatments sometimes associated with them can cause an imbalance in the vaginal flora. If you notice this symptom following medical treatment, it may be important to discuss it with your doctor;
• Lifestyle: Your lifestyle can disrupt your vaginal flora. Consuming alcohol, caffeine, or tobacco, as well as traveling, lack of sleep, or an unbalanced diet can all have a negative impact.

Symptoms

The symptoms of an unbalanced vaginal flora are, as you might expect, the opposite of the symptoms that indicate a healthy vaginal flora:

• Are you suffering from vaginal dryness: your vulva and vagina are dry, you feel a sense of tightness, and friction with your clothing is uncomfortable or even painful? These are symptoms of vaginal dryness and, most likely, of an unbalanced vaginal flora;

Also read: How to treat intimate dryness naturally >

• Penetrative sex is painful: Does penetration cause pain , especially when it lasts, due to friction? This is also a symptom of intimate dryness and unbalanced vaginal flora, which no longer fulfills its role of hydrating the vagina and vulva;
• You appear infertile: An unbalanced vaginal flora can also be the cause of infertility. Indeed, a healthy vaginal flora, populated by lactobacilli, is favorable to the development of spermatozoa and allows their movement to the cervix;
• Your white discharge is abnormal: “white” discharge that is greenish or bluish in color, or that is foamy or lumpy in appearance, is abnormal. It is most often a sign of a vaginal condition (sexually transmitted infections or mycoses) resulting from an imbalance in your intimate flora.

What consequences?

The consequences of an imbalance in Doderlein's flora are therefore numerous and generally unpleasant on a daily basis. They can even be serious if you are planning a baby or if you contract a condition linked to this imbalance (particularly vaginal yeast infection). This is why it is essential to promote and maintain the balance of the vaginal flora.

3 steps to rebalance your Doderlein flora

Do you think your intimate flora is out of balance? Here's how to restore the balance of "good" and "bad" bacteria in your vagina.

Consult a doctor

The first thing to do if you think your vaginal flora balance is disrupted is to consult your doctor . This is essential. He or she will be able to make a diagnosis and, if deemed necessary, prescribe additional tests such as a swab. These tests are particularly necessary if you suspect a yeast infection or STI: they will help identify the bacteria involved and allow for treatment.

If necessary, treat the imbalance medically

If the tests come back positive and it turns out that you really do have a vaginal imbalance that is causing you discomfort, it is essential to take the treatment prescribed by your doctor. ✋ Don't skip this step. A yeast infection or an STI can only be treated with medication.

Take a course of probiotics

Medications that aim to eradicate bad bacteria and other germs and fungi from your vaginal flora can be powerful. They are essential for cleansing your vaginal flora BUT they also purify the good bacteria. This is why it is then essential to rebuild your vaginal flora with probiotics and prebiotics.

🌈 If your doctor hasn't prescribed anything, you can turn to the Miyé brand probiotic treatment , which is effective in rebuilding vaginal and intestinal flora (the latter can also be affected by medication). We selected it for its ingredients (probiotic complex to restore and maintain the balance of vaginal and intestinal flora) and because it's vegan and made in France 🇫🇷.

I want these probiotics >

How to take a course of probiotics?

A probiotic treatment should be taken for at least one month, daily. In the case of the Miyé brand treatment, you should take two capsules per day with a large glass of water, at the time you prefer (mealtime or not). Afterwards, we recommend taking a break of at least one week to see if the effects last: resume a treatment if you feel the need (here, if you still experience discomfort, markers of unhealthy vaginal flora).

5 ways to keep your intimate flora healthy

We've mentioned it several times in this article: keeping your intimate flora healthy is partly up to you. So, it's about focusing on what you can change—after all, you can't change your genetics or turn off menopause!

Adopt good intimate hygiene practices

The first way to keep your vaginal flora healthy is to adopt good intimate hygiene practices.

1. Cleanse with water or, if you prefer, with a pH-neutral soap to avoid affecting the natural acidity of the vaginal flora.

I want this intimate cleanser >

1. Change your underwear every day
2. Avoid perfumed products for your hygiene
3. Eliminate douching from your routine: this practice is particularly bad and tends to destroy your entire microbiota

Choosing the right underwear

The underwear you choose and the care you take with it can also have an impact on your intimacy.

1. Opt for cotton or linen underwear: synthetic materials can tend to retain moisture and lead to the development of fungus and intimate yeast infections.
2. Limit underwear with seams at the vulva level, your intimacy will thank you!
3. Choose a detergent that is as natural as possible, without perfume: your clothes are in contact with your intimate areas every day, you want to give them the greatest care and the fewest possible chemicals.

Opt for a lubricant with probiotics

Each lubricant is designed for specific issues and needs (need for increased glide, allergy to certain ingredients, use with a sex toy or with a condom, etc.). If your intimate flora is fragile and your partner's sperm may tend to destabilize it, we recommend opting for a lubricant with probiotics . In addition to countering the lack of natural lubrication that you may be suffering from in the event of intimate dryness, it will guarantee the balance of your vaginal flora after sexual intercourse.

🌈 At Gapianne, we highly recommend Miyé's probiotic intimate lubricating gel . Multifunctional, it can also be used as a gel for external and internal use to soothe your vulva on a daily basis.

I want this probiotic lubricating intimate gel >

Think about your intestinal flora

The good health of your intestinal flora is essential to ensure the good health of your vaginal flora. Indeed, these two floras, although they are not composed of the same microorganisms, can communicate. Due to different sexual practices, bad bathroom habits, or even permeability between the internal walls that separate the vagina and the digestive system. It is therefore important to also promote the good health of your intestinal flora by strengthening it, regularly, with probiotics and prebiotics.

🌈 At Gapianne, we've selected for you the Gyneika brand's intestinal flora food supplement treatment , which specializes in women suffering from endometriosis. This treatment is composed of probiotics to promote a healthy balance of the intestinal and vaginal microbiota, as well as glutamine to aid digestion.

I want these food supplements >

Observe the signs of a healthy Doderlein flora

Last but not least, to ensure your vaginal flora is healthy: observe the symptoms and your feelings. As we mentioned at the beginning of this article in the symptoms of a healthy vaginal flora, if your vaginal discharge is normal, if your vulva is not tight, if you do not have a burning sensation on a daily basis and if you have no problem with natural lubrication during sexual intercourse with vaginal penetration, then everything is fine. Continue to observe your white discharge and your sensations regularly to ensure that the balance of your intimate flora is maintained.

In conclusion, vaginal flora is a good barometer of your vagina's health. Maintaining the balance of your vaginal microbiota is essential for your health and intimate comfort. In case of discomfort, consulting a doctor is the first step, while good hygiene is the starting point for a healthy intimate flora.

Sources:

“The Vaginal Microbiome: I. Research Development, Lexicon, Defining “Normal” and the Dynamics Throughout Women's Lives” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8719517/

“The Microbiota of the Vagina and Its Influence on Women's Health and Disease” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3248621/?_escaped_fragment_=po=52.5000

“The vaginal microbiome: rethinking health and diseases” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3780402/