Connection Between Gut Health and Reproductive Function

With the normal functioning of the entire body in general and the immune system in particular, a balance between beneficial and opportunistic microorganisms is maintained in the lumen of a woman’s intestines and vagina. With a deficiency of lactic acid in the vaginal lumen, favorable conditions are created for the proliferation of pathogens, the development of dysbiosis, and other diseases of the genitourinary system. Often, vaginal dysbiosis occurs in combination with intestinal dysbiosis or is its consequence.

To maintain overall health, doctors often prescribe prenatal vitamins that fill necessary deficiencies and support the well-being of the female body by providing the necessary elements. These elements also have a beneficial effect on the intestinal microflora, restoring the balance of microorganisms. Therefore, many people use vitamins not only for recovery but also for the prevention of dysbiosis.

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Causes of Vaginal Dysbiosis

Normally, the vaginal mucosa is populated by lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. There is a whole list of factors that could potentially cause an imbalance between beneficial and opportunistic microflora in the vaginal lumen. These factors include:

• immunodeficiency conditions caused by a lack of vitamins and microelements, as well as concomitant chronic diseases (including infectious ones);
• failure to comply with the rules of personal intimate hygiene;
• long-term use of intrauterine contraception;
• completing a course of antibiotic therapy;
• using panty liners, frequent use of sanitary tampons, and wearing underwear made of synthetic materials;
• taking hormonal contraceptives;
• atrophic changes in the vaginal mucosa;
• frequent effects of stress on the body;
• previously suffered acute or chronic diseases of the genitourinary system;
• imbalance of sex hormones in the body, which led to the development of amenorrhea, oligomenorrhea, and other disorders of menstrual function;
• use of hygiene and cosmetic products containing large amounts of preservatives, dyes, and fragrances;
• metabolic diseases, including diabetes and obesity;
• poor nutrition, poor diet, and alcohol abuse.

The Relationship Between Intestinal and Vaginal Dysbiosis

Most predisposing factors are the same for both vaginal and intestinal microbiocenosis. The relationship between intestinal dysbiosis in women and reproductive health can be traced using the example of a disease such as endometriosis. This pathological condition is characterized by the formation of endometrial foci outside the uterine cavity. Retrograde menstruation plays a significant role in the mechanism of development of this gynecological disease, during which viable cells of the uterine mucosa enter the abdominal cavity. The likelihood of developing endometriosis in this scenario largely depends on the response of the immune system, an important part of which is the intestinal microbiota. In addition, an imbalance of microflora in the intestines and vagina can lead to an increase in the level of estrogen in a woman’s body, which contributes to the rapid progression of endometriosis. An increase in the level of estrogen hormones also contributes to the rapid growth of both benign and malignant neoplasms of the female reproductive system. Vaginal dysbiosis itself is a condition that literally disrupts the natural protection of the female reproductive system. A decrease in local immunity and activation of pathogenic microorganisms maximizes the risk of developing infectious and inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs, which are fraught with the development of complications, including infertility. Also, the connection between an imbalance of vaginal microflora and a high risk of cervical cancer and precancer has been clinically confirmed. A comparative study of cervical smears from healthy women and patients diagnosed with cervical precancer proved the difference in the composition of the microflora. In the first case, lactobacilli predominate in the smear, and in the second case, conditionally pathogenic and pathogenic microorganisms dominate over the beneficial microflora. In addition, a deficiency of lactobacilli in the vaginal lumen undermines the female body’s resistance to the human papillomavirus (HPV), which in 90% of cases causes the development of cervical cancer.

Methods for Restoring the Microflora of the Vagina and Intestines

The development of vaginal or intestinal microbiocenosis, individually or in combination, can be prevented by following general recommendations. In order to maintain reproductive health and avoid the development of diseases of the genitourinary system, you must adhere to these simple rules:

• The daily diet should contain naturally fermented milk products with low-fat content, as well as products related to natural prebiotics and probiotics.
• Complete cessation of drinking alcohol and smoking.
• If it is necessary to undergo a course of antibiotic therapy, from the first day of using such drugs, it is recommended to use probiotics in combination with prebiotics.
• It is recommended to avoid using panty liners, as they create favorable conditions for the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms.
• Preventive examinations by a gynecologist should be performed at least once a year. If you have previously had any diseases of the pelvic organs, then the frequency of visiting the antenatal clinic is once every 6 months.

To restore the intestinal microflora, prebiotics, probiotics, metabiotics, and symbiotics are prescribed, which compensate for the deficiency of beneficial microorganisms. In the treatment of vaginal dysbiosis, vaginal suppositories and capsules containing lactic acid and lactobacilli are more often prescribed.

Maintaining a balance of beneficial microorganisms in the intestines and vagina is crucial for overall female health, as imbalances can lead to dysbiosis and various reproductive system diseases, with preventive and restorative measures involving diet, probiotics, and proper hygiene.