What is bacterial vaginosis. How is it diagnosed. What are the risk factors for developing bacterial vaginosis. How does bacterial vaginosis relate to sexually transmitted infections. What is the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis. How has the understanding of bacterial vaginosis evolved over time. What are the key microorganisms involved in bacterial vaginosis.

Understanding Bacterial Vaginosis: A Comprehensive Overview

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal condition that affects millions of women worldwide. It occurs when there is an imbalance in the vaginal microbiome, leading to an overgrowth of certain bacteria. Despite its prevalence, BV remains a complex and often misunderstood condition. This article aims to provide a thorough exploration of bacterial vaginosis, including its etiology, prevalence, risk factors, and its relationship with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia and gonorrhea.

The Etiology of Bacterial Vaginosis: Unraveling the Microbial Mystery

The vaginal microbiome is a delicate ecosystem dominated by Lactobacillus species in healthy women. These beneficial bacteria play a crucial role in maintaining vaginal health by producing lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide, which create an acidic environment inhospitable to pathogenic organisms. However, in cases of bacterial vaginosis, this balance is disrupted.

Key Players in the BV Microbiome

• Gardnerella vaginalis
• Atopobium vaginae
• Prevotella species
• Mobiluncus species
• Mycoplasma hominis

While Gardnerella vaginalis was initially thought to be the sole causative agent of BV, research has shown that it is part of a more complex polymicrobial condition. The overgrowth of these anaerobic bacteria leads to a reduction in Lactobacillus species, resulting in an increased vaginal pH and the characteristic symptoms of BV.

Historical Perspective on BV Etiology

The understanding of bacterial vaginosis has evolved significantly over the years. In 1928, Thomas identified Doderlein’s bacillus, now known as Lactobacillus acidophilus, as a key component of healthy vaginal flora. Later, in 1955, Gardner and Dukes described Haemophilus vaginalis (later renamed Gardnerella vaginalis) as the causative agent of what was then called “nonspecific vaginitis.” This discovery marked a significant milestone in the understanding of BV.

Prevalence and Epidemiology of Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is the most common vaginal condition in women of reproductive age. Its prevalence varies widely depending on the population studied and the diagnostic criteria used. In the United States, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2001-2004 estimated that 29.2% of women aged 14-49 years had BV. However, prevalence rates can range from 10% to 50% in different populations worldwide.

Factors Affecting BV Prevalence

1. Geographical location
2. Socioeconomic status
3. Ethnicity
4. Sexual behavior
5. Hormonal status

Is bacterial vaginosis more common in certain ethnic groups? Studies have consistently shown higher rates of BV among African American women compared to white women in the United States. This disparity persists even after controlling for socioeconomic factors and sexual behaviors, suggesting that genetic or environmental factors may play a role in BV susceptibility.

Risk Factors for Developing Bacterial Vaginosis

Understanding the risk factors associated with bacterial vaginosis is crucial for prevention and management strategies. While the exact cause of BV remains elusive, several factors have been identified that increase a woman’s likelihood of developing this condition.

Sexual and Reproductive Factors

• Multiple sexual partners
• New sexual partner
• Lack of condom use
• Douching
• Intrauterine device (IUD) use

Does sexual activity cause bacterial vaginosis? While BV is not classified as a sexually transmitted infection, sexual activity can disrupt the vaginal microbiome and increase the risk of developing BV. However, it’s important to note that BV can also occur in women who are not sexually active.

Lifestyle and Environmental Factors

• Smoking
• Stress
• Poor nutrition
• Tight-fitting, non-breathable clothing
• Frequent use of scented hygiene products

How does smoking increase the risk of bacterial vaginosis? Smoking has been associated with a higher prevalence of BV, possibly due to its effects on vaginal immunity and microbiome composition. Smokers have been found to have lower levels of protective Lactobacillus species in their vaginal flora.

Diagnosis of Bacterial Vaginosis: Clinical Criteria and Laboratory Methods

Accurate diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis is essential for proper management and treatment. Over the years, several diagnostic methods have been developed and refined.

Amsel Criteria

The Amsel criteria, established in 1983, remain a widely used clinical method for diagnosing BV. A diagnosis is made when three of the following four criteria are present:

1. Thin, homogeneous, white-grey discharge
2. Vaginal pH > 4.5
3. Positive whiff test (fishy odor when KOH is added to vaginal discharge)
4. Presence of clue cells on microscopic examination

Nugent Scoring System

The Nugent scoring system, introduced in 1991, is considered the gold standard for BV diagnosis in research settings. It involves grading a Gram-stained vaginal smear based on the relative abundance of bacterial morphotypes:

• Lactobacillus morphotypes (large gram-positive rods)
• Gardnerella and Bacteroides morphotypes (small gram-variable rods)
• Curved gram-variable rods (Mobiluncus species)

A score of 0-3 is considered normal, 4-6 is intermediate, and 7-10 indicates BV. This method provides a more objective and reproducible diagnosis compared to the Amsel criteria.

The Relationship Between Bacterial Vaginosis and Sexually Transmitted Infections

Bacterial vaginosis has been associated with an increased risk of acquiring and transmitting sexually transmitted infections, including chlamydia and gonorrhea. This relationship is complex and multifaceted, involving both biological and behavioral factors.

BV and Increased Susceptibility to STIs

How does bacterial vaginosis increase the risk of STIs? The altered vaginal environment in BV, characterized by reduced Lactobacillus dominance and increased pH, may create conditions more favorable for the survival and transmission of STI pathogens. Additionally, BV-associated inflammation may compromise the vaginal epithelial barrier, facilitating pathogen entry.

Shared Risk Factors

BV and STIs share several risk factors, including:

• Multiple sexual partners
• Inconsistent condom use
• Young age
• Lower socioeconomic status

This overlap in risk factors may partially explain the observed association between BV and STIs.

Treatment and Prevention Strategies for Bacterial Vaginosis

Effective management of bacterial vaginosis involves both treatment of acute episodes and prevention of recurrence. The primary goals are to alleviate symptoms, restore the normal vaginal microbiome, and reduce the risk of associated complications.

Antibiotic Treatment

What are the recommended treatments for bacterial vaginosis? The current first-line treatments for BV include:

• Metronidazole (oral or intravaginal)
• Clindamycin (intravaginal)
• Tinidazole (oral)

These antibiotics target the anaerobic bacteria associated with BV while sparing Lactobacillus species. Treatment duration typically ranges from 5 to 7 days, depending on the specific regimen.

Probiotics and Prebiotics

Can probiotics help prevent bacterial vaginosis? There is growing interest in the use of probiotics and prebiotics to promote a healthy vaginal microbiome and prevent BV recurrence. Some studies have shown promising results with probiotic strains of Lactobacillus, either alone or as an adjunct to antibiotic therapy. However, more research is needed to establish optimal strains, dosages, and administration routes.

Lifestyle Modifications

Preventive strategies for BV often focus on modifying risk factors and promoting vaginal health:

• Avoiding douching and use of scented vaginal products
• Using condoms consistently
• Limiting the number of sexual partners
• Quitting smoking
• Wearing breathable, cotton underwear

These measures can help maintain a healthy vaginal microbiome and reduce the risk of BV development or recurrence.

Future Directions in Bacterial Vaginosis Research

As our understanding of the vaginal microbiome and bacterial vaginosis continues to evolve, several areas of research hold promise for improving diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of this common condition.

Microbiome-Based Diagnostics

Advances in molecular techniques, such as next-generation sequencing, are providing unprecedented insights into the vaginal microbiome. These technologies may lead to more accurate and personalized diagnostic approaches for BV, moving beyond the limitations of traditional methods.

Novel Therapeutic Approaches

What new treatments for bacterial vaginosis are on the horizon? Emerging therapeutic strategies include:

• Bacteriophage therapy targeting BV-associated bacteria
• Engineered probiotics designed to restore vaginal health
• Immunomodulatory therapies to enhance vaginal defense mechanisms
• Biofilm-disrupting agents to address the recalcitrant nature of BV

These innovative approaches aim to provide more effective and sustainable solutions for managing BV and preventing its recurrence.

Understanding Host-Microbe Interactions

Future research will likely focus on elucidating the complex interactions between the host immune system, vaginal epithelium, and microbial communities in BV. This knowledge could lead to novel preventive strategies and therapeutic targets.

In conclusion, bacterial vaginosis remains a significant health concern for women worldwide. While substantial progress has been made in understanding its etiology, diagnosis, and management, many questions remain unanswered. Continued research into the vaginal microbiome and its dysbiosis in BV will be crucial for developing more effective strategies to prevent and treat this common condition, ultimately improving women’s reproductive health and quality of life.

Bacterial vaginosis: a synthesis of the literature on etiology, prevalence, risk factors, and relationship with chlamydia and gonorrhea infections

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Association of Bacterial Vaginosis With Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Among Women in the U.

S. Army

. 2017 May;52(5):632-639.

doi: 10.1016/j.amepre.2016.09.016.

Epub 2016 Nov 3.

Christian T Bautista 
¹
, Eyako K Wurapa 
²
, Warren B Sateren 
²
, Sara M Morris 
³
, Bruce P Hollingsworth 
³
, Jose L Sanchez 
⁴

Affiliations

Affiliations

• ¹ Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom. Electronic address: [email protected].
• ² Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland.
• ³ Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom.
• ⁴ Armed Forces Health Surveillance Branch, Public Health Division, Defense Health Agency, Silver Spring, Maryland.

• PMID:

  27816380

• DOI:

  10.1016/j.amepre.2016.09.016

Free article

Christian T Bautista et al.

Am J Prev Med.

2017 May.

Free article

. 2017 May;52(5):632-639.

doi: 10.1016/j.amepre.2016.09.016.

Epub 2016 Nov 3.

Authors

Christian T Bautista 
¹
, Eyako K Wurapa 
²
, Warren B Sateren 
²
, Sara M Morris 
³
, Bruce P Hollingsworth 
³
, Jose L Sanchez 
⁴

Affiliations

• ¹ Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom. Electronic address: [email protected].
• ² Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland.
• ³ Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom.
• ⁴ Armed Forces Health Surveillance Branch, Public Health Division, Defense Health Agency, Silver Spring, Maryland.

• PMID:

  27816380

• DOI:

  10.1016/j.amepre.2016.09.016

Abstract

Introduction:

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal condition in women of reproductive age, which has been associated with Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae among commercial sex workers and women attending sexually transmitted infection clinics. Pathogen-specific associations between BV and other sexually transmitted infections among U.S. military women have not been investigated.

Methods:

A population-based, nested case-control study was conducted of all incident chlamydia and gonorrhea cases reported to the Defense Medical Surveillance System during 2006-2012. Using a density sampling approach, for each chlamydia or gonorrhea case, 10 age-matched (±1 year) controls were randomly selected from those women who were never diagnosed with these infections. Incidence rate ratios were estimated using conditional logistic regression. Statistical analysis was carried out in December 2015.

Results:

A total of 37,149 chlamydia cases and 4,987 gonorrhea cases were identified during the study period. Antecedent BV was associated with an increased risk of subsequent chlamydia (adjusted incidence rate ratio=1.51; 95% CI=1.47, 1.55) and gonorrhea (adjusted incidence rate ratio=2.42; 95% CI=2.27, 2.57) infections. For every one additional episode of BV, the risk of acquiring chlamydia and gonorrhea infections increased by 13% and 26%, respectively. A monotonic dose-response relationship was also noted between antecedent BV and subsequent chlamydia and gonorrhea infection. In addition, an effect modification on the additive scale was found between BV and African-American race for gonorrhea, but not for chlamydia.

Conclusions:

Among U.S. Army women, antecedent BV is associated with an increased risk of subsequent chlamydia and gonorrhea infection.

Copyright © 2016 American Journal of Preventive Medicine. All rights reserved.

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Four curable sexually transmitted infections: everything you need to know

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• Four curable sexually transmitted infections: everything you need to know

Everyone is afraid of such negative consequences of sexual relations as chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis or syphilis. Yet more than one million people are infected with these infections every day, according to new estimates.

Unfortunately, while we know more than ever about how to prevent these diseases, infection rates remain extremely high worldwide.

Fortunately, all four of these infections are treatable.

species of bacteria, viruses and parasites are transmitted through sexual contact.

of which cause the most common sexually transmitted infections.

of these 8 infections – syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia and trichomoniasis – are now treatable.

hepatitis B, herpes simplex virus (HSV or herpes), HIV, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are viral and incurable.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs, also called sexually transmitted diseases or STDs) are often asymptomatic. However, if left untreated, they can cause serious consequences, including blindness and other neurological problems.
disorders, infertility, mother-to-child transmission, or birth defects.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B virus can cause cancer, but these viral infections can be avoided by vaccination.

An additional traumatic factor can be the stigmatization of a person infected with a sexually transmitted infection.

STIs are transmitted primarily through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal and oral sex. In addition, some STIs are transmitted non-sexually, such as through blood or blood products. Many STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, primary infection,
caused by the hepatitis B virus, HIV and syphilis can also be transmitted from mother to fetus during pregnancy and childbirth.

They are not transmitted through everyday contact such as sharing food and drinks, hugging or sneezing.

The latest WHO estimates are for only four curable STIs (chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and trichomoniasis).

Symptoms of these four curable infections may include vaginal discharge, male urethral discharge, genital ulcers, painful urination, and abdominal pain.

The only way to definitively diagnose an STI is by testing. Unfortunately, a large part of the world’s population is denied access to reliable methods of diagnostic testing for STIs due to their high cost and lack of test kits.
for laboratories or express diagnostics. Limited access to services for STIs, along with the asymptomatic course of these infections, leads to their further spread among various populations and communities, as well as globally.
.

^{UNFPA ROVECA, Moldova [UNFPA ROVECA trainer and other activists help educate vulnerable youth on sexual health, Moldova]}

Information on four treatable diseases

Combating cold amidiosis

Chlamydia infection is one of the most common STIs in women, especially young women.

In 2016, there were 127 million cases of chlamydia among men and women aged 15 to 49.

A symptom of chlamydia is painful urination, but more often the disease occurs without symptoms.

It can affect the genital and urinary tract, as well as the eyes. Left untreated, blindness, infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, and ectopic pregnancy can develop. In addition, chlamydial infection can pose a serious risk
for the health of children born to infected mothers.

Chlamydia can be cured with antibiotic therapy, but we must not forget that cases of re-infection are not uncommon. 9

How to protect yourself from trichomoniasis a common infection among curable STIs. Its causative agent is the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, which colonizes the lower genital tract and is transmitted, as a rule, through sexual contact. The characteristic of this parasite is
that it is able to affect areas not protected by a condom – that is, condoms cannot fully protect against trichomoniasis.

Trichomoniasis affects both men and women. The symptoms of the disease vary, but many people with the infection are unaware of it and may infect others.

To diagnose trichomoniasis, a medical professional must perform a laboratory test.

Increased vigilance for this infection is entirely warranted, as trichomoniasis can increase the risk of acquiring or spreading other STIs, such as HIV, and pregnant women with this condition are more likely to have preterm births
and low birth weight babies are born.

In 2016, there were 156 million new cases of trichomoniasis among men and women aged 15 to 49.

^{UNICEF – Mawa [Targeted population of young men who have sex with men in a public place, Bangladesh]}

Syphilis is an insidious disease

oral sex and causes ulcerative lesions (so-called chancres) of the genitals. If left untreated, syphilis can lead to serious and permanent disorders such as brain damage, blindness
and paralysis. Many people with syphilis are asymptomatic and are unaware of their illness.

Syphilis occurs in three stages: ulcers form in the first stage, a rash and inflammation of the lymph nodes appear in the second, and the brain, heart and other organs can be affected in the third.

An estimated 6.3 million people contracted syphilis in 2016.

The disease is transmitted by contact with an ulcer, mainly through vaginal, oral or anal intercourse.

Syphilis can be passed from mother to fetus during pregnancy or childbirth. In 2016 among 9Of the 88,000 pregnant women infected with syphilis, there were an estimated 200,000 stillbirths. Syphilis is the second most important
cause stillbirth worldwide and can also lead to other adverse birth outcomes such as neonatal death, congenital anomalies, prematurity and low birth weight.

The risk of syphilis should not be neglected; if you are at risk or notice symptoms of the disease, you must undergo timely examination and treatment. Syphilis can be cured with a simple penicillin regimen.

Gonorrhea: the supermicrobe among STIs

Gonorrhea may soon become an incurable disease. This is a bacterial infection for which two drugs are available, but resistance is already developing to one of them. It is likely that we will soon run out of treatment options for gonorrhea,
caused by multidrug-resistant strains.

People diagnosed with gonorrhea are at risk of developing serious complications, and if left untreated, the disease can cause inflammation in the uterus and lead to infertility. The infection can also be transmitted from a pregnant woman
to kid.

In pregnant women, infection may cause preterm labor or permanent blindness in the newborn.

In 2016, 87 million people were infected with gonorrhea among men and women aged 15 to 49.

WHO/Yoshi Shimizu [STI testing in Mongolia.]

How to keep yourself safe

STIs are usually transmitted through sexual contact, through finger, vaginal, oral or anal contact. Some infections can be transmitted through blood or blood products, and some (including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, herpes,
HPV infection and hepatitis B virus infection) can be passed from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth.

How to protect yourself from these infections?

• practice safe sex;
• use condoms and do it correctly;
• use reliable sources of information about sexual health;
• if at risk, seek testing and treatment promptly; Don’t forget that most STIs don’t cause symptoms. Limit casual sex and use a condom with a new partner;
• get tested for STIs when changing sexual partners and after unprotected intercourse, and if there are concerns about possible infection/reinfection;
• discuss the potential risk of contracting an STI with a sexual partner;
• make an informed decision about the acceptable degree of risk in sexual relations;
• if pregnant at risk of STIs, it is important to be examined and treated before the baby is born;
• Re-infection is possible even after successful treatment. To prevent re-infection, you should make sure that sexual partners have been treated.

Condoms, when used properly, are one of the most effective ways to protect against STIs, including HIV infection. Female condoms are also effective and safe.

A partner may often not be known to have an STI.

Anyone who is sexually active can contract an STI, but those who frequently change sexual partners are at increased risk. Previous treatment for STIs does not protect against re-infection.

^{Juan Daniel Torres, courtesy of Photoshare [Community Outreach Specialist from Social Services Development Association discusses health issues with youth, Cambodia]}

Knowledge is power

No one is safe from STIs. Everyone should be aware of them, know the preventive measures, as well as the procedure for infection.

Comprehensive education of adolescents on sexual health issues plays a decisive role. In the course of such comprehensive education, they should receive scientifically sound information about human development, its anatomy and reproductive health,
and information about contraception, childbearing, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV.

It is important that relevant information be communicated to children at a young age (before sexual activity).

In addition, access to STI and HIV counseling services is essential. Countries are increasingly implementing STI control activities targeting sex workers, men who have sex with men and injecting drug users.
drugs, but access to high-quality diagnostic tests remains limited in many low- and middle-income countries around the world.

what is it and what to do?

The woman’s vagina is a separate ecosystem inhabited by different types of microorganisms. In order to stay healthy and avoid unpleasant symptoms like itching, discharge or smell, it is important to maintain a balance of the vaginal microbiota.

Understanding where problems come from, how to avoid them and what does diet have to do with it?

Contents

• Causes of thrush, vaginal discharge and odor
• Bacterial vaginosis, vaginitis and thrush: what is the difference
• What contributes to vaginal dysbacteriosis and related diseases
• How Diet, Gut Bacteria and Vaginal Health Are Linked
• How to get rid of thrush and bacterial vaginosis

Causes of thrush, discharge and smell from the vagina

Most often, the cause of unpleasant symptoms is a violation of the ratio of microorganism species that inhabit the woman’s vagina.

In healthy girls and women aged 16–40 years, the vaginal microflora contains more than 95% of the total microflora is occupied by lactobacilli.

The remaining 5% includes more than 300 microorganisms: including other bacteria and yeasts. They are all part of the normal microbiome, but as in any community, the balance of is important here .

Photo by Gustavo Torres / Unsplash

When this balance is disturbed and the ratio of microorganisms changes, for example, due to hormonal failure, poor hygiene or infection, vaginal dysbacteriosis occurs.

Most often it leads to two conditions: bacterial vaginosis , or candidiasis , better known as thrush .

As a result, unpleasant symptoms occur: a strong smell from the vagina, discharge, itching in the vagina and vulva.

But despite the similar symptoms, thrush and vaginosis are different problems, and in order to cope with the symptoms, the conditions should not be confused with each other.

Bacterial vaginosis, vaginitis and thrush: what’s the difference?

Bacterial vaginosis occurs when the number of lactobacilli in the vagina drops sharply and anaerobic bacteria take their place.

Usually there is no inflammation: most often, patients complain of abundant white or gray discharge from the vagina and an unpleasant “fishy” smell.

Photo by Harris Vo / Unsplash

Other complaints of itching or pain are very rare and occur along with other medical conditions.

Thrush or candidiasis is a fungal infection that occurs when the fungi of the Candida genus multiply too actively in the vagina and take the place of lactobacilli.

In addition to the vagina, thrush can develop on the nails, mouth, intestines, or skin.

So candidiasis is also found in men . Symptoms of thrush often include a white, cheesy discharge that does not look like mucus, as well as itching and burning, as an inflammatory reaction develops with candidiasis.

Vaginitis, colpitis or vulvovaginitis is a general term for inflammation of the vaginal mucosa.

This condition can be caused by sexually transmitted infections : for example, chlamydia or streptococcus.

The normal microflora of the vagina prevents the reproduction of such bacteria, but due to infection, damage to the mucosa, or a general decrease in immunity, inflammation can begin.

This causes itching and burning in the vagina, pain during sex or urination, and spotting.

🥼 If you experience any unpleasant symptoms, it is best to consult a doctor. A gynecologist with the help of examination and tests will be able to accurately determine the cause and prescribe treatment.

Causes of vaginal dysbiosis and related diseases

The main defense of the vagina against infection is the balance of the microbiota. When the balance is disturbed, intestinal dysbacteriosis occurs.

Dominant lactobacilli maintain an acidic environment and control the abundance of all other microorganisms.

Any imbalance can lead to changes in the acidity of the vagina and problems.

Factors that put the balance of the vaginal microbiota at risk:

• antibiotics and hormonal drugs,
• unprotected sex,
• poor hygiene,
• reduced immunity due to others diseases.

Diet can also affect the condition of the vaginal microbiota. How? Now we’ll tell you.

How nutrition, gut bacteria and vaginal health are linked

Research shows that there is a link between gut and vaginal microbiota. For example, supplementing the diet with probiotics positively affects the health and diversity of the vaginal microbiota. Products with probiotics – kefir, yogurt, sauerkraut, kombucha.

A diet that supports healthy gut bacteria is also good for vaginal flora.

Microorganisms in the gut use fiber to produce short chain fatty acids that protect against intestinal inflammation and support general immunity.

Photo by Brooke Lark / Unsplash

Mandatory components of such a diet will be vegetables and fruits, fermented foods, sufficient water and protein.

Find out exactly what you need from this kit and in what ratio with the Atlas Microbiota Test . Personalized nutritional recommendations help you add foods to your diet that will help improve or maintain gut health.

Prevention and treatment of vaginosis

Treatment of candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis and any unpleasant symptoms begins with diagnosis : the doctor must understand what is the cause of the problems, and only then will it be possible to select working drugs.

The most common treatment for vaginosis and thrush includes local preparations:

• suppositories, tablets, gels or creams with antibiotics and probiotics to restore normal microflora.

Research shows that probiotic foods and supplements can also benefit women’s health by helping to reduce pathogenic bacteria.

Atlas does not recommend using folk or pharmacy remedies on your own without medical supervision.

To prevent vaginal dysbacteriosis from causing problems again, it is important to observe simple preventive measures :

• keep underwear and bed linen clean;
• use mild hygiene products to clean the vulva and vagina;
• use barrier contraception and do not neglect gynecological examination;
• Add probiotics and fiber to your diet to support vaginal and related gut bacteria.

You can take the Atlas Microbiota Test to learn more about the health of your gut bacteria and understand what dietary changes will benefit you.

More interesting articles:

• What is dysbacteriosis and what to do about it?
• How women’s health depends on estrogen
• What are probiotics
• Khoudia Diop et al.