Most women aren’t aware that their vagina hosts its own thriving ecosystem — a specialised community of microorganisms that plays a vital role in daily comfort, defence, and overall wellness. This community, known as the vaginal microbiome, comprises beneficial bacteria, yeasts, and viruses that work in harmony with the body to maintain optimal health.(1,2) However, if balance is disrupted, vaginal health come become compromised. This fascinating area of women’s health has gained significant attention recently, with respected publications like The Guardian bringing this crucial topic into mainstream discussion.
A well-balanced vaginal microbiome is typically characterised by the presence of specific Lactobacillus species, which maintain a naturally acidic environment and create conditions that help safeguard against unwanted microbial growth.(1,2) When this delicate balance is disturbed — sometimes referred to as dysbiosis — women might experience various symptoms including unusual discharge, discomfort, frequent infections, or simply an intuitive feeling that something isn’t quite right.
Research has revealed that there are distinct vaginal microbiome “community types” that naturally differ among women. Various factors influence which species are present, including hormones, ethnicity, age, contraceptive methods, and overall health status.(1,2) The menstrual cycle also significantly impacts this ecosystem.(2) Research indicates that hormonal fluctuations and pH changes during menstruation and menopause can temporarily alter the microbial composition, sometimes reducing protective Lactobacillus populations before natural balance is restored.
Understanding your unique microbial pattern can be invaluable, which is where vaginal microbiome testing becomes particularly relevant.
While individual variations exist, research consistently identifies several key microorganisms.
Beneficial microbes
Healthy vaginal environments typically feature high levels of Lactobacillus species(1,2), particularly:
These beneficial bacteria help maintain an optimal pH (typically between 3.5–4.5), protect the vaginal tissues, and produce antimicrobial compounds that help prevent irritation and imbalance.
When the microbial balance shifts, several types of organisms may become more prominent:
Including Gardnerella species, Atopobium vaginae, Megasphaera species, and Mobiluncus
Particularly Candida albicans and Candida glabrata
Such as Mycoplasma, Prevotella, Actinomyces, and Gardnerella species
Including Prevotella, Gardnerella, Mycoplasma species, and certain anaerobic bacteria
It’s important to note that these microorganisms aren’t inherently harmful – they’re often present in women without symptoms. However, when their numbers increase or when Lactobacillus levels decrease, they may contribute to ongoing discomfort or recurring concerns.
Various lifestyle and environmental factors can affect your vaginal microbial balance:
Even subtle daily changes can impact this delicate ecosystem, which explains why many women notice varying symptoms throughout their monthly cycle.
For women experiencing persistent discomfort, unclear symptoms, or those seeking deeper insight into their intimate health, microbiome testing can provide valuable personalised information.
Salient Bio employs advanced shotgun metagenomic sequencing (5) for their vaginal microbiome test. This sophisticated technique analyses all microbial DNA present in a vaginal swab sample. Unlike basic tests that look for specific organisms, this comprehensive approach identifies a broad spectrum of bacteria, yeasts, and other microorganisms, offering detailed insights into your vaginal environment.
The resulting report details the types and quantities of microbes present, including beneficial Lactobacillus species that maintain healthy pH levels, alongside other organisms associated with various forms of imbalance. Research has linked certain microbial patterns to conditions like bacterial vaginosis, yeast overgrowth, inflammation, and potential reproductive health considerations. While these associations aren’t diagnostic, they provide valuable context for understanding intimate and preconception wellness.
The test report exclusively displays microorganisms that are actually present, offering you a personalised snapshot of your unique vaginal ecosystem and potential factors influencing your comfort. These insights can guide your lifestyle decisions, product choices, self-care routines, or inform discussions with healthcare providers when necessary.
The analysis includes beneficial bacteria such as:
Lactobacillus crispatus, L. gasseri, L. iners, L. jensenii
Along with other microorganisms that may emerge during periods of imbalance:
Gardnerella species, Atopobium vaginae, Megasphaera types 1 & 2, Prevotella species, Finegoldia magna, Mobiluncus, Candida species, Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma, and others.
A vaginal microbiome test can illuminate:
Whilst these findings don’t constitute medical diagnoses, they can help illuminate patterns that might contribute to symptoms or cyclical changes.
The vaginal microbiome is dynamic and adaptable, meaning it often has the capacity to shift back towards balance with appropriate support.
Ongoing research explores various approaches to fostering a healthier microbial environment. These may include:
The optimal approach varies for each individual, which makes personalised insights from testing particularly valuable. It provides a clearer understanding of your unique microbiome composition and which supportive measures might be most beneficial.
Understanding your vaginal microbiome can provide clarity, confidence, and a more tailored path forward. Whether you’re investigating recurring symptoms, seeking to enhance comfort throughout your cycle, or interested in preconception wellness, microbiome testing can offer valuable insights into your unique ecosystem.
As scientific understanding expands, research increasingly demonstrates that the vaginal microbiome plays a fundamental role in women’s health — and gaining deeper knowledge about one’s personal microbial ecosystem can empower more informed, confident intimate health decisions.
If my test indicates imbalances, should I be concerned?
A: Vaginal microbiome fluctuations are quite common throughout one’s menstrual cycle, life stages, during stressful periods, or following certain medications like antibiotics. A result showing “dysbiosis” simply captures your microbial patterns at that specific moment — it isn’t a clinical diagnosis. For many women, gentle lifestyle modifications or supportive measures can naturally encourage a healthier balance with time.
Is it advisable to avoid testing during menstruation?
A: Indeed, we recommend testing outside of your menstrual period. The natural pH elevation and hormonal shifts during menstruation can temporarily alter your vaginal microbiome, so testing afterwards provides a more representative picture of your typical microbial environment.
Would this testing be beneficial whilst trying to conceive?
A: Some women exploring their preconception health opt to examine their vaginal microbiome, as research has linked certain microbial patterns with aspects of reproductive wellness. Whilst microbiome testing cannot assess fertility directly, it may provide helpful context when considering overall reproductive health.
How quickly might I notice changes after implementing suggested adjustments?
A: The timeline varies considerably between individuals. Some women observe changes within several weeks, whilst others require more time — particularly if hormones, stress levels, or lifestyle factors continue influencing the vaginal environment. The microbiome naturally fluctuates, so changes often occur gradually.
References:
1. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tim.2024.12.012
2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12367778/
3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11642076/
4. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10455317/
5. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/26895293.2024.2350166
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Please do not return samples to the laboratories that may arrive after Wednesday 27th March and up to and including Monday 2nd April.
The laboratories are closed from the 28th March – 2nd April for the Easter Holiday.
