Vulvovaginitis in pregnant women

Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2024 Apr 2:46:e-FPS03. doi: 10.61622/rbgo/2024FPS03. eCollection 2024.

Abstract

• The balanced vaginal microbiome is the main factor defending the vaginal environment against infections. Lactobacilli play a key role in this regard, maintaining the vaginal pH within the normal range (3.8 to 4.5). •Hormonal and immune adaptations resulting from pregnancy influence changes in the vaginal microbiome during pregnancy. •An altered vaginal microbiome predisposes to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. •Bacterial vaginosis is the main clinical expression of an imbalanced vaginal microbiome. •Vulvovaginal candidiasis depends more on the host's conditions than on the etiological agent. •Trichomonas vaginalis is a protozoan transmitted during sexual intercourse. •The use of probiotics is not approved for use in pregnant women.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Microbiota
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious*
  • Vagina / microbiology
  • Vaginosis, Bacterial
  • Vulvovaginitis* / microbiology