What Happens When Vaginal Microbiome Is Imbalanced?

Health of the vaginal microbiome—the community of bacteria and fungi residing in the vagina—is crucial to a woman's overall well-being. You can also call it the vaginal microbiota or vaginal flora and it simply represents all the microbes that are present, including bacteria, viruses, fungi and all kinds of single-cell organisms.

But What Happens When It Is Imbalanced?

When the vaginal microbiome is imbalanced, it can lead to infections such as bacterial vaginosis (BV), yeast infections, and aerobic vaginitis. It can also increase the risk of other health issues, including recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). Research has even linked certain disruptions in the vaginal microbiome to pregnancy complications like preterm birth. Given the significant impact of an imbalanced microbiome, experts advise women experiencing frequent vaginal infections to consider a vaginal microbiome test.

Vaginal Microbiome Test

These tests offer a detailed analysis of the bacteria and fungi present in the vaginal environment. By identifying imbalances, they can help diagnose conditions such as BV, yeast infections, aerobic vaginitis, and recurrent UTIs. Research indicates that some individuals have a naturally lower level of lactobacilli bacteria, which plays a key role in maintaining a healthy vaginal microbiome.

For these women, probiotics are often recommended as a way to restore balance, fostering the growth of beneficial bacteria while preventing harmful ones from proliferating. Studies have shown that taking probiotics after BV treatment can reduce the risk of recurrence by nearly 50%, with benefits lasting for a month or more.

Several companies have developed at-home testing kits to assess vaginal microbiome health. Last year, women's health startup Daye introduced a tampon-based test that users wear before mailing it back for screening. Meanwhile, a company Envy released a test that utilizes metagenomic sequencing to analyze over 700 microbes from a single swab sample.

What Can Vaginal Microbiome Test Do?

Vaginal microbiome testing can provide valuable insights into fertility, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and pregnancy outcomes. It is beneficial for anyone looking to understand their unique vaginal health, resolve persistent symptoms, or take charge of their reproductive and overall well-being. Any major change in vaginal discharge—such as an increase in quantity, a shift in color (like green), or an unpleasant odor—should not be ignored, as these can signal infections or STIs.

Additionally, symptoms such as vaginal itching, burning, or pain could be signs of an infection requiring medical attention. Another concerning symptom is bleeding or spotting between periods. While many cases are due to benign causes like cervical polyps or breakthrough bleeding from birth control, unexplained spotting should always be discussed with a healthcare provider, as it could indicate a more serious condition.

By staying vigilant about changes in vaginal health and utilizing microbiome testing when necessary, women can take proactive steps to maintain their overall well-being.