Lactic acid bacteria

What is a healthy vaginal flora?

A healthy vaginal flora is mostly composed of Lactobacillus rods  – they constitute
approximately 99%-100% of all present microorganisms.

The remaining 1% often includes pathogenic bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, Streptocooccus agalactiae,
Enterococcus faecalis, and even yeast. However, their small amounts pose no threat.

Physiological vaginal flora plays a crucial role. Its most important task is to create a protective barrier
by maintaining normal pH. It is feasible thanks to the production of lactic acid out of glycogen
included in the vaginal epithelial cells and hydrogen peroxide which protects against harmful factors.

If the number of the good Lactobacillus bacteria drops, the proper vaginal flora balance is upset.