Is your vaginal microbiome healthy for pregnancy?

The vaginal microbiome is the population of microorganisms that live in the vagina, including bacteria, fungi and viruses, and these microorganisms have a complex network of interactions with each other and with their human host.  Research now shows that the vaginal microbiome has been linked to some very important health outcomes, including the risk of developing bacterial vaginosis or thrush, issues with fertility, pregnancy complications, and problems around menopause – and there is still much that is not well understood about this topic, but we are making strides. In today’s episode I’ll share the main reasons why your vaginal microbiome  might become imbalanced, different signs and symptoms of vaginal infections along with risk factors for fertility and pregnancy.

Episode Highlights:

• What is the vaginal microbiome?
• The essential role of Lactobacillus species in the vaginal environment
• The top 3 components of a healthy vaginal microbiome
• How Bacteria Vaginosis, Yeast Infections and Candida develop
• Causes that contribute to unhealthy vaginal microbiome
• Risk factors for fertility and pregnancy with an unhealthy vaginal microbiome

Related Links:

• Sign up for Labs Only package with Nora here
• Sign up for Private Fertility Coaching with Nora here 

Vaginal Microbiome References:

• The Female Vaginal Microbiome in Health and Bacterial Vaginosis, Chen et al, 2021;  https://doi.org/10.3389/fcimb.2021.631972  
• The Vaginal Microenvironment: The Physiologic Role of Lactobacilli, Amabebe and  Anumba, 2018; https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2018.00181  
• The healthy female microbiome across body sites: effect of hormonal contraceptives  and the menstrual cycle, Krog et al, 2002; https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/deac094  
• Understanding and Preventing Recurring Bacterial Vaginosis: Important Considerations  for Clinicians, Muzny and Sobel, 2023; https://doi.org/10.2147/IJWH.S383333  
• Recent Insights on the Maternal Microbiota: Impact on Pregnancy Outcomes, Di Simone  et al, 2020; https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2020.528202  

Please Note: The contents of this podcast are for educational and informational purposes only. The information is not to be interpreted as, or mistaken for, clinical advice. Please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider for medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.