Recently, I noticed that not only have I been in a mental spiral, but vaginal infections have been popping up more frequently. After checking “find new therapist” off of my to do list, I wondered- could these two things be related? Will improving my mental health also improve my vaginal health? We already know our brains and bodies are connected (yes, including your vagina.) So if your anxiety’s also been screaming, your stress is off the charts, and your sleep is basically nonexistent… your vaginal microbiome might be feeling it too.

What is a vaginal microbiome?

The vaginal microbiome refers to the community of microorganisms—primarily bacteria—that live in the vagina. This ecosystem plays a crucial role in maintaining vaginal health, preventing infections, and supporting reproductive function. A stable vaginal microbiome:

• Protects against infections, including bacterial vaginosis (BV), yeast infections, UTIs, and some STIs.

• Supports fertility by maintaining the right pH for sperm survival and transport.

• Modulates inflammation, reducing the risk of chronic vaginal or pelvic discomfort.

So how does mental health factor in?

Stress can throw off your immune system, mess with your hormones, and jack up your cortisol. All of that can shift your body’s pH levels, and when pH gets wacky, your vaginal microbiome starts spiraling.

We’re not saying one bad day equals a yeast infection. But we are saying your brain’s constant state of fight-or-flight might be leading to an imbalance.

Mental health isn’t just in your head. It’s in your vagina, too.

That’s why we’re big on whole-body wellness. Not the woo-woo kind—just straight-up respect for how connected we really are. When you’re stocking up on your essentials, maybe also schedule the damn therapy session. Drink the water. Take the walk. And please, leave the toxic situationship.