Doderlein bacilli, also known as lactobacilli, are bacteria that are part of the normal microbiota of the vagina and are responsible for protecting the internal region of women and preventing the proliferation of microorganisms that can cause diseases when they are too much, as is the case with Candida sp. and Gardnerella sp.
The disease occurs when the amount of lactobacles decreases, which can occur due to changes in the immune system, the use of antibiotics or unprotected sex, promoting the development of fungi and bacteria and leading to signs and symptoms of infection.
- Lactobacles protect a woman’s internal region by consuming glycogen produced by cells in the vagina under the influence of the hormone estrogen.
- They then convert the glycogen into lactic acid.
- Which leaves the vagina with a pH of approximately 3.
- 8 to 4.
- 5.
- Preventing the appearance and proliferation of harmful bacteria and fungi.
Excess Doderlein bacillus does not pose a risk to women’s health and can even be considered beneficial, as they are protective bacteria in the woman’s internal region.
This excess can be noticed by a whitish and odorless discharge that is not usually accompanied by other symptoms. However, in some rarer cases, a woman may report symptoms typical of a urinary tract infection, such as itching, redness, and burns when urinating.
If these symptoms appear, it is important to see your gynecologist for the correct diagnosis, as it may be a bacterial or fungal infection.
Some situations can reduce the amount of Doderlein bacillus and make women more susceptible to infections, such as:
The amount of lactobacyls also decreases during the menstrual period, postpartum and lactation, as there is a decrease in estrogen concentration, which decreases glycogen production and consequently conversion to lactic acid by bacteria, increasing the pH of the vagina and allowing other bacteria to proliferate, including Gardnerella vaginalis, responsible for bacterial vaginosis. Here’s how to identify bacterial vaginosis.
Treatment is usually used in cases where the woman has a decrease in the amount of Doderlein bacillus. In these situations, the doctor generally recommends the use of probiotics that help in the reconstruction of the vaginal flora, such as the probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus. The reconstruction of the flora can also be performed with a seat bath in which the water contains an open probiotic capsule. Learn how to take lactobaccils in capsule.
In addition, it is important to eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, avoid wearing tight clothing, always have good hygiene in the intimate area and use cotton panties to preserve bacterial flora and prevent the proliferation of fungi and other bacteria.