Doderlein’s bacilli, also called lactobacilli, are bacteria that are part of the normal microbiota of the vagina and are responsible for protecting a woman’s intimate region and preventing the proliferation of microorganisms that can cause diseases when in excess, as is the case with Candida sp. and from Gardnerella sp.
The disease occurs when the amount of lactobacilli decreases, which can happen due to changes in the immune system, use of antibiotics or unprotected sexual intercourse, favoring the development of fungi and bacteria and leading to the emergence of signs and symptoms of infection.
Lactobacilli protect a woman’s intimate region by consuming the glycogen produced by vaginal cells under the influence of the hormone estrogen. They then convert glycogen into lactic acid, which leaves the vagina with a pH of around 3.8 – 4.5, preventing the appearance and proliferation of bacteria and fungi that harm health.
Is too much Doderlein bacilli bad?
Doderlein’s bacillus in excess does not pose a risk to women’s health and can even be considered beneficial, as they are bacteria that protect the female intimate region.
How to know if Doderlein bacilli are increased
An increase in the number of Doderlein bacilli can cause:
- Whitish discharge;
- Odorless discharge;
- Itching, redness and burning when urinating, in some cases.
If these symptoms occur, it is important to go to the gynecologist so that the correct diagnosis can be made, as it could be a bacterial or fungal infection.
Don’t ignore the signs your body is giving you!
What can reduce the amount of bacilli
Some situations can reduce the number of Doderlein bacilli and make women more susceptible to infections, such as:
- Use of antibiotics;
- Poor hygiene of the intimate region;
- Low immunity;
- Wearing tight clothing;
- Unprotected sexual intercourse.
The amount of lactobacilli also decreases during the menstrual period, in the postpartum period and during breastfeeding, this is because there is a decrease in the concentration of estrogen, which reduces the production of glycogen and, consequently, the conversion into lactic acid by the bacteria, increasing the pH of the vagina and allowing the proliferation of other bacteria, including Gardnerella vaginalis, which is responsible for bacterial vaginosis. See how to identify bacterial vaginosis.
When treatment is needed
Treatment is generally used in cases where the woman has a decrease in the amount of Doderlein’s bacillus. In these situations, the doctor generally recommends using probiotics that help rebuild the vaginal flora, such as probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus.
Replenishing the flora can also be done with a sitz bath in which the water contains an open probiotic capsule. See how to take lactobacilli in capsules.
Furthermore, it is important to have a healthy diet, do regular physical exercise, avoid wearing tight clothing, always clean the intimate area and wear cotton panties to preserve the bacterial flora and prevent fungi and other bacteria from proliferating.
Bibliography
- MAHON, Connie R.; LEHMAN, Donald C. Textbook of Diagnostic Microbiology. 6 ed. St- Louis, Missouri: Elsevier, 2019. 493-494.
