What is the primary effect of lactobacilli in the adult vagina?

Lactobacilli play a crucial role in maintaining the health of the adult vagina, primarily by producing lactic acid. This process results in an acidic environment, typically with a pH ranging between 3.8 and 4.5. The acidic conditions are essential for several reasons: they inhibit the growth of pathogenic organisms, including bacteria and yeast, thereby reducing the risk of infections such as bacterial vaginosis and vulvovaginal candidiasis.

The presence of lactobacilli and the subsequent production of lactic acid are vital for the overall microbial balance within the vagina, promoting a beneficial flora. This not only helps protect against infections but also supports other normal physiological processes in the vaginal microbiome. By maintaining this acidic environment, lactobacilli contribute significantly to the overall reproductive health of women.

While protective mucus layers do play a role in the vagina, they are not specifically produced by lactobacilli. Fertility is influenced by multiple factors, and the introduction of lactobacilli does not have a direct role in increasing fertility, although a healthy vaginal microbiome supports overall reproductive health. Maintaining an alkaline environment is counterproductive in this context, as it would promote growth of harmful microbes. Thus, the establishment of an