Common Habits That Harm Your Vaginal Microbiota

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 It is very important to take care of your vaginal microbiota, but unfortunately, only one woman in five claims to know exactly what the vaginal microbiota is, according to the latest survey by the International Microbiota Observatory, which involved more than seven thousand people from 11 countries, and whose results are available online.

In case you don't know, the term microbiota is used to define "the community of microorganisms in a specific environment, such as the vaginal microbiota", according to a statement from the Biocodex Microbiota Institute.

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When it is healthy and balanced, it has "hundreds of beneficial bacteria", as well as "a smaller number of bacteria that are harmful to health and fungi".

There are multiple factors that can influence the vaginal microbiota and "its composition changes radically from childhood to menopause".

Unfortunately, "as many women do not have in-depth knowledge about the vaginal microbiota, they end up adopting behaviors that may not be the most appropriate for good vaginal health", something reported in the survey.

Common habits that harm the vaginal microbiota:

• Taking medication without medical advice (especially antibiotics). "This type of medication kills both bad and good bacteria, so it should be taken according to the doctor's instructions". Therefore, "inappropriate use can cause 'opportunistic' microorganisms to proliferate and cause secondary infections".
• Smoking. "Women who smoke are more likely to suffer vaginal infections", in addition, "tobacco has an impact on reproductive health";
• Wearing fibre underwear. "Changing your underwear daily and choosing cotton underwear instead of synthetic fabrics helps maintain good vaginal health, as does avoiding very tight clothing that can cause friction";
• Using vaginal douches. "Unless prescribed by a doctor, vaginal douches are not recommended. They can alter the protective flora and mucous membrane of the vagina, which affects the microbiota and its protective function against infections";
• Vaginal dryness. "Vaginal hydration, particularly during menopause, is important to improve cell renewal, increase protection against aggression and the elasticity and flexibility of the tissues."