Join us as we discuss the vaginal microbiome. Jacques explains what it is, how to support it, and what to stop doing so that you can continue to have a healthy vaginal microbiota. This is a fascinating conversation that reveals so much about what we know so far and what we have yet to learn in this unique microbiome. 

Some background on Dr. Jacques Ravel, he is a professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and the Associate Director for Genomics at The Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland, School of Medicine in Baltimore Maryland. Over the past 15 years, he has developed a research program focused on applying modern genomic technologies and ecological principles to characterize the role and dynamics of the microbial communities inhabiting the human body in health and disease and better define the interactions between the host, the microbes and the environment that drives these ecological systems. Specifically, he is interested in the role of the vaginal microbiome in women’s health in order to develop improved strategies to manage gynecological and obstetrics conditions.

He has published over 225 peer-reviewed publications and has attracted grant income of more than $30 million. His work is currently being translated by developing novel live microbiome-based biotherapeutic formulations targeted to restore vaginal health, treat conditions such as bacterial vaginosis, urinary tract infections and improved fertility. His work earned him to be elected to the fellowship of the American Academy of Microbiology, and in

2015, he was awarded the Blaise Pascal international research chair. He is the founder and editor-in-chief of the journal Microbiome. He joined the Institute for Genome Sciences at The University of Maryland Medical School in 2007 as an associate professor.

To learn more about  Dr. Jacques Ravel click here.

Episode Takeaways:

What is the vaginal microbiome?

• The vaginal microbiome is just like the gut, it’s a collection of bacteria that live together to perform a function that is beneficial. If it lives in the body, it’s often beneficial to the host.
• When it comes to the vaginal microbiota, there are five types of women, four of these types are dominated by lactobacillus, one of the four species (lactobacillus crispatus, lactobacillus iners, lactobacillus gasseri, lactobacillus jensenii). And one of them is not and it’s represented, it’s more like the gut, this type is very diverse. So you can see it’s diverse and very even, a lot more even than what you see in the others.
• Those bacteria, they acidify the vagina, the pH of the vagina is about 3.6-4, so it’s very acidic
• Those that have an acidified environment are those that you would call very well-protected
• 25-30% of women that don’t have lactobacillus

How does the composition of the vaginal microbiome impact a woman’s overall health?

• Without a healthy vaginal microbiome, women are subject to many different risks
• Sexually transmitted infections
• A woman being able to get pregnant - the implantation of the egg
• Chronic yeast infections
• Vaginal dryness which can make intercourse very painful

Can lubricants affect the vaginal microbiome negatively?

• They are very hypertonic, that’s a big problem because what happens is it dries the cells
• Most lubricants, especially in medicine, contain antimicrobial agents, so it kills even the good bacteria
• Not every woman is affected by the application of lubricant

What are some of the things that people are doing in day to day life that seem to be hurting the vaginal microbiome?

• Douching - you’re basically washing your vagina with chemicals
• Smoking has a major impact on the vaginal microbiota
• Poor diet
• A really heavy dose of azithromycin has a really detrimental effect on the vaginal microbiota

What can women start doing right now to help support a healthy vaginal microbiome?

• Eat healthy - whole foods, less packaged food
• No smoking
• Some studies show that exercise helps support a healthy vagina as well

Where to learn more about Dr. Jacques Ravel, 

• Website: http://ravel-lab.org
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEQ5hVUYOtg

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