Biome Business

The vaginal microbiome holds valuable insights into your health. Learn more about the trendy idea of optimizing your own.

- Caitlin Carlson

As you bop around from work to Pilates class-or every time you soak in the bath or change a tampon-there's a unique community of microorganisms keeping you healthy below the belt. You probably didn't even realize it, as this environment humbly operates on autopilot and does its own thing. Even so, new technology and emerging research are shedding light on how the fascinating ecosystem known as the vaginal microbiome might be the key to unlocking exciting health discoveries. The V microbiome is a topic that's "never gotten enough attention," despite being a complex and incredibly important system, says Johanna B. Holm, PhD, an assistant professor in the department of microbiology and immunology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. For starters, the microbiome helps ward off unwanted bacteria and may even play a role in reducing the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and preterm birth, recent research found. And while it's all still new, scientists are starting to develop diagnostic tests to make sense of the vaginal microbiome in a meaningful way.

But with these advancements, an expanding product market has arrived. Just visit your local drugstore and you'll spot probiotics and suppositories claiming to keep flora functioning. In tandem with that bubbling interest comes misinformation about how it all works, as well as burning questions such as, Do you actually need those supps from IG? Could my vaginal microbiome be off, and I don't even know it? Ahead, doctors set the record straight on how to monitor the health of your vaginal microbiome, why it matters, and what it means for your wellness.

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