Are you looking to improve your vaginal health?

We have all heard of how a healthy gut microbiome can help our digestion, mood, skin and hormones, but did you know that the vagina has its own unique microbiome that when disrupted can lead to an increased incidence in infection, genitourinary inflammation and even fertility issues?

Unlike the gut which requires a delicate balance of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species, a healthy vagina relies mostly on an abundance of Lactobacillus species that help to keep it acidic and protect against picking up unwanted microbes like Candida, Gardnerella or Strep B.

If we want to get into digits, an ideal vaginal pH or acidity level sits between 3.8 – 4.5 on the pH scale – that’s equal to grapefruit juice, acid rain or red wine! Of course, there can be fluctuations of this pH say when there is exposure to more alkaline menstrual blood, semen, certain menstrual devices or even during ovulation, but for majority of a women’s cycle this is where a healthy vaginal pH should sit to be kept happy.

If you have started to notice unusual discharge, odour or irritation, these may be indications that your vaginal microbiome and pH is disturbed and in need of some support. Like most other areas of health I work with, I always prefer to test to better understand where the pH is at, what level of healthy lactobacillus species are present and if there is an overgrowth of any unwanted bacteria, fungi or even viruses that can cause symptoms of disturbance. I always aim to identify and treat the cause of my patients’ presentations.

Luckily, there are multiple advanced vaginal microbiome swab tests, vaginal pH test kits and general swab tests that can be carried out along with a careful case history that can help to gain a detailed insight into the vaginal microbiome. Once we have this information, naturopathic treatment with the right prebiotics, probiotics and herbs can be prescribed as well as education around certain lifestyle practices to get the urogenital tract back to a state of calm!

So ladies, if you feel like you need more comfort down there then please get in touch with me for a free 15 minute discovery call or book an appointment as I would love to help and have you feel empowered about your intimate health.