The vaginal microbiota is shaped by puberty, pregnancy and menopause. Vaginal microbiota including some
Lactobacillus species protect the vagina from harmful pathogens. They convert glucose to lactic acid and this acidic environment kills harmful pathogens. The
vaginal microbiota in pregnancy varies markedly during the entire time of gestation. The species and diversity of the microorganisms may be related to the various levels of hormones during pregnancy. Vaginal flora can be transmitted to babies during birth. Vaginal dysbiosis can lead to vaginal infections like bacterial vaginosis which makes one relatively susceptible to sexually transmitted diseases. Good personal hygiene and probiotics promote a healthy vaginal microbiota. The healthy uterine microbiome has been identified and over 278 genera have been sequenced. Bacteria species like
Fusobacterium are typically found in the uterus. Although
Lactobacillus may be beneficial in the vagina, "increased levels in the uterus through a breach in the cervical barrier" may be harmful to the uterus. The ovarian follicle microbiome has been studied using standard culturing techniques. It has been associated with the outcomes of assisted reproductive technologies and birth outcomes. Positive outcomes are related to the presence of
Lactobacillus spp while the presence of
Propionibacterium and
Actinomyces were related to negative outcomes. The microbiome can vary from one ovary to the other. Studies are ongoing in the further identification of those bacteria present. ==Male reproductive tract==