Official Journal of the European Society of Gynecology
eISSN 2710-2580
Vaginal microbiome and a prospective analysis of vaginal microbiome testing and personalized probiotics supplementation as a beneficial approach to unlock optimal health for women: a narrative review
Logo EGO
European Gynecology & Obstetrics
European Society of Gynecology
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Keywords

bacterial vaginosis, infertility, lactobacillus spp, microbiome, preterm birth, vaginal microbiota, vulvovaginal candidiasis, vulvovaginal infection

Categories

How to Cite

Silva, V. F., Refinetti, P., Soares Junior, J. M., Baracat, E. C., & Pacchetti, B. (2023). Vaginal microbiome and a prospective analysis of vaginal microbiome testing and personalized probiotics supplementation as a beneficial approach to unlock optimal health for women: a narrative review. European Gynecology & Obstetrics, 5(2). https://doi.org/10.53260/EGO.235022

Abstract

The literature regarding the vaginal microbiota increasingly highlights the association between vaginal microbiota alterations, recurrent vulvovaginal infections and infertility, thus its importance for women's health. The literature increasingly shows that probiotic supplementation in responsive populations is an effective means of rebalancing the vaginal microbiome. The recent assumption of responsiveness to probiotics, depending on community state type, supports the development of personalized probiotics and could significantly improve the management of recurrent vulvovaginal infections and infertility. This draws attention to the need for validated assays to measure the Community State Types (CST) in a precise and targeted manner as a tool to enable the development of personalized probiotics. There is a clear connection between the composition of the vaginal microbiome and the risk of developing vaginal infections, reproductive health issues, and other medical conditions. Probiotics in a responsive population are an effective way to rebalance the vaginal microbiome and achieve eubiosis. Validated assays to measure the CST in a precise manner will enable personalized probiotic developments. Further research is needed to explore the full potential of personalized probiotics and their impact on women’s health.

https://doi.org/10.53260/EGO.235022%20
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Copyright (c) 2023 Virginia Franco Silva, Paulo Refinetti, Jose M. Soares Junior, Edmund C. Baracat, Barbara Pacchetti