The Vaginal Microbiome: What It Is and Why It Matters

A surreal visual of a humanoid form intertwined with an array of colorful, organic structures and spherical elements, evoking a fusion of nature and human anatomy.

The vaginal microbiome is a group of tiny living organisms—mostly helpful bacteria—that live inside the vagina. These bacteria help protect your body from infections, support fertility, and even affect how you feel day to day.

While gut health gets a lot of attention, this important part of women’s health is often overlooked. But that’s starting to change. New research shows it plays a major role in everything from pregnancy to preventing STIs.

What Is the Vaginal Microbiome?

Most of the good bacteria in the vagina are called Lactobacillus. These bacteria keep the vagina slightly acidic, which makes it harder for bad germs to grow.

These bacteria do more than fight off infection. They help reduce inflammation, support fertility, and keep the vaginal lining strong.

When Things Go Off Balance

When the good bacteria get out of balance—called vaginal dysbiosis—you can end up with problems like:

• Bacterial vaginosis (BV)

• Yeast infections

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

• Higher risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

More than 30% of women worldwide will have BV at some point—and for many, it comes back again and again.

One study found that treating male partners alongside women made a big difference.

According to The Guardian, a 2025 clinical study from Australia found that treating male partners alongside women significantly reduced BV recurrence. “It’s a paradigm shift,” researchers said, “suggesting that bacterial vaginosis may be more transmissible than previously thought.”

During pregnancy, an unhealthy microbiome may cause more serious issues.

A New York Post report notes that “a disrupted microbiome during pregnancy can increase the risk of infection, miscarriage, and labor complications.”

Why It’s Hard to Diagnose

Many vaginal issues share the same symptoms—like itching, discharge, or odor. This makes it easy to confuse one infection for another. Because of this, doctors misdiagnose up to 67% of vaginal infections, according to research.

“There is an urgent need for species-specific diagnostics,” according to a 2022 article in Frontiers in Microbiology. “Improved testing will reduce antibiotic overuse and support better-targeted care.”

Some companies are working on PCR-based tests, which can identify not just which bacteria are present, but how much—giving doctors better tools to treat infections.

How to Keep Your Vaginal Microbiome Healthy

A healthy vaginal microbiome depends on protecting the good bacteria and keeping the pH at the right level.

1.   Be Careful with Hygiene Products

Some intimate products—such as wipes, washes, and lubricants—can dry or irritate vaginal tissue. Many are “hyperosmolar,” meaning they draw moisture out of vaginal cells.

A 2008 NIH-funded study found that hyperosmolar products caused the protective vaginal lining to shed within just four hours, which can increase the risk of infection. The study also tested a formulation made by Good Clean Love, along with other commercially available products.  Good Clean Love, an iso-osmotic formula—one that matches the natural water balance of vaginal cells—was less disruptive to the vaginal lining.

2. Support a Low pH Environment

A slightly acidic pH helps the good bacteria grow. When the pH rises—because of things like periods, sex, hormones, or harsh products—bad bacteria can take over. Using pH-balancing gels or washes may help.

3. Replenish Good Bacteria

Vaginal probiotics (taken orally or used topically) may help restore healthy bacteria, especially after antibiotics or frequent infections.

A 2021 review in the Journal of Applied Microbiology noted that “vaginal probiotic therapy shows promise, particularly in treating recurrent BV and candidiasis.”

Wendy Strgar, founder of Good Clean Love, shared that giving the bacteria the nutrients they need can help them survive longer.

“Some women don’t naturally produce D-lactate, which healthy vaginal bacteria need to survive. By providing it in topical products, you can give those bacteria a better shot at staying put,” she explains.

Hormones, Life Changes & Other Factors

The vaginal microbiome changes at different stages in life. One big influence is estrogen—it helps Lactobacillus bacteria grow. So after childbirth or during menopause (when estrogen levels drop), women may experience more dryness, irritation, and infections.

“Postpartum is like a mini-menopause,” Strgar says. “Women often experience dryness, irritation, and recurring infections—but they’re rarely given solutions.”

Other things that can affect the microbiome include:

• Stress

• Diet

• Sex

• Antibiotics

Even one round of antibiotics can wipe out good bacteria, which can lead to repeat infections unless recovery is supported.

Takeaways

Your vaginal microbiome is a key part of your health. Whether you’re dealing with frequent infections or just want to stay balanced, understanding and supporting this ecosystem is important. With the right tools, products, and awareness, women can finally take control of this essential part of their wellness. As research continues to grow, the message is clear: A healthy vaginal microbiome isn’t a luxury—it’s a foundation.

To hear more from Wendy Strgar, founder of Good Clean Love, about this topic, listen to her interview on Beyond the Paper Gown, "Unlocking the Power of the Vaginal Microbiome for Better Health".

Sources:

Chen, Xiaodi et al. “The Female Vaginal Microbiome in Health and Bacterial Vaginosis.” Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology vol. 11 631972. 7 Apr. 2021, doi:10.3389/fcimb.2021.631972

Lehtoranta, Liisa, et al. “Healthy Vaginal Microbiota and Influence of Probiotics across the Female Life Span.” Frontiers, Frontiers, 4 Aug. 2025, www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2022.819958/full. 

Deka, Namrata et al. “Insights into the role of vaginal microbiome in women's health.” Journal of basic microbiology vol. 61,12 (2021): 1071-1084. doi:10.1002/jobm.202100421

May, Natasha. “‘Paradigm Shift’: Australian Researchers Discover Key to Treatment of Bacterial Vaginosis.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 5 Mar. 2025, www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/mar/05/paradigm-shift-australian-researchers-discover-key-to-treatment-of-bacterial-vaginosis. 

Wigle, Reda. “The Vaginal Symptoms You Should Never Ignore - and Why You Should Worry about Your Microbiome.” New York Post, New York Post, 18 Mar. 2025, nypost.com/2025/02/21/health/vaginal-symptoms-you-should-never-ignore-what-happens-when-your-microbiome-is-off/.