The Female Reproductive Tract: Home To Trillions Of Beneficial Bacteria
The human body is inhabited by several microorganisms, including both bacteria and viruses. While most are harmless, some can cause illnesses like colds, influenza, gastroenteritis, urinary tract infections, etc. However, certain types of bacteria are essential for our health because they help keep us safe from invaders such as dangerous pathogens and parasites. They also aid in digestion, nutrient absorption, immune system functioning, and even produce vitamins! One particularly important place where these beneficial bacteria reside is within the female reproductive tract - specifically, its vagina. This article will explore what they do there and why this area needs them so much.
The Vaginal Microbiome
The vagina is an organ that sits just inside a woman's pelvis between her uterus and rectum. It's about 3-6 inches long and has an inner lining called mucous membrane. The outer part connects to the vulva, which includes the labia majora and minora, clitoris, and urethra. The vagina produces discharge throughout the menstrual cycle that cleans itself naturally with enzymes called lysozyme and lactobacilli. These natural antibiotics protect against infection by creating an acidic environment hostile to harmful bacteria while allowing "good" ones to thrive without getting killed off.
Vaginal microflora consists mainly of bacteria belonging to several species, including Lactobacillus (L.), Atopobium vaginae (A.), Bifidobacterium (B.), Gardnerella vaginalis (G.), Megasphaera (M.), Mobiluncus (M.) and Mycoplasma hominis (M.). Most studies on them have focused on Lactobacillus because it helps keep the vagina healthy by producing hydrogen peroxide, acetic acid, lactic acid, and lactose. A., B., G., M., and M. also contribute to this symbiosis but are less well understood than L. However, all these bacterial strains play essential roles in balancing each other out so that they don't get overgrown or outnumbered by pathogenic germs such as Escherichia coli (E. coli) or Streptococcus agalactiae (S. a). In addition, M. can even help combat yeast infections caused by Candida albicans (C.a)! Without these beneficial bacteria present inside us at all times, we would be vulnerable to various diseases like endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), preterm births/low birth weight infants, etc.
The Benefits Of Having Trillions Of Bacteria Living Within Us
Aside from preventing infections, there are many benefits associated with having trillions of friendly microorganisms living within our bodies – especially when it comes to our reproductive system! They protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) by producing antimicrobial substances while promoting fertility by maintaining pH balance and reducing inflammation levels throughout menstruation cycles. This allows sperm cells easier access into eggs during ovulation and prevents miscarriage due to immune responses. Plus, some studies suggest that they may even influence sexual desire and arousal since they produce pheromones which communicate with nearby partners through chemical signals called neuropeptides!
Furthermore, researchers believe that certain kinds of vaginal flora could contribute towards personal lubrication; however, this theory remains unproven scientifically speaking. Still, it's worth noting that most women report experiencing increased pleasure during intercourse when there is a healthy amount of good bacteria present down below! Additionally, evidence suggests that certain types of gut bacteria might play a role in regulating estrogen production - essential for hormone-related issues such as PMS or postpartum depression. So overall, having these beneficial bugs around can help us stay healthier in more ways than one!