Alas, it’s true: “The gut and vaginal immune systems are interconnected,” says board-certified OB-GYN Karen Toubi, M.D.
“The gut microbiome helps educate and modulate the immune system, which can influence immune responses in other areas, including the vagina,” Toubi says.
So when your intestine well being is struggling, be it after you’ve been sick, had an extended weekend of junk meals and alcohol, and so on., which may be mirrored in your vaginal well being, too.
What’s extra, your intestine and vagina truly share micro organism forwards and backwards. “Microbes can migrate between the gut and vagina, establishing a dynamic relationship,” notes board-certified OB-GYN Renita White, M.D.
Your intestine and vaginal microbiome profiles aren’t equivalent, however they do have shared traits. “The vaginal microbiome is made up of a mix of bacteria, but is dominated by Lactobacillus species,” White says. This particular micro organism can also be discovered within the intestine, she provides.
“This type of bacteria produces lactic acid1, which helps to keep vaginal pH more acidic in order to ward off infections,” White notes. In different phrases, you want this micro organism to be balanced if you would like your vaginal microbiome to thrive with out issues.