How can you preserve your vaginal flora?

Preserving vaginal flora is essential to maintaining good intimate health. Proper hygiene, a balanced diet and the use of gentle products are the keys to protecting this delicate balance. But what causes this imbalance? How can it be detected and remedied? Most importantly, how can we preserve it and ensure intimate comfort?

What is vaginal flora?

Vaginal flora are the micro-organisms that reside in the vagina, playing a crucial role in protecting it from infection. Often referred to as the vaginal microbiota or Doderlein flora, it plays a role in protecting the vagina. It is made up of beneficial bacteria known as lactobacilli, which generate lactic acid and help maintain an acid pH, essential for feminine health. There are six categories of vaginal flora, depending on the diversity and quantity of bacteria that make it up:

Groups I, II, III and V include a majority of lactobacilli, and a wider range of anaerobic bacteria, frequently associated with bacterial vaginosis.

Type VI, on the other hand, is associated with fungal infections, notably by the fungus Candida albicans.

The flora functions in a complex way, preventing the implantation and proliferation of bad bacteria by forming a physical and chemical barrier. By producing substances such as :

lactic acid
hydrogen peroxide
bacteriocins

lactobacilli inhibit the growth of other potentially harmful bacteria. They also reduce the ability of germs to attach themselves to the vaginal wall by covering the vaginal cells, making them less receptive.

Flora therefore plays an important role in maintaining intimate comfort and preventing the onset of infections such as vaginosis, mycosis, cervicitis and HPV-type infections.

However, our vaginal flora can sometimes become unbalanced. This gives way to pathogenic germs that can cause a variety of disorders, such as bacterial vaginosis or mycosis.

How important is vaginal pH?

The vaginal pH serves as an indicator of the acidity or alkalinity of the vaginal environment. It is measured on a scale from 0 to 14. An ideal balance is between 3.8 and 4.5, reflecting a slightly acidic environment.

This acidity is in fact vital to vaginal health, ensuring a harmonious balance in the vaginal flora, dominated by lactobacilli. These bacteria produce lactic acid, which fights off harmful micro-organisms and safeguards the protective barrier against infection.

A shift in pH towards alkalinity can disrupt this microbial richness, reducing the number of lactobacilli. This state of imbalance can mark the beginning of an unbalanced vaginal environment, encouraging the development of pathogens. This leads to the development of bad bacteria, responsible for vaginal infections such as bacterial vaginosis or candidiasis, manifested by unpleasant symptoms such as abnormal discharge, odour, itching or pain.

In addition to infections, an unbalanced pH can influence fertility, affect pregnancy and increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections.

Maintaining a pH balance is therefore crucial, requiring the avoidance of certain disruptive factors such as unprotected sexual intercourse, the use of inappropriate antibiotic treatment, the selection of unsuitable hygiene products for intimate cleansing, vaginal douching or hormonal variations. To rectify an imbalance, the use of probiotics, specific vaginal gels or adapted treatments can prove effective.

What role does lactic acid play in intimate flora?

Lactic acid maintains the health and balance of vaginal flora. It is a compound produced by lactobacilli, the main players in the vaginal microbiota.

It fulfils two essential functions within the intimate flora. Firstly, it helps maintain an acid pH, essential for the vaginal environment. Secondly, it has antimicrobial properties, preventing the development of harmful micro-organisms.

The pH, an indicator of acidity or alkalinity, varies between 0 and 14. Values below 7 indicate an acidic environment, and above 7 an alkaline environment. A healthy vaginal pH of between 3.8 and 4.5 ensures a slightly acidic environment. This is conducive to the proliferation of lactobacilli and protection against pathogenic germs such as anaerobic bacteria and yeasts, which can potentially cause vaginal infections.

As an antimicrobial agent, lactic acid prevents the proliferation of dangerous micro-organisms by altering their membrane, blocking their metabolism or disrupting their DNA, thus establishing a natural barrier against infection.

In short, lactic acid is an indispensable ally for intimate comfort and health. Thanks to its ability to maintain an acidic environment and its antimicrobial properties, it protects the vagina against pathogens and preserves its natural balance.

Quels sont les facteurs qui influencent le pH vaginal ?

Vaginal pH plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy environment, balancing the acidity or alkalinity of the vagina. Normally, it varies between 3.8 and 4.5, ensuring a moderately acidic environment that encourages the proliferation of lactobacilli. These beneficial bacteria produce lactic acid and form a protective barrier against infection.

However, several factors can alter this pH and unbalance the vaginal flora, opening the door to pathogenic germs. These include :

Unprotected intercourse: Semen, which is alkaline in nature (pH around 7.5), can increase the vaginal pH. To preserve the balance, we recommend using a condom or cleansing after intercourse.
Antibiotics: these can eliminate lactobacilli, thus altering vaginal pH. During treatment, we recommend taking probiotics to replenish the flora.
Menstrual cycle: The vaginal pH tends to increase during menstruation, due to the naturally alkaline blood. It’s essential to change protection regularly, preferring fragrance-free or synthetic products.
Intimate hygiene products: Soaps, gels and other overly aggressive products can upset the pH. Opt for gentle cleansers, adapted to the vaginal pH, or simply lukewarm water.

Maintaining a balanced vaginal pH is essential to prevent flora imbalances and infections. Adopting good hygiene and preventive practices is therefore crucial to intimate health and comfort.

How can you prevent imbalances and protect your intimate flora ?

The intimate flora, or vaginal flora, consists of a group of beneficial micro-organisms present in the vagina, playing a crucial role in the defense against infection. These bacteria, mainly lactobacilli, produce lactic acid and maintain an acid pH, essential for intimate health.

However, imbalances can occur, giving way to pathogenic germs that cause a variety of disorders such as bacterial vaginosis or mycosis. These are characterized by worrying symptoms: atypical vaginal discharge, unpleasant odours, itching, irritation or pain.

To promote balance and effectively protect your intimate flora, here are a few simple practices:

Gentle intimate hygiene: Wash your intimate area once a day with a soap-free, fragrance-free, dye-free product that respects the vaginal pH. Avoid douching and use cotton sanitary pads instead.
Appropriate clothing: Choose cotton undergarments, change them daily, and avoid tight-fitting or synthetic garments.
Balanced diet: Eat products rich in lactic ferments, such as yoghurt, kefir or sauerkraut, and drink enough water to support intimate flora and moisturize mucous membranes.
Avoid irritants: Avoid smoking, alcohol and coffee. Avoid unprotected intercourse, which can transmit infections or alter vaginal pH.
Regular check-ups: Have an annual gynecological check-up, and consult your doctor in the event of unusual symptoms, for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Probiotics: Incorporate these live micro-organisms, available in certain foods or as supplements, into your diet to boost lactobacilli and fight infection.

In conclusion, intimate flora represents a delicate ecosystem, which must be carefully preserved through good hygiene, the choice of appropriate clothing, a healthy diet, avoidance of irritating substances, regular medical consultation and the use of probiotics.

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Conclusion

We’ve revealed the secrets of healthy vaginal flora, highlighting its vital importance to your intimate health and well-being. Lactic acid plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of your vaginal flora. We’ve taken a look at the various factors that alter the pH of the vagina and the best practices for preventing imbalances and protecting this delicate ecosystem.

Clearly, vaginal flora is an ecosystem that can become unbalanced and lead to infection.

Adopting gentle intimate hygiene, choosing appropriate clothing, following a balanced diet, avoiding irritating products, consulting a doctor regularly and considering taking probiotics are the main methods of prevention.