Maintaining optimal vaginal health is crucial for overall well-being, not only because it affects intimate comfort and reproductive health, but also because it plays a key role in protecting against infections and supporting hormonal balance. A healthy vagina has a delicate ecosystem, and taking care of it can lead to fewer issues with infections, better fertility outcomes, and improved sexual health. Here are some important ways to optimise your vaginal health and how ScreenMe can help you stay on top of it.

1. Maintain a Healthy Vaginal pH Balance

The vagina is naturally acidic, with a pH of around 3.8 to 4.5, which helps protect against infections like bacterial vaginosis (BV) and yeast infections. This balance is maintained by good bacteria, primarily lactobacilli, which prevent the overgrowth of harmful bacteria.

Ways to support this include:

• Avoid douching or using harsh soaps: These can disrupt the natural pH and bacteria in the vagina.
• Wear breathable underwear: Cotton underwear allows the vagina to “breathe,” preventing moisture buildup that can lead to infections.
• Opt for pH-balanced products: Use products, such as lubricants and feminine washes, that are pH-balanced to avoid disrupting the vaginal environment.

How ScreenMe Helps: Our tests come with a free consultation with an intimate health expert, who can recommend a range of specific products that will optimise YOUR microbiome.

2. Support Vaginal Health with a Balanced Diet

A diet rich in nutrients is essential for maintaining the health of your entire body, including your vaginal health. Certain foods and nutrients can support vaginal health by promoting good bacteria and preventing infections.

Ways to support this include:

• Probiotics: Found in yogurt, kefir, and fermented foods, probiotics help maintain a healthy balance of good bacteria in the vagina.
• Hydration: Drinking plenty of water keeps the vaginal tissues hydrated and helps flush out toxins.
• Vitamin C and E: These antioxidants support immune function and protect the vaginal tissues from oxidative stress.

How ScreenMe Helps: Our tests come with a free consultation with an intimate health expert, who can recommend specific dietary changes and supplements based on your unique results.

3. Practice Safe Sex

Unprotected intercourse can introduce pathogenic bacteria or sexually transmitted infections to your microbiome. Employing safe sexual practices can reduce your risk of STIs or potentially microbiome disrupting bacteria. 

Ways to support this include:

• Use protection: Condoms reduce the risk of STIs and other infections that can disrupt vaginal health.
• Post-sex hygiene: Urinating after intercourse can help flush out bacteria and reduce the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs).
• Avoid irritants: Certain lubricants and spermicides can irritate the vaginal tissue, so choose products that are pH-balanced and free from harsh chemicals.

How ScreenMe Helps: Our tests screen for ALL bacteria and yeast species present. Therefore you are able to see if you have any pathogenic bacteria present, and to what extent they dominate your microbiome.

4. Manage Hormonal Health

Hormones play a key role in vaginal health, particularly oestrogen, which keeps the vaginal lining thick and moist, and is a food source for ‘good’ bacteria. Changes in hormone levels, such as during menopause, pregnancy, or due to contraceptive use, can lead to vaginal dryness, irritation, or infections.

Ways to support this include:

• Stay hydrated and eat a diet rich in plant-based oestrogens, such as flaxseeds and soy, which can support oestrogen levels.
• Manage stress, as high levels of cortisol can disrupt hormonal balance, leading to vaginal issues like dryness.
• Exercise regularly: Physical activity supports blood circulation, which is essential for vaginal health.

How ScreenMe Helps: Our tests come with a free consultation with an intimate health expert, who can recommend specific lifestyle and diet changes to support hormonal and thus microbiome health.

5. Evaluating Antibiotic Use

While antibiotics are sometimes necessary, overuse can kill off healthy bacteria in the While antibiotics are sometimes necessary, overuse or use when not required can be damaging for your intimate health. Antibiotics also kill off the ‘good’ bacteria in the microbiome, therefore when overused this can leave your microbiome more susceptible to imbalances. 

However before making any decisions on antibiotic use, it is so important you speak to a healthcare professional. 

How ScreenMe Helps: Our tests screen ALL the bacteria species present, therefore you can see your specific balance of ‘good’/’bad’ bacteria. Your intimate health expert will also discuss next steps based off these results.

Why Vaginal Health Is Important

Your vaginal health is closely tied to your overall health and wellbeing. A healthy vaginal environment:

• Protects against infections: A well-balanced vaginal microbiome helps prevent infections like bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and sexually transmitted infections.
• Supports fertility & reproductive health: A healthy vagina and reproductive system are essential for conception, as imbalances can affect fertility.
• Improves sexual wellbeing: Vaginal health is essential for comfort and can prevent pain, dryness, or discomfort.

By taking proactive steps to optimize your vaginal health, you not only improve your intimate wellbeing but also support your fertility, hormonal balance, and overall health. ScreenMe is here to help you stay informed, empowered, and in control of your vaginal health, with personalised testing and actionable insights to guide your wellness journey.

Jessica Hobbis