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A Healthy Balance for Intimate Comfort

The vaginal microbiome plays a key role in the protective mechanisms of the female intimate area. It consists of the vaginal mucosa and a variety of lactic acid bacteria (lactobacilli), which stabilize the vaginal flora and prevent infections. Lactobacilli adhere to the vaginal mucosa and form a protective barrier against pathogenic germs. These natural protective bacteria produce lactic acid, which is responsible for the acidic environment of the vagina (pH 3.8 – 4.5). This acidity helps inhibit the growth of unwanted microorganisms.

In addition to producing lactic acid, they also release antimicrobial substances that inhibit the growth of infectious agents.

Even outside the vagina, in the vulva area, these protective lactobacilli contribute to the defense against harmful germs.

Why Is a Healthy Intimate Flora Important?

Key components of a healthy intimate flora include a well-developed vaginal mucosa and the natural vaginal flora with lactic acid bacteria. The vaginal mucosa plays a crucial role in moisture regulation and vaginal elasticity. It serves as the foundation for lactobacilli, which help maintain the microbiological balance. The structure and function of the mucosa are primarily regulated by estrogen.

The balance and interaction between the intact vaginal mucosa and lactobacilli play an important role in the body’s natural defense against harmful germs and in maintaining a healthy intimate flora.

Vaginal Infections

There are two main types of vaginal infections:

  1. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as HIV, gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, trichomonas, etc.
  2. Infections that can occur without sexual contact, such as bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections. These infections occur when the natural balance of the intimate flora is disturbed.
Factors That Can Disrupt the Balance of the Intimate Flora:
  • Hormonal changes (puberty, pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause)
  • Antibiotic therapy, which can also destroy beneficial lactic acid bacteria
  • Excessive or improper intimate hygiene (alkaline soaps, aggressive cleansing lotions)
  • Weakened immune system
  • Stress and an unbalanced diet
  • Tight synthetic clothing that promotes a warm, moist environment
Impact of Hormonal Changes on Infection Risk in Women

Hormonal changes in a woman’s life—particularly during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause—can significantly impact intimate health and increase the risk of vaginal infections.

These changes mainly affect the vaginal microbiome and the protective function of the vaginal mucosa, which can be weakened by hormonal fluctuations.

Estrogen and the Vaginal Flora

A lack of estrogen—such as during menopause—can lead to thinning of the vaginal mucosa, dryness, and a reduced presence of lactic acid bacteria. This increases the risk of bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, or recurrent urinary tract infections.

During pregnancy, glycogen levels in the vaginal mucosa rise, promoting the growth of lactobacilli. However, fluctuations in bacterial composition can also increase the risk of infections such as bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections.

After childbirth and during breastfeeding, a drop in estrogen levels often leads to vaginal dryness and a reduced number of lactobacilli, further increasing the risk of infections.

The most common infections are candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis (BV) which may occur at any time and without sexual contact.

Yeast Infection (Candidiasis)
  • Itching in the vaginal area
  • Burning or pain during urination or intercourse
  • Thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge
  • Redness and swelling of the vulva
  • Dryness or soreness
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
  • Thin, watery, or milky discharge with an unpleasant fishy odor
  • Itching or burning in the genital area (usually without redness)
  • Mild pressure or discomfort in the lower abdomen
  • Often asymptomatic

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)

Trichomoniasis
  • Itching or burning in the genital area
  • Unpleasant odor
  • Greenish-yellow, frothy discharge
  • Pain during urination or intercourse
  • Redness and inflammation of the vulva and vagina
  • In some cases, increased urge to urinate
Gonorrhea
  • Yellowish-green or whitish vaginal discharge
  • Burning or pain during urination
  • Abdominal or pelvic pain
  • Pain or bleeding during or after intercourse
  • In some cases, spotting or heavier menstrual bleeding
  • Sometimes asymptomatic
Chlamydia Infection
  • Lower abdominal pain
  • Burning or pain during urination
  • Abnormal vaginal discharge
  • Pain or bleeding during intercourse
  • Spotting or unexplained menstrual changes
  • Often asymptomatic

A targeted treatment approach is essential to restore intimate health. The choice of therapy depends on the specific cause of the infection:

  • For yeast infections: Antifungals / Anti-infectives (Dequalinium chloride)
  • For bacterial vaginosis: Antibiotics, local anti-infective treatment (Dequalinium chloride) and/or lactobacilli to restore the intimate flora
  • For acute lower urinary tract infections: Herbal remedies such as bearberry leaf extract (found in the product Cystinol) may be sufficient, otherwise antibiotics may be required
  • For strengthening and regenerating the intimate flora: Prebiotic & probiotic care products (contained in Gynoflorelle)

When to Seek Medical Advice?

Untreated infections not only affect well-being but can also lead to long-term complications. For example, during pregnancy, bacterial vaginosis can increase the risk of preterm birth, or frequent urinary tract infections may occur.

Some vaginal infections, particularly the common bacterial vaginosis (BV), often have no clear symptoms or only mild discomfort.

If symptoms occur or an infection is suspected, a medical examination is recommended for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. This is especially important for pregnant women, as infections can pose risks to the unborn child.

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