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.
What the Landscape Can Teach You
Denne historien er fra July - August 2024-utgaven av Women's Health US.
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Denne historien er fra July - August 2024-utgaven av Women's Health US.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Ready. Set. Grow.- Two-time olympian Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has mastered the art of the game face
Olympic gold medalist Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has cleared many hurdles on the way to her best self, both physically and mentally. Here, the 24-yearold reveals her winning strategies for nurturing her body and quieting her mind.
Amino Acids- Get the inside scoop on whether the booster can help you build muscle and more).
There are as many performance supplements as there are protein-packed foods in a WH editor’s fridge. A biggie? Amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. The 11 amino acids our bodies synthesize are called “nonessential,” but we need 9 others (known as “essential”) to survive. These supps contain “one or more of the essential amino acids your body doesn’t produce on its own,” says Adam Field, PhD, a lecturer in sport and exercise sciences at Manchester Metropolitan University in England.
Biome Business - The vaginal microbiome holds valuable insights into your health. Learn more about the trendy idea of optimizing your own.
The vaginal microbiome holds valuable insights into your health. Learn more about the trendy idea of optimizing your own. The vaginal 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.
Redefining Intimacy- How an unexpected diagnosis forced one woman to completely transform her relationship
How an unexpected diagnosis forced one woman to completely transform her relationship. I met with my primary care physician to review the results of my mammogram and biopsy. "You have breast cancer," she informed me. "But the good news is you caught it early and it's treatable." I sat on the exam table in disbelief as she explained my options.
Nature Therapy - Bring the benefits of the environment into your home and shower-with this growing beauty trend.
Bring the benefits of the environment into your home and shower with this growing beauty trend. Cultures around the globe have long recognized the powerful mind-and-body boost you can get from communing with nature. You've probably experienced these effects for yourself-think about the invigorating feeling of a hike through the woods or the energizing zip from a swim in a chilly lake. I know I have.
Ozempic's Surprising Superpower - weight-loss medicines are also the most promising option I've seen for a drug that could treat addiction, whether to alcohol, opioids, or nicotine.
A neuroscientist and leader in the field of addiction explains why popular weight-loss drugs might hold the key to radical new treatments. 48 million+ Americans 12 years or older had a substance use disorder in 2022, yet only 24% received treatment.
the sunscreen guide...that will change your life
From the amount to use (it may be more than you think) to the differences between mineral and chemical SPFs, our handbook will help you stay safe and have fun in the sun.
under pressure
Knee pain is on the rise among men and women— and with it, a messy, imperfectly regulated world of quick-fix injections marketed to offer relief. Ahead, what works (and doesn't!) to soothe joints.
glute gains
How one trainer is changing the conversation around the importance of glute health and its indisputable role in longevity. Oh, and she offers up her exclusive training plan for your strongest butt ever.
tins for the win
Put all that canned fish to good use (in the most delicious way) with these protein-packed suppers and creative recipes.
