Smears and urine tests are suitable for investigating microbial dysbiosis in the urogenital area, depending on the issue at hand.
The microbiome of the female reproductive tract is particularly responsive to hormones, immune system responses, stress and dietary style. A dominant genus of vaginal flora are lactobacilli, which lower the pH by producing lactic acid and secreting hydrogen peroxide, which has a harmful effect on other microorganisms. A pH value in the acidic range between 3.5 and 4.5 is desirable and thus protects the mucous membrane from disruptive pathogens.
Hormonal fluctuations, particularly of the hormone oestrogen, influence the vaginal pH value. As oestrogen levels decrease, the pH value increases and the growth of lactobacilli is inhibited. This is due to oestrogen-dependent glycogen deposits in the vaginal epithelium, which serve as a nutrient basis for lactobacilli. At higher oestrogen concentrations, more glycogen is stored and bacterial growth is promoted. Menopausal and postmenopausal symptoms can be associated with an increase in the Lactobacillus vaginal microbiome can be alleviated.
In addition, the influence of dysbiosis on different areas has been established. The presence of certain bacteria of the Prevotella species is associated with premature births, as unfavorable conditions for embryo implantation are created. Women with endometriosis also show significant differences in the composition of the microbiota (region-specific microbiome). High concentrations of Streptococcaceae, Staphylococcaceae and Enterobacteriaceae predominate and there are reduced concentrations of lactobacilli. Likewise, inflammation-promoting messenger substances (cytokines) of the immune system are found in the vaginal fluid, which promote bacterial vaginosis and also do not rule out urinary tract infections.
The female and male urinary microbiome comprises essentially similar bacterial genera; typical are Bacillus, Corynebacterium, Lactobacillus, Prevotella und Streptococcus.Recurrent or chronic urinary tract infections may indicate bacterial overgrowth.
On request, we can check the acceptance of swabs (vaginal, endometrial) by gynecologists.
A microbiome analysis is useful to determine the species present, to compare their relative composition in percentage terms, to match their known characteristics with the person's state of health and to detect possible dysbiosis or pathogenic species. It also enables targeted personalized therapy for infections.
