Editing Lactic acid fermentation (section)

==== Microbiomes ====

Lactobacillus fermentation and accompanying production of acid provides a protective vaginal [[microbiome]] that protects against the proliferation of pathogenic organisms.<ref name=Nardis2013>{{cite journal | vauthors = Nardis C, Mosca L, Mastromarino P | title = Vaginal microbiota and viral sexually transmitted diseases | journal = Annali di Igiene | volume = 25 | issue = 5 | pages = 443–56 | date = September–October 2013 | pmid = 24048183 | doi = 10.7416/ai.2013.1946 }}</ref>

The vaginal environment is heavily influenced by lactic acid producing bacteria. ''Lactobacilli'' spp. that live in the vaginal canal assist in pH control. If the pH in the vagina becomes too basic, more lactic acid will be produced to lower the pH back to a more acidic level. Lactic acid producing bacteria also act as a protective barrier against possible pathogens such as bacterial vaginosis and vaginitis species, different fungi, and protozoa through the production of hydrogen peroxide, and antibacterial compounds. It is unclear if further use of lactic acid, through fermentation, in the vaginal canal is present.{{cn|date = February 2025}}