Vaginal Microbiome and Vaginal Infections
Understanding the Vaginal Microbiome and Common Vaginal Infections
What Is the Vaginal Microbiome
The vaginal microbiome is a delicate ecosystem of protective bacteria, mostly types of Lactobacillus, that help keep the vagina healthy, balanced and comfortable.
A strong microbiome:
• maintains a naturally acidic pH
• protects against unwanted bacteria and yeast
• reduces odour
• promotes natural lubrication
• supports comfort during intimacy
• helps prevent irritation, itching and discomfort
When the microbiome is disrupted, symptoms can appear quickly. Knowing how to care for it is the foundation of intimate wellness.
What Can Disrupt the Vaginal Microbiome
The vaginal microbiome is sensitive and influenced by many everyday factors, including:
• antibiotics
• hormonal changes (periods, perimenopause, pregnancy, postpartum)
• new sexual partners
• stress and poor sleep
• tight or synthetic underwear
• fragranced soaps or wipes
• sperm and semen (higher pH)
• menstruation (blood temporarily raises pH)
• sweating, gym, swimming
• poor gut health
Disruption doesn’t always mean infection, but it often leads to symptoms that feel uncomfortable or unfamiliar.
Common Vaginal Infections and Imbalances
1. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
BV occurs when the natural balance of vaginal bacteria changes and the protective lactobacilli decrease.
Common signs include:
• fishy or strong odour
• thin grey or milky discharge
• increased discharge after sex
• mild irritation
A recent Australian research suggests bacterial vaginosis (BV) may be sexually transmitted, but it’s important to be precise about what the evidence shows:
• A landmark study led by Monash University and Alfred Health (Melbourne Sexual Health Centre) found that treating both members of heterosexual couples for BV led to much lower recurrence than treating only the woman’s infection. This supports the idea that BV bacteria can be passed between partners, which is a key feature of sexually transmitted infections.
• The findings were published in The New England Journal of Medicine and suggest that reinfection from a partner plays a major role in why BV comes back so often
2. Thrush (Yeast Infections)
Thrush happens when yeast (usually Candida) overgrows.
Common signs include:
• itching or burning
• redness and irritation
• thick white “cottage cheese” discharge
• swelling or discomfort during intimacy
Thrush can flare after antibiotics, during periods of stress or when the microbiome is weakened.
3. pH Imbalance Without Infection
Sometimes symptoms appear without a true infection.
This can include:
• mild odour
• watery discharge after your period
• irritation after sex
• dryness or burning
These are often signs of a disrupted pH rather than BV or thrush.
How to Support a Healthy Vaginal Microbiome Naturally
Use pH Balanced Intimate Products
Harsh soaps can disrupt the protective bacteria. Choose gentle, pH friendly washes designed for the vulva.
Support Hydration and Comfort
Dryness can weaken the microbiome and cause micro-irritations.
Hyaluronic based products and comfort suppositories help maintain moisture and resilience.
Support Beneficial Bacteria
Probiotic suppositories can help support a more balanced vaginal environment by encouraging protective flora.
Avoid Fragrances and Internal Washing
No perfumes, scented wipes or internal washing — the vagina cleans itself.
Wear Breathable Underwear
Bamboo or cotton help prevent moisture build up and irritation.
Care Before and After Intimacy
External hygiene mists and urinating after sex help support vulval comfort and reduce disruption.
FAQs - Vaginal Microbiome and Infections
How do I know if my microbiome is disrupted?
Common signs include odour changes, irritation, discomfort, or discharge that feels different than usual.
Can microbiome imbalance fix itself?
Sometimes yes, but many women find relief faster with pH friendly products, probiotics or hydration support.
Is BV caused by poor hygiene?
No. BV is a microbiome shift, not a cleanliness issue.
Are natural products enough for infections?
They support comfort, but confirmed infections like BV or thrush may require medical treatment. Always see your doctor if symptoms persist.
Studies on the vaginal microbiome and dysbiosis
Wu S, Hugerth LW, Schuppe-Koistinen I, Du J.
Opportunities for bacterial vaginosis treatment based on microbiota profiling. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes. 2022;8:34.
Coudray MS, Madhivanan P.
Bacterial vaginosis: a synopsis of the literature. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2020;245:143-148.
Atassi F, Pho Viet Ahn DL, Lievin-Le Moal V.
Antimicrobial activity of Lactobacillus gasseri and Lactobacillus crispatus strains against common BV and UTI pathogens. Front Microbiol. 2019;10:2900.
Ravel J, Gajer P, Abdo Z, et al.
Vaginal microbiome in reproductive-age women. PNAS. 2011;108 Suppl 1:4680-4687.
Fettweis JM, Brooks JP, Serrano MG, et al.
Differences in vaginal microbiome in African American women versus women of European ancestry. Microbiology. 2014;160(10):2272-2282.
Pramanick R, Mayadeo N, Warke H, et al.
Vaginal microbiota profiles in asymptomatic bacterial vaginosis and candidiasis. Microb Pathog. 2019;134:103599.