After completing this module, you should be more aware of:

• the nature of the vaginal microbiome and core microorganisms;
• vaginal dysbiosis (change in the vaginal microbiome) and health implications;
• how the microbiome contributes to the vaginal environment;
• how increased diversity in the vaginal microbiome reduces the protective effect;
• differences in vaginal microbiomes and factors which can affect its composition;
• the potential relationship between a more diverse vaginal microbiome and cervical cancer;
• how vaginal dysbiosis can give rise to bacterial vaginosis (BV);
• BV signs, symptoms, and characteristic changes in microorganisms;
• potential consequences of untreated BV and its management;
• how vulvovaginal candidiasis or thrush can develop;
• thrush diagnosis and management, including alternatives to azoles and imidazoles;
• research into probiotics and other non-drug approaches for vaginal dysbiosis.