Vaginal Microbiome and Fertility: Everyday Products That May Be Disrupting Balance
- Rachael Robinson
- Oct 23
- 4 min read
Table of Contents
In this article:
Understand the link between the vaginal microbiome and fertility
Learn how everyday products can affect vaginal health
Discover practical, evidence-based ways to support a healthy microbiome
Introduction
The vagina has its own ecosystem known as the vaginal microbiome, made up of microorganisms that live together in a delicate balance. When this balance is healthy, it supports reproductive health, prevents infection, and helps maintain a stable vaginal pH. However, when it becomes disrupted, it can have far-reaching effects, from increased inflammation and infection risk to a higher chance of miscarriage or implantation failure.
In my clinic, I’ve run hundreds of vaginal microbiome tests, and over 95% of women need some level of support. The good news is that simple, practical changes, including the products you use daily can make a real difference.
Why the Vaginal Microbiome Matters
A healthy vaginal microbiome is made up of mostly Lactobacillus species (over 98%). These beneficial bacteria play a vital role in keeping unwanted bacteria under control, maintaining a healthy pH, and reducing inflammation.
When protective bacteria decline, the environment becomes more vulnerable to inflammation and infection, both of which can impact fertility.
How Vaginal Dysbiosis Affects Fertility
1. Inflammation: When Lactobacillus levels are low, the immune system may release cytokines (molecules that trigger inflammation). This can create a hostile environment for embryo implantation and development.
2. Immune Tolerance: A disrupted vaginal microbiome can disturb immune balance, making the immune system more likely to overreact. This can lead to an environment that’s less tolerant of an embryo, reducing implantation success.
3. Infection: Low levels of protective bacteria weaken the epithelial barrier, increasing susceptibility to infection. This may lead to bacterial vaginosis, candida, or infections caused by mycoplasma such as ureaplasma — all of which are associated with implantation failure and miscarriage risk.
4. Increased Miscarriage Risk: Research from Tommy’s, the baby loss charity, found that women with genetically normal (euploid) embryos had a higher miscarriage risk when Lactobacillus levels were low and inflammation markers were high. This highlights how crucial microbiome balance is for early pregnancy health.
The Hidden Impact of Everyday Products
Many women are unaware that the products they use including sanitary items to body wash and underwear can influence their vaginal microbiome. Chemicals, synthetic materials, and fragrances can disrupt the pH balance and reduce beneficial bacteria.
Sanitary Products
Prioritise:
Organic and reusable options are free from harsh chemicals, plastic backings, and synthetic fragrances that can irritate the vaginal environment.
Change period products regularly to reduce moisture build-up and bacterial growth.
Avoid or limit:
Conventional pads or tampons with plastic backings
Fragranced or coloured products
These can trap heat, alter pH, and create conditions that favour unwanted bacterial growth.
Body Wash and Hygiene Practices
Your choice of body wash matters more than you might think. The vagina is self-cleaning, so harsh washes and fragranced soaps can do more harm than good.
Choose:
Unscented or lactic acid-based washes that help maintain healthy pH
Avoid:
Products with fragrance, antiseptics, or strong detergents
Douching, which can strip protective bacteria and increase infection risk
Underwear and Clothing
Breathable fabrics help prevent moisture build-up and bacterial overgrowth.
Opt for:
100% cotton underwear
Avoiding tight, synthetic fabrics whenever possible
At night, consider going without underwear to allow air circulation and reduce heat.
Intimate Care and Lubricants
If you use lubricants, it’s important to choose ones that won’t disrupt your microbiome.
Look for:
Water-based lubricants such as YES, which are pH-balanced and free from parabens and glycerine
These maintain the vaginal environment’s natural acidity and reduce irritation risk.
My Clinical Observations
After running hundreds of vaginal microbiome tests, one thing is clear: support is often needed. Most women I see have low Lactobacillus levels, elevated pH, or an overgrowth of unwanted bacteria. The reasons vary: past antibiotic use, stress, diet, and product choices all play a role.
However, with the right approach, we see impressive changes. Within weeks of using microbiome-friendly products and targeted supplements, women often report fewer symptoms such as discharge, irritation, or recurrent infections. And more importantly, we see improvements in the microbiome test results themselves, setting the stage for better reproductive outcomes.
Practical Tips for a Healthy Vaginal Microbiome
Choose organic or reusable sanitary products
Use unscented or lactic acid-based body wash
Wear cotton underwear and avoid tight synthetic fabrics
Wipe front to back to prevent bacterial transfer
Avoid douching or using fragranced sprays
Choose water-based lubricants
Support the microbiome internally through diet, hydration, and targeted probiotics if needed
Small, consistent changes can have a significant impact on your vaginal health and, by extension, your fertility.
Conclusion
The vaginal microbiome plays a vital role in reproductive health, immunity, and fertility. While it’s influenced by many factors, the products you use daily can either support or disrupt this delicate balance. By choosing microbiome-friendly products and habits, you can help create an environment that supports healthy implantation, reduces infection risk, and improves overall wellbeing.
What Next?
If you’re interested in understanding more about your own vaginal microbiome or are struggling with recurrent infections, inflammation, or fertility challenges, consider testing and tailored support.
Get in touch with me to explore how we can optimise your microbiome and support your fertility naturally.
Arrange a 1:1 session with me to create a personalised, practical strategy for the months ahead. You don’t need to figure it out alone—I'm here to support you every step of the way.
[Please do reach out via the contact form and we can discuss how best to support you]
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