Vaginal & Vulval Health: Symptoms, Microbiome Imbalance & Testing
Vaginal and vulval health plays a significant role in day-to-day comfort, confidence, and quality of life. When things feel out of balance, symptoms can be hard to ignore and can impact our mood, movement and intimacy.
Signs of imbalance may appear as itching, burning, pain with sex, tearing, unusual discharge, changes in smell, dryness, or recurring infections. Discharge that is green, yellow, thick, watery, or strong-smelling can also be a signal that something within the vaginal ecosystem needs attention. While these experiences are common, they are not something you have to simply live with.
Understanding these symptoms can give us hints as to what underlying causes may be at play - such as bacterial vaginosis, thrush or other microbial infections. This deeper understanding can then help us to find the right solution and give you the answers you need to reduce or eliminate unwanted symptoms and bring your vaginal and vulval health back into balance.
The Vaginal & Vulval Microbiome
Just as the digestive system relies on a balance of hundreds of microbes, the vagina has it’s own ecosystem, known as the vaginal microbiome. This microbiome is ideally dominated by beneficial bacteria called Lactobacilli, which help maintain an optimal environment and protect delicate tissues.
Alongside these beneficial microbes, small amounts of other organisms such as Candida, or bacteria associated with bacterial vaginosis can also be present. When the balance between these microbes shifts, or when opportunistic microbes overgrow, symptoms and infections can develop.
What Can Disrupt Microbiome Balance?
There are many factors that can influence vaginal and vulval health. If you choose to work with a naturopath, we assess all of the following factors to get to the bottom of the imbalance:
Antibiotic use
Hormonal changes
Stress and nervous system load
Smoking
Sexual activity or new sexual partners
Hygiene practices and products
Environmental exposures
The presence of other microbes
Often, symptoms are not caused by a single factor, but by a combination of these influences accumulated over time.
Vagina vs Vulva: Why the Distinction Matters
Anatomically, the vagina refers to the internal canal (vagINa), while the vulva is the external tissue (vUlva). It’s possible to experience symptoms externally without internal changes or internally without obvious external signs. Investigating with a holistic view allows for a clearer understanding of where imbalance may be occurring and how best to support healing.
When treatment works but the infection returns
Many people find that medications offer temporary relief, only for symptoms to return. This is often because the underlying cause of imbalance hasn’t yet been addressed. Understanding what microbes are involved and why infections are recurring is key to long-term support.
Vaginal Microbiome Testing
Vaginal microbiome testing can be used to identify whether certain microbes are overgrown or out of balance.
In many medical settings, standard PCR testing is used, which works by amplifying specific microbes. But thanks to evolving technology, more advanced options, such as Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) or shotgun sequencing, can offer deeper insight by providing a broader picture of the vaginal microbiome, including the beneficial microbes that are present.
At Botanical Abundance, we prioritise using the most up-to-date and comprehensive testing available where appropriate. This includes Next Generation Sequencing, which analyses the DNA of microbes and reports on the full microbial ecosystem including both beneficial bacteria and opportunistic organisms, rather than only selected strains.
For those experiencing recurrent candida despite negative PCR swabs through a doctor, this is a relatively common experience and can occur for a variety of reasons. These factors can be explored in consultation, alongside a thorough review of symptoms and history.
Testing is not required in order to book an appointment. However, if you’re feeling stuck, confused, or exhausted from trying multiple approaches without any relief, microbiome testing can offer valuable clarity and support a more direct, targeted treatment plan.
If you are interested in exploring vaginal microbiome testing, Jessie is able to offer a discounted rate to her active patients ensuring personalised guidance and support every step of the way. Testing is made through Juno Bio Labs. If testing is appropriate, this will be discussed in your initial appointment. If you wish to pre-order your test to have ready for your initial appointment, you can contact Jessie directly and this can be organised.
Support at Botanical Abundance
At Botanical Abundance, we prioritise listening deeply to your experience and using evidence-based, individualised care. The clinic is SWer-informed, LGBTQIA+ inclusive, non-judgemental, and confidential, offering a space where all individuals can feel safe, respected, and supported.
If you’re ready to explore your symptoms and find solutions, book in with Jessie today.