Final answer:
The flora of the vagina can change due to factors like hormonal fluctuations, sexual activity, pregnancy, or antibiotic use. Before the change, the most common bacteria present are Lactobacillus species that maintain a healthy acidic pH. However, during the change, the types of bacteria can vary, and potentially pathogenic bacteria may increase.
Step-by-step explanation:
The flora of the vagina can change due to various factors such as hormonal fluctuations, sexual activity, pregnancy, or the use of antibiotics. The flora of the vagina can change due to factors like hormonal fluctuations, sexual activity, pregnancy, or antibiotic use.
Before the change, the most common bacteria present are Lactobacillus species that maintain a healthy acidic pH. However, during the change, the types of bacteria can vary, and potentially pathogenic bacteria may increase.
Hormonal changes, especially a decrease in estrogen levels, can lead to a change in the composition of vaginal bacteria. Before the change, the most common bacteria present in the vagina are Lactobacillus species, which produce lactic acid and help maintain a healthy acidic pH.
However, during the change, the types of bacteria can vary, and potentially pathogenic bacteria like Candida or Gardnerella may increase in abundance.