The vaginal microbiota as a reflection of female reproductive tract health: a new element to be considered within care provided by midwives Section: Revisions How to quote Méndez-Haxlasabeau I, Pérez-Pérez C, Villarroel-Espíndola F. Microbiota vaginal, reflejo de la salud del tracto reproductor femenino: un nuevo elemento a considerar en la atención prestada por matronas. Matronas Hoy 2024; 12(3):39-45. Authors1 Isabel Méndez-HaxIsabeau, 2 Carolina Pérez-Pérez, 3 Franz Villarroel-Espíndola Position 1 Matrona. Hospital Universitario Poniente. El Ejido (Almería). Magíster en Docencia en Educación Superior. Académica Instructora en la Carrera de Obstetricia. Facultad de Ciencias para el Cuidado de la Salud. Universidad San Sebastián. Providencia. Santiago (Chile). 2 Licenciada en Obstetricia (Matrona). Magíster en Educación mención Gestión de Centros Educativos. Magíster en Intervención Psicológica del Desarrollo y Educación. Académica Asistente en la Carrera de Obstetricia. Facultad de Ciencias para el Cuidado de la Salud. Universidad San Sebastián. Providencia. Santiago (Chile). 3 Licenciado en Bioquímica. Doctorado en Ciencias mención Biología Celular y Molecular. Posdoctorado en Inmuno- Oncología Traslacional en Universidad de Yale, New Haven, EE.UU. Posdoctorado en Metabolismo Celular en Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile. Investigador principal y jefe de la Unidad de Medicina Traslacional de Fundación Arturo López Pérez (FALP). Providencia, Santiago-RM (Chile). Contact email: isabeau.mendez@uss.cl Abstract Introduction: vaginal microbiota (VM) is an essential compo- nent in female reproductive health, acting as a mechanism of defence against infections and diseases, including cancer. Lac- tobacilli are the most prevalent and prevailing microorganisms in this microbiota, and their presence has been associated with a healthy vaginal environment. However, the dysbiosis charac- terized by a reduction in lactobacilli and an increase in other microorganisms can predispose women to infections, such as the infection by the human papilloma virus (HPV), which is a known factor of risk for development of cervical cancer. Objective: to reinforce the importance of vaginal microbio- ta and its composition as a factor determining the health status of the female tract and its potential consequences in female reproductive health, and as an essential element that midwives must pay special attention to in their obstetric-gy- naecological activity of care. Methodology: a qualitative bibliographic review on articles published about the connection between intestinal micro- biome and the reproductive tract between 2010 and 2024. Discussion and Conclusions: vaginal microbiota is an essen- tial component of female reproductive health; midwives are aware of this and can help women to maintain a healthy vaginal environment, preventing infections, and to avoid dysbiosis during pregnancy and childbirth. Keywords: vaginal microbiota; lactobacilli; HPV; vaginal conditions; cancer; vaginal infections; dysbiosis; midwives Versión en Español Título: Microbiota vaginal, reflejo de la salud del tracto reproductor femenino: un nuevo elemento a considerar en la atención prestada por matronas Artículo completo no disponible en este idioma / Full article is not available in this language Bibliography 1. Clarke BL, Khosla S. Female reproductive system and bone. Arch Biochem Biophys [internet] 2010 [citado 8 dic 2024]; 503(1):118-28. Disponible en: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2942975/2. Morton DA, Foreman KB, Albertine KH. Anatomía macroscópica. Un panorama general 2ª ed. [internet]. 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