We often hear about the gut microbiome, but so few conversations touch the vaginal or urinary microbiomes—despite how deeply they shape women’s daily comfort, hormone balance, immune health, and overall wellbeing. As a holistic health coach, I see time and time again that when these intimate ecosystems fall out of balance, the effects are not just local. They ripple through the entire body.
Today, we’re diving deep into what these microbiomes are, why they matter, what disrupts them, and how women can proactively support them.
The Six Major Microbiomes in the Body
Most people don’t realize this, but the human body actually has six major microbiomes—six interconnected ecosystems that communicate constantly and shape everything from mood to immunity.
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Gut microbiome: The largest and most studied; regulates digestion, metabolism, inflammation, and hormone detoxification.
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Oral microbiome: Influences nitric oxide production, cardiovascular health, and systemic inflammation.
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Skin microbiome: Acts as a protective barrier and immune trainer.
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Respiratory microbiome: Helps regulate immune reactivity in the sinuses and lungs.
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Urinary microbiome (urobiome): A community of bacteria in the bladder and lower urinary tract, essential for preventing UTIs and regulating immunity.
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Vaginal microbiome: One of the most specialized microbiomes, designed to maintain pH balance and protect from pathogens.
Here’s a fun fact: microbes in the human body outnumber human cells by at least 1.3 to 1. We are, quite literally, more microbial than human.
Among all these ecosystems, the vaginal and urinary microbiomes are uniquely important for women.
The Vaginal Microbiome: Your Built-In Defense System
The vaginal microbiome is a delicate, highly specialized community made up mostly of Lactobacillus species—your natural defenders.
Four of the main species include:
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Lactobacillus crispatus
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Lactobacillus jensenii
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Lactobacillus gasseri
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Lactobacillus iners
These beneficial bacteria produce lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and bacteriocins, all of which help keep harmful microbes (like Gardnerella, Candida, E. coli, and Trichomonas vaginalis) in check.
A healthy vaginal pH ranges from 3.8 to 4.5, creating a slightly acidic environment that protects against infection and irritation.
When this balance shifts—whether due to hormones, stress, water exposure, or products—symptoms like odor, discharge, burning, itching, or discomfort can arise.
The Urinary Microbiome: The Newly Discovered Ecosystem
Until about a decade ago, scientists believed urine was sterile. We now know that’s not true. The urobiome is a living ecosystem that plays a major role in:
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Preventing UTIs
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Regulating inflammation
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Supporting bladder comfort
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Maintaining pH balance
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Communicating with the vaginal and gut microbiomes
UTIs are the most common bacterial infections in the world, which makes maintaining a balanced urinary microbiome essential.
What Disrupts These Microbiomes?
Both the vaginal and urinary microbiomes are sensitive to everyday factors—many of which women encounter regularly.
Internal disruptors
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Antibiotics
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Stress and cortisol fluctuations
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Hormonal changes (including perimenopause and postpartum)
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Menstrual cycle changes
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Diet high in sugar or inflammatory foods
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Dehydration
External disruptors
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Fragranced soaps, washes, wipes, or detergents
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Semen (pH ~7.2 to 8)
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Chlorine, bath additives, and synthetic personal care ingredients
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Tight, non-breathable clothing
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Wet swimsuits or sweaty activewear
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Contaminated water
And when it comes to water, the risks are often underestimated:
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Chlorinated pools: Great for sanitation, but chlorine damages beneficial bacteria.
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E. coli contamination: CDC studies show ~60% of pools contain E. coli.
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Natural bodies of water: Swimming in lakes or oceans may increase UTI risk nearly 4x.
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Hot tubs: High pH, chemicals, and heat can easily trigger irritation.
These exposures don’t just disrupt the vaginal and urinary microbiomes—they can ripple through the entire body.
The Gut–Vagina–Urinary Connection
These three microbiomes communicate constantly through:
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Shared bacterial species
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Immune signaling
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Hormonal pathways
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The lymphatic system
When one is off—especially the gut—it often shows up in the vaginal or urinary microbiome.
For example:
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Gut dysbiosis can increase BV or yeast recurrence.
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Low fiber or high sugar intake can shift the vaginal microbiome.
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Poor gut motility or constipation can worsen urinary symptoms.
This is why supporting the gut often improves vaginal and bladder health simultaneously.
The Vaginal–Brain Axis
Emerging research shows that the vaginal microbiome communicates directly with the brain via immune, hormonal, and neurological pathways.
Disruption in the vaginal microbiome has been linked to:
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Mood shifts
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Increased stress sensitivity
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Irritability
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Fatigue
Clinically, many women with recurrent BV or UTIs report symptoms that extend far beyond the pelvis. This isn’t “in your head”—it’s systemic inflammation and hormonal cross-talk.
The Systemic Impact of Vaginal Microbiome Imbalance
When the vaginal or urinary microbiome becomes imbalanced, it doesn’t stay local. It can influence:
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Immune regulation
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Hormone balance
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Mood and neurotransmitter production
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Fertility
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Pregnancy outcomes
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Autoimmune pathways
These ecosystems may be small, but their influence is powerful.
How Women Can Support These Microbiomes
Supporting these ecosystems doesn’t require an overwhelming routine—just consistent, mindful habits.
Daily practices
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Stay well-hydrated
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Eat high-fiber foods
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Include fermented foods (unless contraindicated)
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Limit sugar and processed foods
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Wear breathable cotton underwear
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Avoid harsh, fragranced soaps
After swimming or sweating
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Change out of damp clothing ASAP
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Rinse gently with clean water or a natural wipe
During menstruation
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Be aware that blood temporarily raises vaginal pH
For microbiome resilience
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Support gut health through whole foods, probiotics, and stress reduction
For sexual wellness
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Urinate after sex
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Be mindful of semen’s effect on vaginal pH
For water protection
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Recognize that pools, lakes, oceans, and hot tubs expose the vaginal microbiome to chemicals, pathogens, and alkaline pH. Use protection like The V Seal.
A Proactive Approach: Why Prevention Matters
One of the biggest shifts women can make is moving from reactive care—treating infections only after they show up—to proactive care that prevents imbalance in the first place.
This prevents the exhausting cycle many women face: BV → antibiotics → yeast → more treatment → more disruption.
Proactive care means understanding your body, your patterns, and your exposures, then protecting your microbiome before issues arise.
How The V Seal Supports the Vaginal and Urinary Microbiomes
Because water is one of the biggest disruptors of the vaginal and urinary microbiomes, I created The V Seal as a simple, low-tox, proactive tool.
The V Seal is a transparent, comfortable, waterproof adhesive film that you apply to the intimate zone before getting into water. It keeps out:
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Chemicals
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Chemical byproducts
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Bacteria
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Contaminated water
This helps maintain vaginal pH, protects the microbiome, supports urinary health, and prevents irritation—all while letting you enjoy the water without worry.
It’s hypoallergenic, nontoxic, latex-free, BPA- and phthalate-free, and can be worn for up to two hours. A small, empowering step that makes a big difference for women who want to stay balanced, comfortable, and confident.
