In this infographic, you will discover the composition of the vaginal microbiota (data from a Belgian cohort) and the factors that can influence it. References Pictures: Freepik CONDORI S, AHANNACH S, VANDER DONCK L, OERLEMANS E, DILLEN J, DRICOT C, GEHRMANN T, SPACOVA I, LEBEER S. Recent insights into the vaginal microbiota. Microb Health Dis. 2022, 4(3):e771
How do the different microbiota evolve during pregnancy? How can probiotic supplementation help improve the well-being of pregnant women? Reference Pictures: Freepik
Often a taboo topic, miscarriage is nevertheless an ordeal for many women and couples. Generally unexplained, miscarriages could however find their origin in an imbalance of the vaginal microbiota. What is a miscarriage? This is a natural termination of pregnancy during the first 5 months. The majority of them take place in the first quarter. A miscarriage can be detected by: vaginal blood loss (or metrorrhagia); cramps in the lower abdomen (corresponding to uterine contractions); disappearance of the signs of pregnancy. Many women experience a miscarriage in their lifetime. Indeed, 23 million miscarriages occur each year worldwide, representing 15% of all [...]
Gut microbiota may be involved in the development of polycystic ovary syndrome, according to a scientific study. What is polycystic ovary syndrome? Polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormonal disease affecting a large number of women. About 5-10% of women are affected. This condition is characterised by an excessive secretion of androgens (such as testosterone) in the ovaries, which disrupts egg production. Instead of being released during ovulation, the eggs turn into cysts that accumulate in the ovaries. Although very variable, the main clinical symptoms noted are menstrual cycle abnormalities (absence or irregularity, which can cause infertility), heavy hair growth, acne and [...]
It is a fact, pregnancy leads to major endocrine, metabolic and immunological changes. However, did you know that the bacteria you harbor will also be impacted, in intestine, vagina and placenta? Pregnancy impacts the intestinal microbiota… The intestinal microbiota changes throughout pregnancy: the bacterial diversity as well as the richness decrease between the 1st and the 3rd trimester. During the first trimester, the bacterial ecosystem is comparable to that of healthy non-pregnant women. A considerable change is observable from the 2nd trimester of pregnancy, and even more important in the last trimester. These differences in composition include loss of bacterial diversity [...]
Inspired by fecal transplantation, an American team of scientists wants to develop vaginal microbiota transplantation. For what? Help women with bacterial vaginosis. What is bacterial vaginosis? 15 to 20% of French women have already had bacterial vaginosis. And you may have already suffered from it. It is a very common vaginal infection related to dysbiosis of the vaginal microbiota. It is contracted especially when the vaginal pH becomes too alkaline. This multi-microbial infection is characterised by the significant growth of bacteria such as Gardnerella vaginalis for example, to the detriment of the beneficial bacteria constituting the vaginal microbiota. Often without any symptoms [...]
Becoming a mother is wonderful. The baby’s arrival brings a new dimension to life. Breastfeeding during the first six months of life is highly recommended by the WHO (World Health Organisation) in order to fill the energy and immune needs necessary for the development of child. However, some problems may arise during this period. One of them is mastitis. Indeed, mastitis is the main cause of early weaning. What is mastitis? Mastitis is an inflammatory condition of the breast that can be accompanied by an infection. It is usually unilateral and occurs for 6 weeks after birth (although it can occur [...]
A balanced vaginal microbiota is a crucial component of women’s health warranting particular attention in order to limit infections causing uncomfortable symptoms such as itching, irritation, etc… What is the vaginal microbiota? Discovered by German gynaecologist Albert Döderlein, the vaginal microbiota is dominated by lactic bacteria called Lactobacilli (95%). But it also contains numerous other microorganisms present in lower quantities. Lactobacilli guarantee a healthy, balanced vaginal flora. They form a genuine defence system against infections, via the formation of a protective biofilm on the vaginal mucosa, preventing the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms. To achieve this, they employ several mechanisms: Stimulation of immune system Competition with other microorganisms for nutrients and adhesion sites on the vaginal epithelium [...]
The birth of a new child in a family is always a source of joy and happiness. But for some women, baby's arrival at home creates in them a blues, named "baby blues". Baby blues is usually temporary and only lasts a few days. If after several weeks no change is observed, we speak then about postnatal depression. In France, the number of women affected by the postnatal depression is estimated at 15%. The most common symptoms include sleep disturbances, excessive tiredness , difficulty concentrating, irritability and disorders in mother-baby interaction. To help moms, a team of New Zealand researchers was interested in the [...]
The season of loves approach and lovers not only share feelings, but also bacteria !
