Vaginal Microbiome

The vaginal microbiome refers to the bacterial communities present in the female reproductive tract; a healthy vaginal microbiome is characterized by resilience and stability and resilience, whereas an unstable microbiome could be prone to invasion by pathogenic bacteria and dysbiosis.

What is Vaginal Microbiome?

The groundbreaking sequencing of the human genome was announced in 2001. It was undoubtedly a historical achievement in human biology and medicine; however, it gave us only a partial blueprint of our species. The studies of human microbiota (i.e. the communities of microorganisms that populate human body) and microbiome (i.e. the combined genetic profile of all those microorganisms) hold a promise of completing that blueprint.

Vaginal Microbiome Variation and Bacterial Vaginosis

Vaginal Microbiome and Premature Birth

Vaginal Microbiome and Sexually Transmitted Infections

Vaginal Microbiome and Gynecological Cancer

Vaginal Microbiome During Pregnancy

Latest Vaginal Microbiome News and Research

Eating habits directly influence vaginal microbiome, research finds

A cross-sectional study of young Italian women found that higher intake of animal protein and alcohol is associated with vaginal microbiota dysbiosis, while linolenic acid (a plant-based omega-3) and dietary fiber support beneficial Lactobacillus communities.

7 Jul 2025

Vaginal microbiome fights back against stubborn BV infections

Vaginal microbiome-drug interactions affect antibiotic treatment for bacterial vaginosis, emphasizing the need for personalized approaches to enhance efficacy.

3 Jul 2025

Glycan mapping reveals what keeps the vaginal microbiome healthy

Glycan-bacteria binding profiles in the vaginal microbiome provide insights into reproductive health, highlighting targets for infection prevention strategies.

9 Jun 2025

New STI impacts 1 in 3 women: Landmark study reveals men are the missing link

A landmark study reveals that bacterial vaginosis (BV), a condition affecting nearly a third of women worldwide and causing infertility, premature births and newborn deaths, is in fact a sexually transmitted infection (STI), paving the way for a revolution in how it is treated.

5 Mar 2025

Study highlights the need for more diversity in vaginal microbiome research

This study emphasizes the need for global equity in vaginal microbiome research, addressing health disparities and improving female health strategies worldwide.

14 Feb 2025

Global study reveals diversity in healthy vaginal microbiomes

Seeking to understand what constitutes a healthy vaginal microbiome, a global research collaboration that includes a Rutgers-New Brunswick scientist has reported a series of findings, including identifying which bacteria thwart vaginal disease and determining that microbiomes vary significantly across human populations.

11 Feb 2025

Hormonal shifts in menopause redefine women’s microbiome and risks

Research explores how menopause-induced hormonal shifts affect the microbiome, influencing oral, gut, and urogenital health, and highlights the potential of personalized interventions to enhance well-being.

15 Jan 2025

Case Western Reserve secures $1.5 million NIH grant to improve bacterial vaginosis treatments

Bacterial vaginosis (BV), the most prevalent condition affecting the female reproductive system in women aged 15 to 44, is linked to such serious health risks as preterm birth, gynecological malignancies and sexually transmitted diseases.

25 Nov 2024

Freya Biosciences secures new investment to develop microbial immunotherapies for bacterial vaginosis

Freya Biosciences (Freya or the Company), a transatlantic biotech company specializing in women's health, today announces a $10.4 million strategic investment from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (the foundation) with $1.4 million additional financing from current investor Export and Investment Fund of Denmark (EIFO).

25 Nov 2024

Study uncovers oleic acid's role in restoring vaginal microbial balance in bacterial vaginosis

More than half of women globally experience bacterial vaginosis (BV) - an imbalance of naturally occurring microbes in the female genital tract - at least once in their life.

19 Aug 2024

Cervix organ chips pave the way for next-generation studies on host-microbiome interactions

A group of researchers developed human Cervical Organ Chips to model the cervical interface.

4 Jun 2024

Simple vaginal swab could help detect early-stage gynecological cancers

A simple vaginal swab could reveal the presence of early-stage gynecological cancers, according to a new, wide-ranging study published in De Gruyter's Open Life Sciences.

28 May 2024

Study links diverse Gardnerella species in pregnant women to higher preterm birth risk

Researchers investigated the diversity of Gardnerella species in the vaginal microbiomes of pregnant women, finding an association between higher Gardnerella richness and increased risk of preterm delivery.

26 May 2024

Multiple Gardnerella species coexist in vaginal microbiome, study reveals

Researchers from North Carolina State University have found that multiple species of Gardnerella, bacteria sometimes associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV) and pre-term birth, can coexist in the same vaginal microbiome.

20 May 2024

Researchers highlight critical need for more effective treatments for women with bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) affects about one-quarter of reproductive-age women and is linked to adverse health outcomes, such as increased HIV risk.

2 May 2024

Mapping the Microbiome: Dr. Abidemi Junaid on the Groundbreaking Vagina Chip

An interview with Abidemi from at the Wyss Institute.

From Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening (SLAS) 18 Mar 2024

Semen microbiota might play a crucial role in influencing male fertility

You may have heard about the gut microbiome and its influence on a person's overall health and well-being. It turns out that the same may hold true for the semen microbiome.

18 Jan 2024