How Pelvic Floor Therapy Supports Vaginal Microbiome Health: Mycoplasma, Bacterial Vaginosis & More

At Femina Physical Therapy, we take a holistic approach to pelvic health. A healthy vaginal microbiome is essential not only for reproductive wellness but also for pelvic floor function, immunity, and overall well-being. Increasing research shows that disruptions to the vaginal microbiome—due to stress, hygiene habits, or recurrent infections like bacterial vaginosis (BV) and mycoplasma—can worsen pelvic floor dysfunction.

In this blog post, we’ll explore how pelvic floor therapy can support microbiome balance, improve vaginal health, and help you manage conditions like BV and mycoplasma.

The Vaginal Microbiome: A Cornerstone of Vaginal & Pelvic Health

The vaginal microbiome is a complex, dynamic ecosystem crucial to women’s health. A balanced microbiome protects against infections, supports fertility, and maintains optimal pH levels.

✅ The Role of Lactobacilli

Beneficial Lactobacilli bacteria dominate a healthy vaginal microbiome. They produce lactic acid to keep vaginal pH between 3.5 and 4.5, creating an acidic environment that prevents the growth of harmful microbes. Lactobacilli also produce protective compounds like hydrogen peroxide and bacteriocins that guard against infections.

However, when Lactobacilli levels drop, harmful bacteria such as Gardnerella, E. coli, and Mycoplasma can overgrow—leading to conditions like bacterial vaginosis (BV) and increased risk of other infections.

Psychosocial Stress: A Hidden Factor in Vaginal Microbiome Imbalance

Stress impacts far more than your mood—it also alters your vaginal microbiome.

🔸 How Stress Disrupts Vaginal Health:

• Chronic stress elevates cortisol, which can weaken immunity.
  
  
• High cortisol reduces protective Lactobacilli populations.
  
  
• This increases susceptibility to infections, including BV and mycoplasma.
  
  

By managing stress through mindfulness, exercise, and pelvic floor therapy, you can help maintain a healthier vaginal environment.

Hygiene Habits & Vaginal Microbiome Disruption

Certain hygiene practices may do more harm than good.

🔸 Why Douching Harms Vaginal Health:

Research shows that vaginal douching:

• Removes beneficial Lactobacilli.
  
  
• Raises the risk of bacterial vaginosis and sexually transmitted infections.
  
  
• Is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.
  
  

Instead, we recommend:

• Avoiding douching entirely.
  
  
• Using unscented, mild products.
  
  
• Letting your body’s natural processes maintain vaginal balance.
  
  

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction, Infections & Microbiome Health: The Connection

Many people don’t realize that vaginal microbiome imbalance and pelvic floor dysfunction often go hand-in-hand.

🔸 Common Infections Linked to Pelvic Floor Dysfunction:

• Bacterial Vaginosis (BV): Discharge, odor, irritation—often worsened by pelvic muscle tension.
  
  
• Mycoplasma: A hard-to-detect bacterial infection causing pelvic pain, urinary symptoms, and recurring discomfort.
  
  

🔸 How Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Contributes:

• Tight or weakened pelvic muscles can restrict blood flow and impair lymphatic drainage.
  
  
• This weakens tissue health and makes it harder to fight off infections.
  
  
• Chronic infections may trigger pelvic floor muscle guarding, leading to pain and further dysfunction.
  
  

How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Supports Vaginal Microbiome Health

At Femina Physical Therapy, we specialize in evidence-based, personalized pelvic floor therapy that addresses both muscle dysfunction and its connection to the vaginal microbiome.

✔ Benefits of Pelvic Floor Therapy for Vaginal Health:

• Release Muscle Tension: Reduces protective guarding and improves pelvic circulation.
  
  
• Enhance Blood Flow: Supports tissue healing and a healthier vaginal ecosystem.
  
  
• Ease Pelvic Pain: Gentle therapies relieve discomfort from recurrent infections.
  
  
• Support Nervous System Function: Pelvic floor therapy calms pelvic nerve hypersensitivity and reduces pain, which may help ease discomfort associated with chronic infections or inflammation.
• Improve Stress Resilience: Promotes hormonal balance, indirectly supporting microbiome health.
  
  

Though pelvic floor therapy doesn’t directly alter the microbiome, improving muscle function, reducing stress, and enhancing circulation creates an environment where beneficial bacteria can thrive.

Proactive Tips to Support Your Vaginal Microbiome & Pelvic Health

Alongside pelvic floor therapy, we encourage these steps for optimal vaginal health:

• Reduce Stress: Try mindfulness, meditation, or yoga.
  
  
• Eat Probiotic-Rich Foods: Incorporate fermented foods like yogurt and kimchi.
  
  
• Avoid Overcleaning: Skip douching and stick to gentle, unscented cleansers.
  
  
• Get Regular Check-Ups: See your gynecologist for routine screenings and discuss any symptoms.
  
  
• Work with a Pelvic Floor Therapist: Target underlying pelvic dysfunction to improve vaginal comfort and microbiome balance.
  
  

Why Choose Femina Physical Therapy for Microbiome & Pelvic Floor Care?

Whether you're seeking help for pelvic floor therapy for bacterial vaginosis in Los Angeles or managing mycoplasma pelvic pain in Atlanta, our therapists are highly trained in advanced, trauma-informed pelvic care. We blend manual therapy, exercise, and holistic wellness strategies to restore your pelvic floor and support your vaginal microbiome.

We’re passionate about empowering women with the knowledge and tools they need to feel confident and comfortable in their bodies.

Conclusion: Your Microbiome, Your Power

The vaginal microbiome is an essential yet often overlooked pillar of women’s health. By protecting its delicate balance—through gentle hygiene practices, stress management, and targeted pelvic floor therapy—you can reduce your risk of infections, ease pelvic discomfort, and improve your overall well-being.

If you have questions about pelvic floor therapy or vaginal microbiome health, our expert team at Femina Physical Therapy is here to help.

📞 Contact Femina Physical Therapy today to start your pelvic health journey.

References:

1. Amabebe, Emmanuel, & Dilly OC Anumba. “Psychosocial Stress, Cortisol Levels, and Maintenance of Vaginal Health.” Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2018.
   
   
2. Lewis, Felicia MT, et al. “Vaginal Microbiome and Its Relationship to Behavior, Sexual Health, and STDs.” Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2017.
   
   
3. Aslan, Erdogan, & Nadia Bechelaghem. “To ‘Douch’ or Not to ‘Douch’: Hygiene Habits May Have Detrimental Effects on Vaginal Microbiota.” Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 2018.
   
   

Hutchison, S. K., et al. “The Role of Exercise in the Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.” Human Reproduction Update, 2011.