Mind your microbiome: Ways to keep your vagina healthy

The vaginal microbiome keeps the vagina healthy by preventing the growth of harmful microbes. To maintain its protective qualities, it's best to steer clear of 'feminine' cleansing products and instead focus on a good diet

The vagina is a self-cleaning organ: experts caution us to stay away from the section of the pharmacy selling so-called vaginal hygiene products

I recently had to queue to pick up a prescription at my local pharmacy. As I looked around, I noticed a shelf lined with vaginal products. There were douches, wipes, probiotics and suppositories. It reminded me of Gwyneth Paltrow back in 2015 urging women to book themselves in for a v-steam, a treatment that amounted to steam-cleaning their 'vajayjays'.

It also made me wonder if I was somehow neglecting my vaginal health. This question led me to Dr Gillian Corbett, whose work at the UCD Perinatal Research Centre investigates the importance of the vaginal microbiome.