6 tips to rebalance your intimate flora naturally

What you must remember :

Intimate flora, also called vaginal flora, refers to all the microorganisms naturally present in the vagina.

Lactobacilli represent approximately 90% of the vaginal microbiota.

Having a balanced vaginal flora is essential for a healthy body, but also to fight infections or prevent complications during pregnancy.

Many factors lead to an imbalance in the intimate flora. These include, for example, lifestyle, hormonal fluctuations and hygiene.

Certain signs are indicative of an unbalanced intimate flora: abnormal discharge, frequent infections, itching, irritation, etc.

The intimate flora, or vaginal flora, is much more than a simple ecosystem, it is a true guardian of our health and our general well-being. Unfortunately, it is often left aside during conversations, even though it is home to a host of good bacteria that inhabit the vagina and protect it from infections. Women are often poorly informed about the importance of taking care of their intimate flora. If you're wondering where to start taking care of it, don't panic! In this article, no taboos. We tell you everything you need to know about intimate flora, as well as advice on how to pamper it naturally.

What is vaginal flora?

Vaginal flora, also known as vaginal microbiota, refers to all the microorganisms naturally present in the vagina. It is mainly composed of bacteria, good or bad for the body. Among the good bacteria, we find lactic acid bacteria called “Lactobacilli” which represent approximately 90% of the vaginal microbiota. These bacteria play an important role in maintaining a healthy environment.

Why is it important to have a balanced vaginal flora?

When the vaginal flora is balanced, it contributes to good general health. It is important to take care of your intimate flora for several reasons:

Maintaining good general health: Recent research suggests that the vaginal microbiota can influence the immune system , inflammation and even the occurrence of certain diseases such as type 2 diabetes.

Preserving vaginal health: Healthy intimate flora helps maintain a natural balance in the vaginal environment. This helps prevent intimate discomforts such as vaginal dryness.

Protection against infections: Lactobacilli, representing the majority of good bacteria in the intimate flora, develop in the vaginal mucosa at the time of puberty and help maintain an acidic vaginal pH (3.8 to 4.4 ). This is essential to prevent excessive growth of bad bacteria and thus prevent infections.

Prevention of complications during pregnancy: During pregnancy, a balanced intimate flora is essential to prevent infections potentially dangerous for the mother and the fetus. An untreated vaginal infection during pregnancy can increase the risk of complications, such as urinary tract infections, amniotic fluid infections and premature birth.
Women's Sexual Health: An imbalance in flora can make women more susceptible to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including chlamydia, gonorrhea and genital herpes. Maintaining a balanced intimate flora is essential to reduce the risk of infections after sexual intercourse.

What are the causes of an imbalance in the vaginal flora?

The composition of the vaginal microbiota changes throughout life. However, several factors can lead to an imbalance in the intimate flora. Here are some of the common causes that can disrupt this vaginal balance:

Hormonal changes: The woman's body experiences numerous hormonal fluctuations that can influence the balance of the vaginal flora. These variations can occur during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause or when taking hormonal contraceptives. This can alter vaginal pH and change the environment conducive to beneficial bacteria. For example, in pregnant women, the increase in hormone levels leads to a greater release of glycogen, a source of energy for Lactobacillus but also for Candida albicans, a pathogenic fungus in excessive quantities, explaining the reason why Pregnant women are more prone to mycoses.

Taking medication: Antibiotics are designed to kill pathogenic bacteria, but they can also affect beneficial bacteria present in the vaginal flora. Frequent or prolonged use of antibiotics can unbalance the vaginal flora by reducing the number of good, protective bacteria, which increases the risk of vaginal infections.

Lifestyle: The quality of the vaginal microbiota can be altered by many factors such as stress, an unbalanced diet or even smoking.

Inadequate hygiene: Poor intimate hygiene, such as lack of regular washing or, conversely, excessive washing with aggressive products, can disrupt the natural balance of the vaginal flora. This is because these products can alter vaginal pH and eliminate beneficial bacteria, thereby encouraging the growth of harmful bacteria.

Sexual intercourse: Studies have found that sperm present in semen causes an increase in vaginal pH, making it more vulnerable to infections.

These factors, mentioned previously, can disrupt the balance of the vaginal microbiota and lead to the occurrence of characteristic signs of an intimate imbalance. You don't know how to recognize them? Don't worry, we're getting there!

What are the symptoms revealing an imbalance in your intimate flora?

The telltale signs of an imbalance in the intimate flora can vary from one person to another. Here are some common symptoms to watch for:

Abnormal vaginal discharge: Unusual vaginal discharge in terms of color, odor, consistency or quantity may be a sign of imbalance in the intimate flora. For example, excessive, thick, white discharge may indicate a yeast infection, while a strong, unpleasant odor may be associated with bacterial vaginosis.

Vaginal itching, irritation and burning sensation: These symptoms can be caused by a yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis or other vaginal infections and are a sign of an imbalance in the intimate flora.

Increased susceptibility to infections: If you are more likely to develop vaginal infections, such as yeast infections or urinary tract infections, this may be a sign of an imbalance in your intimate flora. Recurrent infections may indicate that your intimate flora is not able to maintain a protective environment.

Discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse (= dyspareunia): An imbalance in the intimate flora can cause vaginal dryness, increased sensitivity or pain during sexual intercourse.

Changes during pregnancy: During pregnancy, a change in the intimate flora can lead to symptoms such as abnormal discharge, itching or unusual odors. If you are pregnant and notice these changes, it is important to consult your healthcare professional.

It is important to note that these signs may also be linked to other health problems. If you suspect you have an imbalance in your intimate flora, it is recommended to consult a health professional, such as a gynecologist or general practitioner, to obtain an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Our 6 tips to rebalance your intimate flora naturally

Have you realized that your intimate flora is unbalanced and are you looking for natural solutions to restore it? Here are the 6 tips to know and take into account in your daily life to rebalance your intimate flora naturally.

1 - Choose a balanced and diversified diet 🥗

What we put on our plate plays a crucial role in the health of our intimate flora. Certain foods can disrupt the balance of the microbiota and promote the growth of bad bacteria in our intimate flora. But then, what should we include in our diet? To promote good intestinal health, and therefore a balanced vaginal flora, favor fresh fruits, fresh vegetables and fermented foods. These foods have a positive impact on your vaginal flora. Additionally, it's important to incorporate "good" fats into your diet, such as olive oil, nuts and avocados, which help strengthen your immune system. On the other hand, avoid foods rich in sugar, because they feed bad intestinal bacteria which disrupt the balance of your intimate flora. Remember to hydrate by drinking enough water to support your overall well-being and maintain the balance of your vaginal flora.

2 - Limit the use of irritating hygiene products 🛁

To maintain a balanced vaginal flora, one of the keys is to use the right hygiene products. Avoid scented products, such as soaps or wipes, which can disrupt the balance of vaginal flora. Instead, opt for unscented, gentle products with a neutral pH, specially designed for this sensitive area.

3 - Take a course of probiotics to rebalance your vaginal and intestinal microbiota 💊

The vaginal flora is essentially composed of good bacteria which colonize the vagina and ensure its proper functioning. However, an imbalance in your intimate flora can cause symptoms and promote the development of infections. It is therefore important to quickly identify these imbalances to treat them appropriately.

Regular courses of probiotics are recommended to maintain or restore the balance of your vaginal flora, whether for prevention or after antibiotic treatment. Know that the balance of the intestinal and vaginal microbiota is closely linked. This is why it is important to take a course of probiotics acting on these two microbiota in order to benefit from maximum effectiveness.

At DIJO, we were keen to develop probiotics for the vaginal flora through the Feminine Balance pack to meet these specific needs. This pack combines two products: Essential probiotics to strengthen your intestinal microbiota , and Vaginal flora probiotics which contains 3 strains of the Lactobacillus genus and 10 billion CFU for targeted action on your vaginal flora. This pack will help you fight against intimate discomfort by promoting the balance of your vaginal flora.

4 - Learn to manage your stress 😖

Chronic stress can impact your vaginal flora. It weakens your immune system and can disrupt hormonal balance, which can lead to imbalances in your intimate flora, and even your intestinal flora. To keep it balanced, it is therefore important to reduce your stress. Try stress management methods such as meditation, yoga, or relaxing activities.

5 - Avoid douching 🚿

They can disrupt the natural balance of the vaginal flora. Indeed, the vagina is a self-cleaning organ which therefore does not require internal cleaning. A simple external wash with lukewarm water and an intimate cleansing gel is enough to maintain hygiene.

6 - Opt for breathable cotton underwear 🩲

When it comes to maintaining a balanced vaginal flora, the choice of clothing you wear can play a crucial role. Opting for underwear made from cotton or natural fabrics is essential to promoting a healthy vaginal environment.

Cotton fabrics, unlike synthetic materials, allow air to circulate freely, reducing moisture that can build up in the intimate area. By promoting better air circulation, these breathable fabrics help create an environment less conducive to the proliferation of bacteria and disease-causing germs, helping to prevent vaginal infections. Please note that cotton underwear also reduces friction and irritation, which limits discomfort.