Vaginal Microbiome Check

Maintaining a slightly acidic vaginal pH is crucial for vaginal health as it helps to keep harmful bacteria, fungi, and viruses at bay. A high pH can disrupt the delicate balance of bacteria, leading to infections such as bacterial vaginosis, while a low pH can cause irritation and inflammation of vaginal tissues.

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection that may cause a yellowy green, ‘frothy’ discharge that is often accompanied by an unpleasant odour and vaginal or vulval itching.

Chlamydia is a very common sexually transmissible infection. If left untreated, chlamydia can cause pelvic inflammatory disease in women, which can lead to chronic pain and infertility.

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Untreated gonorrhea can lead to long-term health concerns and, in some cases, infertility.

HSV-1 can cause genital herpes, but most cases of genital herpes are caused by herpes type 2.

HSV-1 can cause genital herpes, but most cases of genital herpes are caused by herpes type 2.

E. faecalis is commonly found in the gut. In some cases E. faecalis can overgrow in the vagina and cause an infection, leading to symptoms such as abnormal vaginal discharge, odour, itching, and pain during sex or urination.

E. coli is commonly found in the intestines. However if E. coli migrates to the vaginal area, it can cause an infection known as E. coli vaginitis. Symptoms can include abnormal vaginal discharge, odor, itching, and pain during sex or urination.

K. pneumoniae is commonly found in the gut. In some cases K. pneumoniae can overgrow in the vagina and cause an infection, leading to symptoms such as abnormal vaginal discharge, odor, itching, and pain during sex or urination.

P. mirabilis is commonly found in the gut. In some cases P. mirabilis can overgrow in the vagina and cause an infection, leading to symptoms such as abnormal vaginal discharge, odour, itching, and pain during sex or urination.

While P. aeruginosa is not a typical inhabitant of the vagina, it can occasionally cause an infection. P. aeruginosa vaginal infections can occur in women who are immunocompromised or have undergone certain medical procedures. Symptoms may include abnormal vaginal discharge, odour, itching, and pain during sex or urination.

Group B Streptococcus (GBS)is a frequent cause of bacterial infections in newborns which they can acquire from their mothers during delivery.In pregnant women, GBS can sometimes cause an infection in the vagina, leading to symptoms such as abnormal vaginal discharge, odour, itching, and pain during sex or urination.

S. aureus vaginal infections are rare, but can occur in women who are immunocompromised or have undergone certain medical procedures. Symptoms may include abnormal vaginal discharge, odour, itching, and pain during sex or urination.

Gardnerella vaginalis is part of the normal vaginal microbiota, but in some cases it can overgrow and cause an infection called bacterial vaginosis (BV) with symptoms such as abnormal vaginal discharge, odour, itching, and pain during sex or urination.

Atopobium vaginae is part of the normal vaginal microbiota, but in some cases it can overgrow and contribute to the development of bacterial vaginosis (BV).

While a normal part of the vaginal microbiota, Prevotella species can occasionally overgrow and contribute to the development of bacterial vaginosis (BV). Prevotella species are often found in higher numbers in women with BV than in those without the infection.

While Megasphaera species are part of the normal vaginal microbiota, they can occasionally overgrow and contribute to the development of bacterial vaginosis (BV).

While Ureaplasma species are part of the normal vaginal microbiota, they can occasionally overgrow and contribute to infections including BV, UTIs and STIs. Ureaplasma species have been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm birth and low birth weight, and can also cause infertility in some cases.

While Mycoplasma species are part of the normal vaginal microbiota, they can overgrow and contribute to infections including BV, UTIs and STIs. Mycoplasma genitalium is a common STI that can cause urethritis in both men and women.

A decrease in the total number of Lactobacillus species or a shift in the types of bacteria present in the vaginal microbiota can lead to various types of vaginal infections, including bacterial vaginosis (BV) and yeast infections.

L. crispatus produces lactic acid to maintain an acidic pH in the vagina, preventing overgrowth of harmful bacteria and maintaining a healthy bacterial balance. Research suggests that it may be particularly effective in preventing and treating bacterial vaginosis.

L. gasseri helps maintain an acidic pH in the vagina maintaining a healthy bacterial balance. L. gasseri also produces antimicrobial substances that can help to prevent vaginal infections. It may help prevent recurrent UTIs and reduce the risk of preterm birth.

L. iners helps to maintain vaginal health by producing lactic acid. However some research suggests that high levels of Lactobacillus iners may be associated with a higher risk of vaginal infections, such as BV and UTIs.

L. jensenii plays a key role in maintaining an acidic pH in the vagina. L. jensenii has also produces antimicrobial substances that can help to prevent and treat vaginal infections and may be particularly effective in reducing the risk of preterm birth.

L. rhamnosus produces lactic acid to maintain an acidic pH and prevent overgrowth of harmful bacteria. It also produces antimicrobial substances that can help prevent and treat vaginal infections, UTIs, and reduce the risk of premature birth.

L. salivarius produces lactic acid to maintain an acidic pH and prevent overgrowth of harmful bacteria. It may also produce antimicrobial substances that can help prevent and treat vaginal infections, although further research is needed.

L. vaginalis produces lactic acid to maintain an acidic pH and prevent overgrowth of harmful bacteria. It may also produce antimicrobial substances that can help prevent and treat vaginal infections, although more research is needed.

Candida albicans is a type of yeast that normally inhabits the vagina, but can sometimes overgrow and cause a yeast infection. This can occur due to factors such as antibiotic use, hormonal changes, or a weakened immune system. Symptoms may include itching, burning, and discharge.

C. glabrata is a type of yeast that can cause vaginal yeast infections, particularly in women who are immunocompromised or have had antibiotics. Symptoms can include itching, burning, and discharge. C. glabrata can be more resistant to certain treatments compared to other Candida species.

C. krusei can cause vaginal yeast infections, typically in women who have compromised immune systems or have received previous antifungal treatment. Symptoms may include itching, burning, and discharge. Treatment can be more challenging as C. krusei is often resistant to certain antifungal medications.

C. parapsilosis can cause vaginal yeast infections, particularly in women who have received previous antifungal treatment. Symptoms may include itching, burning, and discharge. Treatment typically involves antifungal medications.

C. tropicalis can cause vaginal yeast infections, particularly in women with weakened immune systems or those who have received previous antifungal treatment. Symptoms may include itching, burning, and discharge.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal infection caused by an imbalance of bacteria in the vaginal microbiota. Symptoms include foul-smelling discharge, itching, burning, and discomfort during sex.