We recently had an article about the intestinal microbiome, in today's post we will focus on the vaginal microbiome🧫. The vaginal microbiome is a complex community of bacteria 🦠 that protect the host from disease and maintain vaginal health. The composition of a healthy vaginal microbiota includes commensal (friendly👬) bacteria, mainly of the genus Lactobacillus, which serve to reduce pH and prevent pathogenic invasion🤺. The rapid change of the vaginal epithelium and the mucosal cervicovaginal secretion help form the first line of defense of the organism.
All types of lactobacilli produce lactic acid🥛, only L. iners does not produce lactate. L. iners is therefore associated with vaginal dysbiosis, lower protection against sexually transmitted infections and adverse pregnancy outcomes. D-lactate-producing lactobacilli, on the other hand, are associated with a lower incidence of postpartum complications and infections.
Changes in the composition of the vaginal microbiome occur during pregnancy. The increasing level of estrogen during pregnancy leads to an increase in lactobacilli, a decrease in pH and a more pronounced vaginal secretion. At the same time, the overall ability of a woman to create a strong immune response is hindered. This is believed to be beneficial to the fetus as it is protected from immune rejection of the fetus by the mother🤰🏻.
The influence of the vaginal microbiome on the development or prevention of cancer is interesting. Research into the relationship between the vaginal microbiome and gynecological tumors is still in its infancy. However, the results of several studies suggest a possible link. The most obvious is the influence of the microbiome on the risk of developing cervical cancer caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Some strains of HPV significantly increase the risk of cervical cancer. Further research is needed to determine if and when modulating the vaginal microbiome through probiotics could be used as a preventive strategy or to treat 👩 gynecological tumors.
Verra team💕