The vaginal flora is the bacteria that live inside the vagina.
Lactobacilli maintain the vagina at a normal pH of around 4.
This mildly acidic environment helps protect against infection.
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So do the other substances they produce.
These bacteria are an important part of a healthy vaginal ecosystem.
This can not only be unpleasant in and of itself.
It can also leave a woman more susceptible to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
Bacterial vaginosisis actually because of an overgrowth of bacteria that normally exist at low levels in the vagina.
When thelactobacilluspopulation is disrupted, these bacteria take over.
The bacteria associated with BV make a number of volatile amines.
These chemicals are what cause thedistinctive odor associated with BV.
However, despite the association, BV is not triggered by sperm.
In fact, the greatest evidence for sexual transmission of bacterial vaginosis is in lesbians.
Is bacterial vaginosis an STD?
It’s not clear whether BV can be transmitted during vaginal intercourse.
Risk Factors
Certain lifestyle practices and other variables can affect how healthy your vaginal flora is.
This can cause health problems for your baby.
Some research shows that treatment with antibiotics can contribute to a recurrence of the condition.
If you develop bacterial vaginosis while pregnant, discuss treatment options and risks with your healthcare provider.
Sometimes the bacterial populations return to normal proportions after treatment; other times they don’t.
These treatments would contain lactobacillus species.
The hope is that those bacteria would grow and recolonize the vagina.
Diet
Diet plays an important part role in healthy bacterial flora.
Eat less sugar, which can raise pH and put you at risk for a yeast infection.
Because garlic and apple cider vinegar have antibacterial and antifungal properties, they may help as well.
Summary
Vaginal flora describes the community of bacteria naturally present in the vagina.
These bacteria help keep the vagina healthy and at the correct pH.
Risk factors include certain lifestyle practices, hormonal changes, and the use of some medications such as antibiotics.
Some researchers believe taking probiotics may help support healthy vaginal flora.
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