Understanding the Role of Vaginal Health in Fertility and Reproductive Care

We worked with our friends over at Daye to bring you this guide on understanding the importance of vaginal health in fertility and reproductive care. 

How does the balance of vaginal microbiota impact fertility and overall reproductive health?

• We’re learning more and more about how the vaginal microbiome impacts fertility and reproductive health. First and foremost, a healthy vaginal microbiome is protective against infections, including STIs, and means that more opportunistic and potentially pathogenic bacteria aren’t able to thrive. STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhoea, HIV, genital herpes, syphilis, and Mycoplasma genitalium can negatively impact fertility.  Left untreated, they can lead to serious conditions like Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).

What are common issues related to vaginal health (e.g., BV, yeast infections) that can affect conception?

• BV and yeast infections can both indicate a disrupted vaginal microbiome and left untreated, can contribute to a number of fertility complications. BV, for example, increases the chances of miscarriage and premature birth and can also negatively impact IVF. It also increases the chances of contracting an STI. Yeast infections (or thrush) may impact the movement of sperm which may interfere with conception. BV and yeast infections can also lead to pain during sex, a real desire-killing side effect. 

What specific issues do Daye’s products target, and how do they support vaginal health for individuals trying to conceive?

• Daye’s at-home health screening tests can help you get a clearer picture of your vaginal health. These include the Vaginal Microbiome test and the STI test. Both tests utilise Daye’s Diagnostic Tampon and are as easy and convenient as simply inserting a tampon. The Vaginal Microbiome test will give you in-depth insight into the health of your vaginal microbiome, including a breakdown of the amount of lactobacilli, anaerobic bacteria, fungi, and mycoplasmas. This information can be incredibly valuable to someone trying to conceive, as it can help them gauge their potential risk of infection or address an existing infection before they start trying. For those experiencing fertility challenges, it may shed light on contributing factors, such as elevated Mycoplasmas or Ureaplasmas or the potential for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). 

  
  

• Daye offers vaginal probiotics– ProViotics,  which are specially designed to support a healthy vaginal microbiome. They can be useful for those who want to maintain balance or are looking to increase the number of beneficial lactobacilli. ProViotics have also been clinically proven to reach the gut and vagina alive. 

  
  

• Daye’s Gynae health consultations are another excellent tool for those trying to conceive. After getting the screening test results back, a Daye Gynaecological health consultant can walk you through your results and empower you to make informed decisions on your next steps, tailored to your needs. 

Could you explain how your tampons are different from others on the market and why they are beneficial for fertility?

• Daye’s tampons are made from 100% organic cotton and are plastic-free, plus they have a protective sleeve to prevent fibres from shedding inside the vagina. Exposure to plastics containing BPA has been shown to harm fertility - many tampons contain plastic in both the applicator and the absorbent material. Tampons are not required to be sanitised but Daye goes above and beyond by sanitising all tampons with gamma rays to remove contaminants that can cause TSS and infections. 

How do probiotics contribute to maintaining a healthy vaginal environment, and what are the key benefits for individuals looking to conceive?

• Probiotics support robust levels of lactobacilli inside the vagina. Lactobacilli are the protectors of the vaginal microbiome and crowd out other bacteria that can cause infections and lead to fertility issues. For those looking to conceive, probiotics are one of the best ways they can maintain a healthy microbiome or improve a compromised one. It’s important to use probiotics that have been specially formulated for the vaginal microbiome. It can take a few months for probiotics to take effect so plan to take them for at least 3 months. 

Can probiotics support individuals undergoing fertility treatments, such as IVF or egg freezing?

• Yes! Probiotics can play a significant role in improving outcomes for those undergoing IVF. Studies have shown a link between an imbalanced vaginal microbiome and higher IVF failure rates. There may also be a link between the composition of the vaginal microbiome and the chance of a successful IVF pregnancy. Probiotics are a great way to improve and support a healthy vaginal microbiome and potentially increase someone’s chances of conceiving through IVF.

Could you walk us through how this diagnostic product works and what type of infections or imbalances it screens for?

• The Vaginal Microbiome Screening/Diagnostic Tampon test screens for the concentrations of lactobacilli (good bacteria), anaerobic bacteria (can cause infections), candida (fungi that cause thrush), and mycoplasma and ureaplasma, both of which can cause fertility problems. The Daye diagnostic tampon optimizes sample collection, absorbing more vaginal fluid than a traditional swab, giving a more complete picture of the vaginal microbiome. The test uses PCR technology, which is more sensitive and means that bacteria can be more accurately identified than in a traditional setting.  Daye tampons are as effective or more effective than a swab test for HPV, STIs, and BV. After a sample has been processed, you’ll receive a report with a clear breakdown of your vaginal microbiome, which along with any symptoms, may indicate if an infection or imbalance is present. A Daye health coach can then help you understand how to be most strategic in improving your microbiome, depending on what is present. 

How does early detection of such issues impact fertility success rates?

• The earlier a fertility issue can be identified the better, especially when someone is undergoing fertility treatments. While it’s normal for even healthy couples to take up to a year to get pregnant, identifying fertility issues early can lead to getting pregnant faster and reducing the risk of miscarriage.

Could you share some practical steps people can take to ensure optimal vaginal health while trying to conceive?

• The most practical step you can take is to make sure you’re eating a whole foods-based diet, rich in vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and probiotic foods. The Mediterranean diet is a good example. Avoid very processed or sugary foods and limit alcohol consumption. Taking a probiotic, like Daye’s ProViotics, is also a good idea. These are also beneficial steps to take to support fertility! If you get frequent infections or want to know more about your vaginal microbiome, try the Daye Vaginal Microbiome Screen. 

What role do lifestyle factors, such as diet and stress management, play in maintaining vaginal health?

• Lifestyle factors play a huge role in fertility and vaginal health. Stress in particular is tough on fertility and vaginal health. Acute and chronic stress can negatively impact our hormones, which in turn can cause changes in the vaginal microbiome. Stress can also delay or even prevent ovulation, which can make getting pregnant more challenging. 

Could you address some myths or misconceptions about vaginal health and fertility that you frequently see in your work?

• The biggest myth is that vaginal health doesn’t impact fertility. It does, and addressing vaginal health is an important part of fertility. This includes testing for and treating STIs promptly so they don’t progress to more serious conditions, like Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). 

  
  

• The vaginal environment also plays a major role in sperm survival. Outside of the fertile window (the days surrounding ovulation)  the vaginal pH is acidic, which is great for vaginal health but bad for sperm. As ovulation approaches, the cervix produces cervical mucus, which changes the vaginal pH to be the same pH as semen, protecting sperm and helping them navigate through the female reproductive tract, critical for conception to occur. If the vaginal microbiome is compromised, either through an imbalance or an active infection, it can negatively impact sperm. 

  
  

• Ureaplasma is commonly found in the vaginal microbiome, and in most cases is not a concern. However, it can compromise sperm in males with lower sperm quality already and has been found in patients with PID. It can be passed sexually from partner to partner. Understanding if Ureaplasma is elevated, especially alongside other symptoms, can be incredibly insightful and may indicate that treatment is necessary. 

  
  

• Painful sex is never normal and should be investigated to understand what’s causing it. It’s totally ok (and good!)  to use lube during sex, just make sure it’s pH-balanced and vagina-friendly. There are also lubes that are designed to be more friendly to sperm. 

Based on your experience, what are the top recommendations for those looking to support their fertility through better vaginal health practices?

• Don’t ignore ongoing symptoms you might be experiencing, such as itchiness or inflammation, foul-smelling discharge, or pain during sex. 

  
  

• Take good care of your vulva and vagina - don’t douche or wash inside the vagina, wash the vulva with just water, wear natural fibre underwear, use pH balanced lubes, and use organic and vagina-safe period products. 

  
  

• Eat a well-balanced diet, focused on eating lots of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins, as well as foods containing probiotics, like yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, and pickles. Try to avoid eating overly processed foods, added sugars, and alcohol. 

  
  

• Do what you can to reduce your stress! This includes exercising, meditation, therapy, getting enough sleep,  or simply doing more of the things you enjoy. 

Is there any additional advice you would offer to individuals prioritising vaginal and reproductive health as they prepare for conception or fertility treatments?

• Prioritising fertility and vaginal health will absolutely set you up for success no matter how you are trying to get pregnant. Keep in mind that it can take a few months to start seeing the greatest results from any new behaviours or changes so don’t give up! 

Being proactive about your fertility can make a big difference. By understanding your body, taking care of your hormonal and menstrual health, and looking after your emotional well-being, you're setting yourself up for success.

Preparing for your fertility journey is a process that involves understanding your body, managing your hormonal health, maintaining menstrual and vaginal wellness, and being emotionally prepared. With the right knowledge and support, you can take proactive steps to optimise your fertility and increase your chances of successful conception.

Want to learn more about your fertility?

Take advantage of our special offer: receive a 20% off on Daye’s range of Diagnostic Tampon Screens and ProViotics with code APRICITY20. From STIs and HPV to fertility-impacting bacteria and common infections like thrush and BV, Daye's Screens give you answers, while ProViotics support your microbiome's natural balance. By starting your journey to parenthood well-prepared, you can take control of your fertility and navigate this exciting chapter of your life with confidence!