09/06/2024
Jordan and Lee did a deep dive into the va**nal microbiome research this week! There are several fascinating and important findings:
1. While there are many kinds of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa in the va**na, healthy va**nas are dominated by an abundance of Lactobacillus Crispatus.
2. “Dysbiosis” or imbalance of the bacterial composition in the va**na is associated with increased rates of: BV, UTIs, yeast, pelvic pain conditions, pre-term labor, and nearly all STIs (especially HPV).
3. Oral probiotics (especially those with the most important kinds or lactobacilli) are helpful in reducing risk for and recurrence of va**nal infections, especially BV.
4. Things that influence your va**nal microbiome include: your mother’s va**nal environment, antibiotic use, medications, birth control type, diet, stress level, ethnicity, genetics, age, estrogen level and menstrual cycle, pregnancy, sleep, Diabetes, oral s*x, douching, tampons, menstrual discs, self treatment with anti fungals and other cleaning practices.
5. Hormones have a profound impact on the va**nal microbiome and can cause large shifts in what bacteria are present. Increased Estrogen supports Lactobacillus!
6. Unlike the gut microbiome, the va**nal microbiome is characterized by low bacterial diversity but high Lactobacilli.
7. At least 2/3 of the time, your self diagnosis (yeast, BV, UTI) is wrong. Always go to your medical provider and get a swab/ culture and treat correctly.
We love helping women navigate the information, choose the right supplements, and understand how behaviors impact their va**nal health. Don’t buy the first thing that pops up on your feed! If you want more information and education, call us to schedule at 307-682-2500.
