The Science of the Vaginal Microbiome | Phenome Longevity

The Unspoken Hero of Women’s Health:

Vaginal Microbiome

In an era where most scientific research has been centred on male biology, we believe it is our responsibility to shift the focus. Women are the pillars of society, and their health deserves the same depth of understanding and innovation. At Phenome Longevity, we are dedicated to advancing research into women’s unique biological systems and ensuring that science truly serves everybody.

Have you ever had discomfort, dryness, or recurring infections and never really figured out why?

You are not alone.

Many women experience these symptoms without realising that the root cause often lies in an imbalanced vaginal microbiome. This invisible ecosystem quietly protects you every day. When it is healthy, it maintains comfort, pH balance, and defence against harmful bacteria. When it is disrupted, even small changes can affect your overall wellbeing.

At Phenome Longevity, we believe it is time to bring this conversation forward and give women the clarity they deserve through science, awareness, and testing.

What Is the Vaginal Microbiome?

The vaginal microbiome is a complex, self-regulating ecosystem of microorganisms that protect against infection, maintain pH balance, and support reproductive health. In healthy women, this community is dominated by Lactobacillus species, which produce lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide, keeping the vaginal environment acidic (around pH 3.8 to 4.5). This acidity forms a natural defence barrier against harmful pathogens such as Gardnerella vaginalis or Candida albicans.

The composition of the vaginal microbiome changes naturally with hormonal cycles, pregnancy, contraception, sexual activity, and menopause. Its role extends beyond local protection, as emerging research shows it influences fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and even the risk of systemic inflammatory disease.

Microscopic view of vaginal cells and bacteria under a microscope with purple and white colours.

Why It Matters

A healthy vaginal microbiome is a key determinant of overall wellbeing. According to the UK Government’s 2024 review, understanding and supporting the vaginal microbiome could help address widespread women’s health challenges such as infection recurrence, preterm birth, and infertility.

Imbalance, known as vaginal dysbiosis, occurs when beneficial Lactobacillus species decline and opportunistic bacteria take over. This shift raises vaginal pH, weakens mucosal defences, and increases susceptibility to infections. Dysbiosis has been linked to bacterial vaginosis, recurrent yeast infections, urinary tract infections, endometriosis, and pregnancy complications.

What the Numbers Reveal About the Vaginal Microbiome

60

%

of healthy vaginal microbiomes are dominated by Lactobacillus species

1 in 3

experience bacterial vaginosis at least once

1

%

of recurrent vaginal infections** are linked to antibiotic-induced dysbiosis

pH above 4.5

increases infection risk by up to 60%

The Journey of the Vaginal Microbiome

Birth

Where It All Begins

Your vaginal microbiome starts forming at birth, influenced by the bacteria you are first exposed to from your mother. This first microbial contact becomes the foundation for your immune system, metabolism, and overall microbial diversity. The balance established during this stage can influence how your body responds to infections, allergies, and even chronic conditions later in life. In many ways, this is where your lifelong microbial story truly begins.

Puberty

When Hormones Awaken

As oestrogen levels rise during puberty, the vaginal environment transforms to support new microbial patterns. Beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus begin to flourish, creating an acidic pH that acts as a natural defence against infections. This stage sets the foundation for reproductive health, influencing comfort, immunity, and long-term balance throughout adulthood.

Reproductive Years

In Full Bloom

During adulthood, the vaginal microbiome is at its most active and balanced state. It supports fertility, protects against infections, and contributes to overall comfort. However, factors like stress, hormonal changes, diet, sexual activity, and antibiotics can easily disrupt this balance, showing just how responsive the body is to everyday changes.

Pregnancy

Nurturing New Life

During pregnancy, the body naturally encourages protective bacteria to thrive, helping lower the risk of infections and creating a safer environment for the baby to grow. The vaginal microbiome becomes an essential support system, influencing both maternal comfort and the baby’s early microbial foundation, which can impact their long-term health from birth onward.

Woman holding a green fruit outdoors with trees in the background

Menopause

A New Phase of Change

As oestrogen levels naturally decline, Lactobacillus levels also decrease, which can cause dryness, irritation, and greater vulnerability to infections. This transition affects many women differently, but paying attention to the vaginal microbiome during this stage can make a real difference. Supporting balance helps maintain comfort and resilience as the body adjusts to new hormonal rhythms.

Why You Should Know

Your Vaginal Microbiome

Your vaginal microbiome is a powerful yet delicate ecosystem. When balanced, it protects against infections, supports fertility, and keeps you feeling comfortable and confident. But when this balance shifts, even slightly, it can affect your daily wellbeing in ways that are often overlooked or misunderstood.

Getting tested helps you understand your body’s unique balance, detect early signs of imbalance, and take action before issues become long-term. Every woman’s microbiome is different, and knowing yours is the first step toward personalised care.

Common signs of an imbalanced vaginal microbiome include:

Unusual discharge

Changes in texture, colour, or smell may indicate a disruption in bacterial balance.

Odour or discomfort

A strong or persistent odour, burning, or irritation can signal harmful bacterial overgrowth.

Recurring infections

Frequent bacterial or yeast infections often point to a weakened or unstable microbiome.

Dryness or sensitivity

Reduced moisture or increased irritation may reflect lower Lactobacillus levels or hormonal changes.

Changes after antibiotics or birth control

Both can unintentionally disrupt the microbial environment, allowing harmful species to dominate.

Discomfort during intimacy

Pain or sensitivity can occur when protective bacteria decline, leaving the area more vulnerable to inflammation.

The Most Advanced Way to Understand Your Vaginal Microbiome

Shotgun Metagenomics.

We use next-generation sequencing to analyse every microorganism within your vaginal ecosystem, providing a complete view of its balance and function. Shotgun Metagenomics reveals the presence and activity of beneficial Lactobacillus species, potential pathogens, and the genetic pathways that influence pH, immunity, and reproductive health.

This technology goes beyond identifying bacteria. It uncovers how they interact, communicate, and protect your body, giving you the most comprehensive and precise insight into vaginal health available today.

Differences between Traditional Microbiome Analysis and Shotgun Metagenomics

What Shotgun Metagonmics Data Provides

The Complete Map of Your Microbial Ecosystem

Explore every microorganism that lives within you, from your gut to your mouth and vaginal microbiome. See how bacteria, fungi, and viruses work together across these systems to maintain balance and wellbeing.

The Diversity that Defines Your Health

Measure the richness and stability of your microbial communities. A diverse ecosystem across the gut, oral, and vaginal microbiomes supports digestion, immunity, hormone balance, and even mood.

Functional Insights Across Systems

Understand what your microbes actually do, from producing vitamins and neurotransmitters to regulating pH, protecting against pathogens, and supporting reproductive and metabolic health.

Personalised Microbial Profile

Gain a complete picture of how your microbiome compares to healthy patterns and where extra care can enhance balance and long-term health.

Early Signals of Imbalance

Identify shifts that may indicate inflammation, overgrowth, or loss of beneficial species in any microbiome, helping you take proactive steps long before symptoms appear.

From Data to Direction

Transform metagenomic data into actionable insights, guiding your nutrition, supplements, and daily habits for optimal gut, oral, and vaginal health.

Insights from the Longevity Hub

October 22, 2025
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Stories from Those Who Finally Got Answers

We are grateful to everyone who shared their journey with us. Their honesty reminds us why understanding our biology matters, because behind every test result there is a story of someone finally getting the answers they have been looking for.

I kept getting infections every few months and it was exhausting. This test finally showed me why it kept happening. I made a few small changes after that and haven’t had a single issue since. It honestly gave me peace of mind.
— Laura M, 32

I didn’t even know what a vaginal microbiome was before this. I just wanted to understand why I was feeling off down there all the time. The results explained so much and made me realise it wasn’t in my head.
— Priya S, 28

I took this test after pregnancy because things just didn’t feel the same. Seeing how everything had shifted helped me take better care of myself again. It felt empowering to actually understand my body like that.
— Emma J, 35