80 INTIMATE CARE
antibiotics to kill microbes, which enables the take-over by harmful bacteria, which leads to repeated or new symptoms, which again are being treated with the same or different type of antibiotic, leading to an even weaker microbiome, and so forth. And this cycle does not only happen with
antibiotics. Oftentimes, women try to get rid of symptoms with excessive genital hygiene. They use intimate douches or lotions, which disrupt the microbial balance even further, potentially leading to more severe or different symptoms. With awareness and knowledge, however,
this cycle can be stopped. After looking at the role of a balanced vaginal milieu in women’s health, we are now going to discover how it is also critical for reproductive success and long- term health outcomes of upcoming generations.
The vaginal microbiome’s role in pregnancy and birth The vaginal microbiome in pregnancy is characterized by a decline in microbial diversity,15 and plays a role in embryonal implantation. Low amounts of Lactobacilli can lead to implantation failure, pre-term labor, and miscarriages. Studies have shown, that bacterial vaginosis is more prevalent in infertile than fertile women (45.5% versus 15.4%), making it a possible cause for infertility.17 The vaginal microbiome also impacts the
newborn’s health. While passing through the birth canal, the baby is exposed to the mother’s vaginal (and gut) microbiota, which get on its skin
and in its mouth, thereby, seeding their oral, gut and skin microbiome. This colonization continues with breastfeeding and may influence life-long microbial composition and health, as well as immune system and neurodevelopment.11,18 This points to the potential adverse health
implications for infants born via Caesarian- section (worldwide average of 21%19
), as their
first bacterial contact is not the mother’s vaginal microbes, but the hospital environment and the mother’s skin. This can possibly impede the development of their microbiome, which may be disturbed months and even years after
delivery.20-22 Possibly explaining, why infants
born via C-section are more prone to allergies and asthma.23 If the mother’s microbiome is not healthy, it sets the baby off to a less than optimal start. The bottom line is the importance of vaginal health is undeniable and it is crucial to take care of it.
How to take care of the vaginal microbiome Research about the gut microbiome taught us, that getting rid of bacteria does not equal health. Quite the opposite! Where in the past,
PERSONAL CARE May 2023
www.personalcaremagazine.com
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