The vagina maintains a unique and dynamic microbial ecosystem that supports its physical and chemical environment. Central to this ecosystem are Lactobacillus species, which dominate the healthy vaginal microbiome and play a critical role in maintaining vaginal health. During the reproductive years, estrogen stimulates the accumulation of glycogen in the vaginal epithelium. Lactobacilli metabolize glycogen into lactic acid, creating a moderately acidic environment with a normal vaginal pH ranging from 3.8 to 5.0. This acidic pH not only promotes the continued growth of beneficial lactobacilli but also inhibits the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms, thereby protecting the vaginal and urinary tracts from infection.

Vaginal health depends on the delicate balance of this microbial ecosystem. In addition to lactobacilli, factors such as endogenous flora, estrogen levels, glycogen availability, and interactions with resident and invading microorganisms all contribute to maintaining an optimal vaginal pH. Lactobacilli also produce bacteriocins, antimicrobial compounds that further suppress the growth of harmful bacteria and help preserve the ecological equilibrium of the vagina.

Several physiological and behavioral factors can disrupt this balance and alter vaginal pH, including aging, vaginal infections, sexual activity, vaginal douching, dietary habits, hydration status, and overall health. When Lactobacillus populations are reduced or absent, the vaginal environment becomes less acidic, allowing opportunistic microorganisms to proliferate. This microbial imbalance, or dysbiosis, increases the risk of developing vaginitis, with the most common forms being bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, and trichomoniasis. Although vaginitis is generally treatable, it can cause significant discomfort, pain, and a reduced quality of life.

Age-related hormonal changes also have a profound impact on the vaginal microbiome. After menopause, declining estrogen levels reduce glycogen availability, leading to a decrease in Lactobacillus abundance. As a result, vaginal pH increases toward neutrality (pH 7.0), weakening the natural defense mechanisms of the vaginal mucosa and contributing to the development of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). Maintaining a healthy vaginal pH is therefore a key component of vaginal health throughout a woman’s life, reflecting the complex interplay between hormonal status, microbial composition, and environmental factors.

During clinical investigations with Cerviron^®, the determination of pH values was performed and it was observed that after 3 months of treatment with Cerviron^® all study participants returned to a normal, moderately acidic pH. These results indicate the effective role of the medical device in balancing the vaginal pH.