A healthy vaginal microbiota is considered to be significant for maintaining vaginal health and preventing infections. However, certain vaginal bacterial commensal species serve an important first line of defense of the body. Any disruption of this microbial barrier might result in a number of urogenital conditions including aerobic vaginitis (AV) and bacterial vaginosis (BV). The health of the vagina is closely associated with inhabitant microbiota. Furthermore, these microbes maintain a low vaginal pH, prevent the acquisition of pathogens, stimulate or moderate the local innate immune system, and further protect against complications during pregnancies. Therefore, this review will focus on vaginal microbial "health" in the lower reproductive tract of women and on the physiological characteristics that determine the well-being of reproductive health. In addition, we explore the distinct versus shared characteristics of BV and AV, which are commonly associated with increased risk for preterm delivery.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2018.00078 | DOI Listing |
Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol X
March 2025
Department of Gynaecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University/Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Guangdong, China.
Background: Physical activity during pregnancy is a positive behavior for improving pregnancy outcomes, yet the relationship between physical activity during pregnancy and labor is still debated.
Objective: This study aimed to test our hypothesis that a higher level of physical activity during pregnancy is associated with a shorter labor duration.
Study Design: This was a prospective cohort study of pregnant women with singleton pregnancies and no contraindications to physical activity during pregnancy.
Cureus
December 2024
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, USA.
Ben Wa balls are often used for sexual pleasure and pelvic floor exercise. However, their use can lead to complications, including retention within the vagina. We present a case of a 64-year-old female, status post-hysterectomy 20 years prior, who experienced the loss of a Ben Wa ball during sexual activity.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBMC Microbiol
January 2025
Chair of Microbiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College in Krakow, 18 Czysta Street, Cracow, 31-121, Poland.
Background: Aerobic vaginitis (AV) is a state of abnormal vaginal microbiota, which is associated with increased numbers of aerobic, enteric bacteria and inflammation of the vaginal epithelium. Anti-microbial treatment combined with anti-inflammatory therapy could be useful in the treatment of this condition. It is known that calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D, plays an important role in modulating the immune response in several inflammatory diseases.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFNutrients
January 2025
Department of Neonatology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland.
Objectives: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with an increased risk of both neonatal and maternal morbidity. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the frequency of perinatal complications due to GDM in the Department of Neonatology at the Medical University of Wroclaw, Poland, considering the treatment of GDM-diet and physical activity versus insulin therapy. The influence of maternal comorbidities and the COVID-19 pandemic on pregnancy outcomes was assessed.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFZhongguo Zhen Jiu
January 2025
Department of Gynecology, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China.
Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture based on "status-target coherence" theory combined with Kegel exercises for vaginal laxity syndrome (VLS).
Methods: Sixty-six patients with VLS were randomized into an observation group (33 cases, 2 cases dropped out, 1 case was discontinued) and a control group (33 cases, 5 cases dropped out). The observation group was treated with acupuncture combined with Kegel exercises, acupuncture was applied to bilateral Ciliao (BL32), Zhongliao (BL33), Sanyinjiao (SP6), etc.
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