The role of intimate hygiene in maintaining vaginal microbiocenosis in women of early reproductive age
Khashchenko E.P., Alekseeva M.N., Salnikova I.A., Uvarova E.V.
The optimal pH value of the vulva plays an important role in maintaining normal microflora and skin protective function. Deviations from normal pH values can lead to an imbalance of microorganisms and create favorable conditions for the reproduction of pathogenic flora and the development of inflammatory processes. Lactobacilli are key members of a healthy microbiota; however, the composition of the vaginal microbiota can vary significantly at different ages in a woman’s life.
The article presents a review of the Russian and foreign studies (according to the MedLine, PubMed, Scopus databases) conducted in recent years on the vaginal microbiocenosis in the early reproductive period and the factors affecting it. The study provides the data on the pathogenic role of lactic acid in the development of vaginal microbiocenosis disorders in patients of reproductive age. The review presents clinical examples of normocenosis and vaginal dysbiosis in female patients between the ages of 15 and 17, based on PCR analysis of the vaginal microflora. Intimate hygiene products containing lactic acid can be used for the prevention of disorders of vaginal microflora.
Conclusion: Vulvar pH is a dynamic parameter that is influenced by many factors. The insight into the pathogenic mechanisms affecting the vaginal microbiocenosis allows us to recommend intimate hygiene products aimed at preserving health and preventing disease development.
Authors’ contributions: Khashchenko E.P., Alekseeva M.N. – search and analysis of literary sources, analysis of results, writing the text, design of the article; Uvarova E.V. – scientific supervision, final editing of the text; Khashchenko E.P., Salnikova I.A. – editing the text; Salnikova I.A., Uvarova E.V., Khashchenko E.P. – complete examination and treatment of patients.
Conflicts of interest: Authors declare lack of the possible conflicts of interests.
Funding: The study was conducted without sponsorship.
For citation: Khashchenko E.P., Alekseeva M.N., Salnikova I.A., Uvarova E.V. The role of intimate hygiene in maintaining vaginal microbiocenosis in women of early reproductive age.
Akusherstvo i Ginekologiya/Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2024; (8): 175-182 (in Russian)
https://dx.doi.org/10.18565/aig.2024.197
Keywords
vulvar pH
microflora
vaginal microbiome
skin defense function
lactic acid
lactobacilli
early reproductive age
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Received 05.08.2024
Accepted 12.08.2024
About the Authors
Elena P. Khashchenko, PhD, Senior Researcher at the 2nd Gynecological Department (Gynecology of Pediatric and Adolescents), V.I. Kulakov NMRC for OG&P,Ministry of Health Russia, 117997, Russia, Moscow, Ac. Oparina str., 4, khashchenko_elena@mail.ru, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3195-307X
Maria N. Alekseeva, student of the Faculty of Fundamental Medicine, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, alekseevamarydubai14@mail.ru,
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9795-0587
Irina A. Salnikova, PhD, Researcher at the 2nd Gynecological Department (Gynecology of Pediatric and Adolescents), V.I. Kulakov NMRC for OG&P, Ministry of Health Russia, 117997, Russia, Moscow, Ac. Oparina str., 4, i_salnikova@oparina4.ru, https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6997-643X
Elena V. Uvarova, Corresponding Member of the RAS, Dr. Med. Sci., Professor, Head of the 2nd Gynecological Department (Gynecology of Pediatric and Adolescents),
V.I. Kulakov NMRC for OG&P, Ministry of Health Russia, 117997, Russia, Moscow, Ac. Oparina str., 4; Professor at the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology,
Perinatology and Reproductology, I.M. Sechenov First MSMU, Ministry of Health of Russia (Sechenov University), elena-uvarova@yandex.ru,
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3105-5640
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