Vaginal health, explained
A healthy vagina has its own community of bacteria, usually led by Lactobacillus species that help keep the environment slightly acidic. When that balance shifts, you might notice changes in discharge, odour or comfort. This is common and nothing to be embarrassed about. It's worth understanding, because your intimate health is part of your health.
See Feminoria · RM168- Available at 85+ clinics & hospitals in Malaysia
- Core ingredient Caronositol Fertility®: NutraIngredients-USA Award 2022
- Made in a Halal-certified, GMP-compliant facility
What is the vaginal microbiome?
The vaginal microbiome is the mix of bacteria that naturally lives in the vagina. In most women it is dominated by Lactobacillus species, which produce lactic acid and help keep the vaginal environment slightly acidic. That acidity is one of the ways the body keeps less helpful bacteria and yeasts in check.
What can upset the balance?
Changes in this balance are common. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) alone affects around 1 in 4 women worldwide (World Health Organization, 2024). Things that can shift it include:
- Antibiotics
- Hormonal changes across your cycle, in pregnancy and in the years around menopause
- Douching and scented washes
- A new sexual partner
- Stress and poor sleep
How does the gut-vaginal axis work?
The gut-vaginal axis is the name researchers give to the connection between the bacteria in your gut and those in your vagina. Because helpful Lactobacillus may move from one to the other, your vaginal health may begin in your gut, and balance can start from within.
Your gut is the starting point
Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria, including Lactobacillus, the kind your vagina relies on most.
Good bacteria travel
Because the gut and vagina are close neighbours, helpful bacteria may move from one to the other.
Lactobacillus takes the lead
In the vagina, Lactobacillus produces lactic acid, which keeps the environment gently acidic.
Acidity is your shield
A low vaginal pH is part of your natural defence, helping keep less friendly bacteria and yeasts in check.
Support both
When you look after your gut, you help maintain your vaginal flora too, so balance is something you keep rather than chase.
Is this normal? Signs to look out for
Normal discharge changes in amount, colour and texture across your cycle. Changes worth noting are an unusual colour, a strong or fishy odour, itching, burning or pain.