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The Link Between Vaginal Health and Urinary Tract Health

The vaginal microbiome is sensitive and can be thrown off balance by many factors which can alter the vagina’s pH balance increasing the risk of infection.

The Link Between Vaginal Health and Urinary Tract Health
The vaginal microbiome is a collective term for all of the microorganisms, including bacteria and yeast, that are present within the vagina. The vaginal microbiome is complex and constantly changing which shifts in its composition continuously throughout both a woman’s menstrual cycle and throughout different stages of her life [1]. Research suggests that there’s a strong relationship between urinary health and vaginal health, specifically between the urinary and vaginal microbiomes. Both microbiomes have been shown to contain high levels of Lactobacillus. Not only do the vaginal and urinary microbiomes share bacteria, but they’ve also been shown to mutually influence one another. A healthy vaginal microbiome is in an optimal state when it is dominated by protective bacteria like lactobacilli that serve as a critical layer of protection against pathogens, but when something disrupts this balanced environment, the amount of protective bacteria present decreases, allowing disruptive bacteria to come in. The vaginal microbiome is sensitive and can be disrupted by many factors, which may alter the vagina’s pH balance, affect vaginal health, and increase the risk of infection.

 

➜ Microbial Balance: 
Both the urinary tract and vagina contain various bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. In a healthy state, these microorganisms coexist in a balanced ecosystem, helping to prevent the overgrowth of harmful bacteria and maintaining the pH balance.
➜ Infections: 
Imbalances in the vaginal microbiome can affect both urinary and vaginal health, leading to infections such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), bacterial vaginosis, and yeast infections. For example, bacteria like Escherichia coli (E. coli), which normally inhabit the intestines, can migrate from the rectum to the urethra and cause UTIs. Similarly, changes in vaginal pH or bacterial composition can affect vaginal health and increase the risk of UTIs.
➜ Hormonal Influence: 
Hormonal changes, such as those occurring during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, can affect both vaginal health and urinary tract health. For instance, decreased estrogen levels during menopause can lead to vaginal dryness and thinning of vaginal tissues, which may increase the risk of UTIs.
➜ Anatomical Factors: 
The proximity of the urinary tract to the vagina means that anatomical factors, such as the length and position of the urethra, can influence susceptibility to infections. In women, the urethra is shorter than in men, making it easier for bacteria to travel from the vagina to the bladder and cause UTIs.
➜ Hygiene Practices:
Certain hygiene practices, such as wiping from front to back after using the bathroom, can help prevent the spread of bacteria from the anal region to the urinary tract and vagina.

       

       

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        References:
        1. Chen X, et al. The Female Vaginal Microbiome in Health and Bacterial Vaginosis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2020; 11: 631972.

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