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Intimate Ecology
What is Intimate Ecology?
Intimate ecology is a term that describes the microflora balance and ecosystem that exists around the genitourinary tracts.
A balanced intimate ecology is an important aspect of women's health.
In case you didn't know, the urinary tract has it's own microbiome or collection of co-existing microbes as does the genital tract whether that be female tract with vulva, vagina, cervix and uterus, or male tract with glans penis, urethra, prostate, vas deferens, seminal vesicles and testes.
The foundations of Genitourinary Health
The foundations of good genitourinary health (vulva, vagina, bladder, penis) extend beyond the genitalia.
Creating a vibrant balance of diverse, helpful microbe colonies that inhabit the genitourinary spaces influences many aspects of health including:
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menstruation,
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urinary health,
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lubrication,
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sexual enjoyment,
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fertility outcomes and pregnancy
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cellular health within the reproductive tract and body-wide.
To retore your intimate ecology, this diverse population of helpful, we need to consider whole body health.
Whole body health is a holistic approach and includes:
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hormonal and metabolic health
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nervous system regulation
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gastrointestinal function and microbiome
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immune function,
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diet, lifestyle and your unique life experience.
What problems with Intimate Ecology do you treat?
The common imbalances in intimate ecology include:
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bacterial vaginosis
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candida albicans (thrush)
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recurrent urinary tract infections
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non-specific urethritis
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non-sexually transmitted pelvic inflammatory disease
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prostatitis
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kidney infections
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miscarriage
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early IVF loss
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pre-term birth
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low-birth weight baby
How do I make changes?
For most people, life is busy and change can be hard. Especially when changes that need to be made relate to self-care and awareness of oneself in a way that is contrary to societal norms and systems.
When we work together, we learn about your and your life and what could be influencing your health. Most people need support to make incremental changes move towards a better state of health.
Your one-one-one consultation is a individualised tailored approach made in conjunction with you so that it will work in your life.
Progress, change and balance occurs as we observe monthly hormonal cycles in women. As dysbiosis or imbalance in the intimate ecology often occurs over months or years, changes are not instant but take time for these living populations to change as you change.
Additionally, depending on the what stage of life you are in, some women benefit from hormone therapy (HRT). This is when the body is in a low estrogenic state which alters the skin integrity as well as can promote dysbiosis or an imbalance in the microbial flora.
Some stages where this can be beneficial includes; postpartum, breastfeeding, perimenopause and menopause.
