Our bodies are home to six major microbiomes: gut, oral, skin, respiratory, urinary, and vaginal. Think of them as six unique ecosystems that communicate constantly. When one is out of balance, the others often show it. Today, I want to focus on two that are delicate, rarely discussed, yet central to women’s health: the vaginal and urinary microbiomes.
Understanding these ecosystems isn’t just about biology—it’s about empowerment. When you know how to protect them, you’re protecting immunity, hormone balance, and overall wellbeing.
The Vaginal Microbiome: Your Built-In Defense System
Most people have heard of the gut microbiome, but the vaginal microbiome is often overlooked. It’s a specialized ecosystem dominated by Lactobacillus species, including Crispatus, Jensenii, Gasseri, and Iners. These bacteria produce lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and bacteriocins, creating an environment hostile to harmful microbes like Gardnerella vaginalis, E. coli, Candida, and Trichomonas vaginalis.
The key to this balance is vaginal pH, typically ranging from 3.8–4.5. This slight acidity acts as a natural barrier against pathogens. But when the balance tips, infections, irritation, and discomfort can arise.
Hormones also play a crucial role. Postmenopause, lower estrogen levels reduce Lactobacillus populations, raise vaginal pH, and increase susceptibility to infection. It’s not just about comfort—it’s about protecting an ecosystem that safeguards immunity and reproductive health.
The Urinary Microbiome: More Than Just “Sterile” Urine
Until recently, urine was thought to be sterile. Science has since revealed a thriving microbial community in the bladder and lower urinary tract: the urobiome. These bacteria help prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) and support immune regulation.
UTIs are the most common bacterial infections globally, and maintaining a healthy urobiome is your first line of defense. But like the vaginal microbiome, the urobiome is delicate. Imbalances here don’t stay local—they ripple outward, affecting systemic immunity and even metabolism.
What Disrupts These Microbiomes?
Maintaining balance isn’t just a matter of biology—it’s influenced by everyday habits. Both internal and external factors can throw your vaginal and urinary microbiomes off.
Internal Factors:
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Antibiotics: While they fight harmful bacteria, antibiotics don’t discriminate and can disrupt beneficial microbes.
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Stress: Elevated cortisol can alter microbial composition and immune function.
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Diet & Hydration: Sugar, processed foods, and dehydration all affect microbial health.
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Hormonal Fluctuations: Menstrual cycles, perimenopause, and menopause shift microbial balance.
External Factors:
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Personal care products: Fragranced soaps, synthetic cleansers, and bath bombs can disrupt pH.
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Clothing: Tight, synthetic, or non-breathable fabrics trap moisture and promote imbalance.
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Water exposures: Swimming can be surprisingly challenging for vaginal health. The CDC found that around 60% of pools contain E. coli, the leading cause of UTIs. Swimming in natural bodies of water increases UTI risk by nearly 4x, and studies also link water exposure to BV and Candida outbreaks.
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Chlorine & disinfectants: While excellent for cleaning, chlorine indiscriminately kills good bacteria along with harmful ones.
When these ecosystems are disturbed, the effects aren’t just local. Dysbiosis in the vaginal or urinary microbiome can trigger:
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Systemic inflammation, as the immune system tries to restore balance
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Fertility issues and pregnancy complications
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Increased susceptibility to HPV and autoimmune responses
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Potential mood and stress effects via the emerging vaginal-brain axis
The gut, vagina, and urinary tract are interconnected. Shared bacterial species, immune signaling, and hormonal cross-talk mean that imbalance in one area can influence the others. Supporting these microbiomes is not optional—it’s essential for holistic wellness.
Proactive Care: Shifting From Reaction to Prevention
The secret to maintaining balance is proactive care. Rather than waiting for infections or irritation, women can take steps that support their ecosystems daily.
Here’s what I recommend:
1. Protect Your Microbiome in Water
Swimming shouldn’t mean risking imbalance. That’s why I created The V Seal—a simple, adhesive liner that acts as a gentle barrier between water and your vaginal environment. It allows women to enjoy pools, lakes, or hot tubs while protecting the natural pH and microbiome.
2. Maintain pH-Friendly Daily Habits
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Avoid harsh soaps, douches, or fragranced washes. Water or pH-balanced cleansers are sufficient.
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Wear breathable fabrics like cotton and change out of damp swimsuits promptly.
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Support your gut with fiber-rich foods, fermented products, or probiotics—healthy gut bacteria help maintain vaginal and urinary microbiome balance.
3. Reduce Toxin Burden
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Swap fragranced personal care products for low-tox alternatives.
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Minimize exposure to plastics, chlorine, and harsh household chemicals when possible.
4. Hydrate & Manage Stress
Cortisol and inflammation directly influence microbiome health. Simple daily practices—breathwork, meditation, movement—help reduce stress and support microbial balance.
5. Listen to Your Body
Pay attention to patterns: irritation, odor, or discomfort after swimming or trying new products is valuable feedback. Adjust routines accordingly. Awareness is as powerful as any product or supplement.
Why The V Seal Exists
Personally, I noticed how swimming often triggered irritation and imbalance. After learning about how chlorine and water exposure affect the vaginal microbiome, I realized women had few protective options. The solution had to be simple, safe, and empowering—and that’s how The V Seal was born.
It’s more than a product; it’s a way for women to reclaim agency over an area of health that’s been overlooked for far too long. It allows you to enjoy water activities without worrying about disrupting your delicate ecosystems.
Holistic Perspective: Six Major Microbiomes
To truly appreciate vaginal health, it helps to see the bigger picture. The six major microbiomes of the body are interconnected:
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Gut Microbiome – largest, most complex; essential for digestion, immunity, and hormone metabolism.
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Oral Microbiome – influences inflammation, nitric oxide, and cardiovascular health.
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Skin Microbiome – our first line of defense; supports immune and barrier function.
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Respiratory Microbiome – balances immune responses in the sinuses and lungs.
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Urinary Tract Microbiome – helps prevent infections and works alongside vaginal flora.
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Vaginal Microbiome – highly specialized for protection and balance.
These systems communicate constantly. When one ecosystem is off, the others often show it. By protecting the vaginal and urinary microbiomes, you’re supporting the entire body—from hormones to immunity, metabolism, and mood.
Takeaway: Small Steps, Big Impact
Supporting your vaginal and urinary microbiomes doesn’t have to be complicated. Simple, intentional habits make a profound difference:
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Swim smart with The V Seal to maintain balance in water environments.
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Choose pH-friendly care—gentle, fragrance-free products and breathable fabrics.
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Support your gut—fiber, fermented foods, and probiotics feed beneficial bacteria.
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Minimize toxins in personal care and household products.
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Stay hydrated and manage stress—cortisol impacts microbiome health.
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Listen to your body—notice patterns and respond to discomfort proactively.
This is about empowerment, not fear. Protecting your internal ecosystems helps hormones, immunity, and overall balance. When you take small, intentional steps, you gain confidence, comfort, and the freedom to enjoy life fully—whether in the water or out.
