Inside the vaginal microbiome: what ‘healthy’ really means

“Good bacteria”, pH, balance, probiotics …

There’s a lot of advice out there about vaginal health. But what does a healthy vaginal microbiome actually look like?

There isn’t one perfect microbiome that everyone should have.

Your vaginal microbiome is always changing and everyone’s can look a little different. What matters is how the different bacteria work together and how well the whole ecosystem stays balanced. ^[1][2]

Where Lactobacillus steps in

You’ve probably heard of Lactobacillus before.

These bacteria are common in healthy vaginal communities, although the species can vary from person to person. There are five different community state types, four of which are dominated by different Lactobacillus species. ^[1]

So there isn’t one “perfect” Lactobacillus species that everyone needs.

Your microbiome can look a little different from someone else’s and still be completely normal. ^[1][2]

Why acidity matters

So what makes Lactobacillus so important?

Some Lactobacillus species produce lactic acid, which helps to keep the vagina naturally acidic. This lower pH can make it harder for some potentially harmful microorganisms to thrive. ^[2]

In other words, it’s not just about which bacteria are there but also about what they are doing.

How your microbiome finds its balance

Your vaginal microbiome doesn’t stay exactly the same.

Hormones and your menstrual cycle can naturally change the community over time.

That’s not necessarily a bad thing. A healthy microbiome can adapt to changes and move back towards its usual state over time. ^[2]

So, what can you actually do to support your vaginal microbiome?

You don’t need to try to create a “perfect” microbiome. A few simple things can help you look after your vaginal environment.

Get to know what’s normal for you

Discharge is completely normal and can change throughout your menstrual cycle in colour, texture and amount.

Your vagina has a natural scent too. It doesn’t need to smell like absolutely nothing, a mild scent is normal. ^[4]

Everyone has their own baseline, so getting to know yours can make it easier to notice when something has changed.

Keep hygiene simple

Your vagina is self-cleaning, so there’s no need to wash inside it or use scented products, vaginal deodorants or douches.

In fact, over-cleaning and douching can interfere with the vaginal environment and can change the vaginal microbiome. ^[3]

A gentle routine is enough.

Look after your whole body health

Your vaginal microbiome is connected to your wider health.

Eating a varied diet, getting enough sleep and looking after your overall wellbeing can all help support your body and its many microbial communities.

Know when to get things checked

Not every change needs fixing, but some are worth getting checked.

A new strong or unpleasant odour, unusual discharge, itching, burning, pain or recurrent infections can be signs that something needs attention. ^[4]

If you notice these changes, a GP or sexual health clinic can help work out what’s going on.

The bottom line

There isn’t one definition of a “perfect” vaginal microbiome.

Understanding what’s normal for you is a much better place to start.