Vaginal flora

Vaginal flora refers to the tiny living things that live inside a girl's vagina. The vagina is like a cave or a little room inside the body that has its own special environment. Just like how different plants and animals can live in different types of environments, certain types of bacteria (tiny living things that can only be seen under a microscope) and fungi (tiny living things that can be seen with the naked eye) can live in the vagina.

These little living things are called 'flora' because they are like a garden that lives inside the vagina. Just like how a garden needs soil, water and sunlight to grow, the tiny living things that live inside the vagina also need certain conditions to survive. These conditions include a normal pH level (a measure of how acidic or alkaline a substance is), certain nutrients, and protection from harmful germs.

When the vaginal flora is healthy and balanced, it helps protect the vagina from harmful germs and infections. But when the balance is disrupted, harmful germs can grow and cause infections like bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections or urinary tract infections (UTIs).

To keep the vaginal flora balanced, girls should practice good hygiene by washing their genitals gently with mild soap and water, avoid using harsh chemicals (like douches) that can disrupt the natural balance of the vagina, and eating a healthy diet that includes probiotics (helpful bacteria that can help keep the vaginal flora healthy). If a girl is experiencing symptoms like itching, burning, or unusual discharge, it's important to tell a parent or healthcare provider so they can help figure out what might be going on and suggest treatment.