Factors influencing the vaginal microbiome and its impact on feminine health and wellness

The human microbiome is now recognized as critical for human health. Numerous studies have demonstrated that an imbalance in the vaginal/vulvar microbial communities can impact feminine health and comfort. Factors associated with vaginal microbiome imbalance include age, menstruation status, body mass index, and urinary incontinence. Development of an aberrant microbiome can lead to issues such as vaginal dryness and discomfort, increased risk of UTIs, yeast infections, and bacterial vaginosis. The dominance of Lactobacillus spp. have been associated with a healthy vaginal microbiome. To this end there can be a number of preventative countermeasures as well as treatments that can maintain or improve vaginal health through microbiome modulation.

The presentation will give an overview of the microbial communities associated with both healthy and unhealthy female urogenital systems including the influence of age and body weight on the vaginal microbiome. A study demonstrating how the use of topically introduced probiotics can help re-balance the vaginal microbiome will be highlighted. Finally, the use of prebiotics to influence the vaginal microbiome and the future of pre- and probiotics in personal care products will be discussed.