Intimate health is a lot more important than you think – here’s why

When it comes to intimate health, many women feel unsure about what’s normal. It’s microbiome this, pH balance that – so how do you get on top of it? To find out more, I spoke to Nutritional Therapy Practitioner Ella Kaur at award-winning supplements brand DR.VEGAN

Words: Amy Dowrick | Images: Shutterstock & DR.VEGAN

According to a recent study commissioned by DR.VEGAN, which surveyed over 1,200 women, 58% reported that their sex life felt impacted by poor vaginal health – so why is nobody talking about it?

“Intimate health concerns are far more common than many women realise, yet they remain widely under-discussed,” says Ella, who specialises in women’s health, hormonal balance, sleep and stress.

So what does impact it, and how can you maintain it? From learning about the gut-vagina connection to trying a supplement that supports microbial balance, I discover how intimate health influences a lot more than we’re led to believe…

Why is our microbiome so important?

Emerging areas of research highlight that there is a strong connection between our gut health and vaginal health – and making that link is crucial to our overall health.

“The gut microbiome acts as a reservoir for beneficial bacteria, which can influence the balance of the vaginal microbiome,” says Ella.

“Poor gut health (often driven by a low-fibre diet, high sugar intake, or chronic stress) can therefore contribute to recurring vaginal issues,” she adds.

“The vaginal microbiome plays a crucial role in maintaining intimate health,” she continues. “It is made up of beneficial bacteria, primarily Lactobacillus species, which help keep vaginal pH slightly acidic. This acidity acts as a natural defence mechanism against harmful bacteria.”

Ella says that when this balance is disrupted (often due to antibiotics, stress, poor diet, or hormonal fluctuations) it can lead to issues such as bacterial vaginosis (BV), irritation, and unusual discharge. “Poor pH balance can also increase susceptibility to infections and discomfort during sex,” she says.

Signs of an imbalanced microbiome

“Common warning signs include persistent vaginal dryness, discomfort during intimacy, recurrent infections such as thrush or UTIs, and a noticeable drop in libido,” says Ella.

And while occasional changes can be normal, particularly during hormonal shifts, Ella says that ongoing or worsening symptoms are often a sign that something deeper, such as hormonal balance or the vaginal microbiome, may need support.

Vaginal atrophy and hormonal changes

“Vaginal atrophy is a condition commonly associated with perimenopause and menopause, where declining oestrogen levels lead to thinning, drying, and inflammation of the vaginal walls,” says Ella. “However, it can also occur at other times when oestrogen levels drop, such as postpartum or during certain medical treatments.”

Vaginal atrophy symptoms often include dryness, itching, burning sensations, and pain during intimacy – which can all significantly impact sexual wellbeing.

“Addressing hormonal balance is key here, alongside supporting tissue health through proper hydration, essential fatty acids, and targeted supplementation that promotes elasticity and moisture,” she adds.

Recurrent UTIs and bladder health

Urinary tract infections are a common concern that often overlaps with vaginal health – and Ella says that recurrent UTIs can be linked to microbiome imbalances, hormonal shifts, and even lifestyle factors such as hydration and hygiene practices.

“Supporting bladder health involves a combination of preventative strategies, including adequate fluid intake, urinating after intercourse, and maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria in both the gut and vaginal microbiomes,” she says. “Nutrition also plays a role, with certain nutrients and plant compounds helping to prevent harmful bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract lining.”

Vaginal eczema and irritation

“Many women are unaware that conditions such as eczema can also affect the vulval area,” Ella says. “Vaginal or vulval eczema can cause itching, redness, dryness, and sensitivity, often mistaken for infections.”

Usually triggered by irritants such as fragranced products, tight clothing, or even laundry detergents, Ella recommends adopting a gentle, fragrance-free hygiene routine and wearing breathable fabrics to make a significant difference.

Libido and sexual wellbeing

“Vaginal health and libido are closely intertwined. Discomfort, dryness, or recurrent infections can understandably reduce sexual desire and confidence,” says Ella. “At the same time, hormonal imbalances and stress can directly impact libido.”

She says that supporting sexual wellbeing requires a holistic approach, addressing physical symptoms, balancing hormones, and supporting mental wellbeing. “Nutritional support, particularly for hormone regulation and energy levels, can play an important role in restoring a healthy sex drive,” she adds.

How to maintain your microbiome

Hygiene and daily habits

“Good vulval hygiene is essential, but it’s important to strike the right balance,” says Ella. “Over-washing or using harsh, fragranced products can disrupt the natural microbiome and pH, leading to irritation and imbalance.”

Ella recommends simple habits such as using gentle, pH-appropriate cleansers, wearing breathable cotton underwear, and managing stress to maintain a healthy vaginal environment.

Supplements

“For many women, the point at which they consider a supplement is when these symptoms begin to affect their comfort, confidence, or relationships,” she says. “However, supplements don’t need to be a last resort. They can be particularly beneficial during key life stages such as perimenopause, postpartum, or periods of high stress, as well as after antibiotic use, all of which can disrupt both hormone levels and the vaginal microbiome.”

She recommended to me DR.VEGAN’s PH Hero – designed to support vaginal pH balance and overall intimate health. It repopulates the vaginal microbiome with 20 billion CFU of active bacteria for pH balance and vaginal health, with targeted botanicals supporting urinary tract and intimate health and helping protect against irritation.

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“One of its key benefits is its focus on the vaginal microbiome, which is the balance of beneficial bacteria that helps maintain optimal pH levels and protect against irritation, infection, and discomfort,” she says. “Supporting hormonal balance is also essential for regulating libido, natural lubrication, and overall sexual wellbeing.”

DR.VEGAN’s PH Hero

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But Ella also stresses that supplements are most effective when combined with supportive daily habits, such as managing stress, prioritising sleep, staying hydrated, and using gentle, microbiome-friendly products to help maintain balance.

“Ultimately, intimate health is a fundamental part of overall wellbeing. With the right support, women can take a proactive and confident approach to their health at every stage of life.”

DR.VEGAN have developed a range of targeted supplements designed to support health concerns that often go overlooked. Each product is developed by practitioners and grounded in science, offering more tailored support beyond general multivitamins. Find out more at drvegan.com