Vaginal microbiome and vaginal pH

The vaginal microbiome and vaginal pH represent a complex physiological ecosystem essential for female reproductive health. In a healthy state, the environment is typically dominated by Lactobacillus species, which ferment glycogen into lactic acid to maintain a low pH between 3.8 and 4.5 (NIH, 2023). This acidity serves as a primary innate immune defense by inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Disruptions to this balance, known as dysbiosis, lead to conditions such as bacterial vaginosis (BV) and increased susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections and preterm birth (PubMed, 2021). Therapeutic interventions aim to restore this balance through the use of antimicrobial agents to eliminate pathogens, acidifying gels to reset the pH, or live biotherapeutic products (probiotics) to replenish commensal flora (StatPearls, 2024). While not a single molecular target, the modulation of this environment is a primary focus for treating and preventing various gynecological and obstetric complications.

Other names

Vaginal microbiotaVaginal floraVaginal acidityVaginal ecosystem

Therapeutic strategies involve the eradication of pathogenic bacteria or fungi using antimicrobials, the direct restoration of an acidic environment using acidifying agents, or the re-introduction of beneficial commensal bacteria through live biotherapeutic products to restore ecological balance.