The intimate area’s health is an important issue for all women. Although it can often be taboo, staying informed about proper care of the intimate area is essential to prevent possible complications. The female genital area is delicate and requires special attention to avoid infections, irritations, and other related problems. This article will detail the role of vulvar and vaginal flora, possible alterations, and recommendations for intimate area care.
The vulvovaginal flora
The vulvovaginal flora, also known as vulvovaginal microbiota, is a group of beneficial microorganisms in the vulva and vagina. They are essential for maintaining vulvar and vaginal health as they prevent other pathogenic species from colonizing the area and causing infections.
Microorganisms of the genera Lactobacillus mainly form this flora. These bacteria protect the mucosa by three mechanisms:
- Their presence in the vulvar epithelium prevents the adhesion of pathogenic microorganisms.
- They produce antimicrobial compounds such as lactic acid or hydrogen peroxide.
- They co-aggregate with pathogens, enhancing their microbicidal effect.
The production of lactic acid by these bacteria reduces the pH of the intimate area, which is approximately 4. This acidic environment inhibits the development of most bacteria from the digestive tract and those of environmental origin, helping to protect the vulvovaginal mucosa.
The production of lactic acid by these bacteria reduces the pH of the intimate area, which is approximately 4. This acidic environment inhibits the development of most bacteria from the digestive tract and those of environmental origin, helping to protect the vulvovaginal mucosa.
Alternations of vulvar and vaginal flora
Alteration of the proportions of the different bacteria present in the vulvovaginal flora, also known as dysbiosis, can cause discomfort and lead to vulvovaginitis. Vulvovaginitis is an infection of the vulva or vagina. Usually, one or more symptoms are present: changes in the volume, color, or odor of vaginal discharge, itching, burning, irritation, redness, and pain.
This flora alteration can have several causes:
- Age and the phase of the menstrual cycle can lead to hormonal changes. A high estrogen level helps preserve and stimulate the flora of the vulva and vagina.
- Incorrect and excessive use of antibiotics. Antibiotics are used to kill pathogenic bacteria, but at the same time, they can attack those that are part of the microbiota of the intimate area.
- Clothing. Clothing that is too tight and wearing fabrics that do not breathe well can irritate the vulva.
- Sexual intercourse. Pathogenic bacteria can be transmitted between sexual partners during any sexual contact.
Use of soaps or products with inappropriate pH. Traditional soaps have a neutral or basic pH (greater than 7), and their use can damage the acid balance of the vulva.
Intimate care tips
A good vulvar care is related to the correct balance of the vulvovaginal flora.
Here are some recommendations to take care of the health of your intimate area:
- Take care of hygiene in sexual intercourse, both before and after.
- Use clothes that are not too tight and cotton fabrics. Synthetic fabrics can increase sweating in the genital area, generating a humid environment that favors the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria.
- Avoid keeping the intimate area moist. After exercising and especially during summer when wearing swimsuits, it is better to quickly change your clothes if they are wet.
- Take care of your diet and incorporate probiotics, especially if you are taking an antibiotic treatment.
- Visit your gynecologist regularly. It is advisable to have a check-up once a year and visit your doctor if you feel any unusual symptoms or discomfort.
- Use appropriate and specific products for the care of the vulva that respect its pH. Do not perform vaginal douches, as they eliminate beneficial bacteria.
At Prospera Biotech we work to ensure the care of your skin using neurodermatological formulations.
We have developed Vulvisens for the care of the intimate area. It acts on the nerve endings of the vulva reestablishing its balance and soothing the itching sensation. In addition, it contains prebiotic compounds that help maintain a balanced microbiota.
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Keywords: intimate area; vulvovaginal flora; vagina; vulva; pH; irritation; woman
References
- Martín, R., Soberón, N., Vázquez, F., & Evaristo Suárez, J. (2008). La microbiota vaginal: composición, papel protector, patología asociada y perspectivas terapéuticas. Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin, 26(3), 160–167. https://doi.org/10.1157/13116753
- Intibiome. What causes vaginal imbalances? https://www.intibiome.com/gb/blogs/article-5.html
- Bobban Subhadra, BiomProbiotics. What is Vaginal Microbiome Dysbiosis? Does it matter, Yes…https://biomprobiotics.com/what-is-vaginal-microbiome-dysbiosis-does-it-matter-yes
