Vaginal Microbiome

The vaginal microbiome is the community of microorganisms that inhabit the vagina, dominated by Lactobacillus species. These bacteria help maintain an acidic pH, protect against infection, and support reproductive health.

Health and Disease

• A healthy microbiome prevents overgrowth of harmful bacteria and yeast
• Disruption can lead to infections (e.g., bacterial vaginosis, yeast infection)
• Influenced by hormones, hygiene, sex, and antibiotics

Clinical interactions with vaginal medication

• Local antibiotics (for example intravaginal metronidazole) are effective against bacterial vaginosis but can disrupt Lactobacillus populations and predispose to recurrence or secondary infections. Recurrent BV is common and sometimes managed with longer courses, paired oral and topical therapy, or adjunctive measures (probiotics, boric acid in resistant cases).
• Antifungal agents used intravaginally (azole creams and pessaries) typically spare systemic exposure but may be followed by recurrent symptoms in people with underlying dysbiosis or uncontrolled glycaemia.
• Vaginal oestrogen improves mucosal health and glycogen deposition, favouring lactobacilli colonisation; it is therefore sometimes protective against recurrent infections in postmenopausal people.

Writing Tips

• Use the microbiome as a detail in scenes involving scent, taste, or health
• Mention changes in discharge, odour, or sensation as plot points

Example

"The subtle tang of her arousal was uniquely hers, a living signature of her body's readiness."

Why this works: Sensory detail and biological realism add depth to erotic writing.

Related Topics

• vagina
• lactobacillus
• infection

Additional links:

• vaginal_medication — how treatments interact with the microbiome
• bacterial_vaginosis