Intimate Ecology - Moira Bradfield

Intimate Ecology - Moira Bradfield Influencing global genitourinary health, through practitioner CPD education, mentoring and clinical consultation.

Recurrent infections, vaginal, vulval health, penile and urinary health.

I talk about this often. Ultimately, the person sitting in front of you matters. There are many reasons why similar micr...
31/07/2026

I talk about this often. Ultimately, the person sitting in front of you matters. There are many reasons why similar microbiome patterns can result in very different clinical presentations. One area we're beginning to understand in more detail is bacterial strain and functional diversity. This is likely to explain at least some of what we observe clinically, including asymptomatic CST IV communities and cytolytic v.ginosis.

New research: A new paper showed that not all Gardnerella dominated microbiomes are the same. The researchers identified multiple Gardnerella community types with different genes, functions, activity and interactions with the host immune system.
It reinforces something I've taught for a long time: understanding a clinical picture has to extend beyond the microbe name.

The ecological context, functional potential, surrounding microbial community, symptoms, hormones, immune function, life stage, s3xual ecology and overall host health all contribute to clinical decision-making.

The microbiome is the footprint of an ecosystem, not the ecosystem itself. A clue for us to follow and piece together. Part of what I love about my job.

Are you thinking about your clients this way when interpreting genitourinary microbiome results?
These are the concepts we explore in Vagiversity, my six month education and mentoring program for practitioners. The next cohort begins 18 August.

If you're ready to move beyond pattern recognition and into ecological clinical reasoning, I'd love to have you join me. Link in bio.

Ref: Williams, A., Maros, A., France, M. T., Ravel, J., & Holm, J. B. (2026). Not all vaginal microbiomes are equal: functional context shapes immune landscapes. mBio, e03645-25.

ClinicalReasoning

Back in 2021 I presented one of my first webinars on the s3minal and p3nile microbiomes. At that point we were only begi...
30/07/2026

Back in 2021 I presented one of my first webinars on the s3minal and p3nile microbiomes. At that point we were only beginning to explore their role in male reproductive health. When I updated the webinar in 2024, I remember being struck by how little research there was on modifying these microbiomes. That seemed unusual for men's health.
Now 2026, we've made progress in understanding these microbiomes, but evidence for modifying them remains limited.
A 2026 review explored probiotics as potential microbiome modulators in male infertility, including their effects through the gut-testis axis.
Overall, the review was promising, improvements were reported in:
• sp3rm concentration
• motility
• morphology
• s3men volume
• sp3rm DNA integrity
• oxidative stress and inflammatory markers

Most positive studies used multi-strain Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium probiotics for 8–12 weeks. A key question was whether probiotics modify the s3minal microbiome directly, or act indirectly through the gut-testis axis.

Most studies measured s3men parameters rather than sequencing the s3minal microbiome before and after treatment. So, at this stage we can say probiotics may improve aspects of sp3rm and s3minal health. We can't yet say a particular oral probiotic modifies a particular microbiome pattern.
Probiotic effects are strain-specific. Many studies reported only the species, used proprietary multi-strain formulations or combined probiotics with prebiotics, making it difficult to identify which organisms were responsible for the observed effects.
Formulations improved s3men parameters while reducing oxidative stress and DNA fragmentation. Probiotics should still be considered one part of a broader fertility strategy rather than a stand-alone treatment.
We still need to consider:
• causes of altered s3men parameters
• infection and inflammation
• metabolic and gut health
• diet and nutrient status
• heat, alcohol, smoking and environment
• hormones
• the p3nile, s3minal and partnered microbiomes

For now, the question isn't "Does a improve male fertility?" It's which strain, for which individual, acting through which , and which mechanism?

28/07/2026

The Androbactome.

It's a term I came across in a recent 2026 review on male/AMAB fertility and the microbiome, and I suspect we'll be hearing it much more over the coming years.

So what does it mean?

The androbactome is an umbrella term describing the microbial signatures detected within and on the male reproductive tract, including s3men, p3nis and urine.
Importantly, it doesn't assume these microbes are permanently colonising the te**es or reproductive organs.
It privides a borader term that acknowledges the male/AMAB reproductive tract isn't sterile.

Like the gut, bladder and v.gina, it has its own microbial ecology.
Emerging research is exploring whether these microbial communities may influence inflammation, oxidative stress, sp3rm health and fertility.

We're still in the early stages.

We don't entirely know what a "healthy" androbactome looks like, whether it differs between individuals, or how we might best support it.

But this is another step towards understanding fertility as more than hormones, sp3rm counts and egg quality.

It's about ecosystems and why we have couples appointments.
Have you come across the term androbactome before?

Tomorrow post will explore the probiotic evidence for influencing the androbactome.

This past week in clinic I reviewed a few v.ginal microbiomes as part of fertility optimisation.Nothing particularly unu...
28/07/2026

This past week in clinic I reviewed a few v.ginal microbiomes as part of fertility optimisation.
Nothing particularly unusual.
But a few low level organisms made me ponder and stop.

Dialister. Prevotella. Klebsiella. Streptococcus.

Not because they automatically mean there's a problem.
But because they made me wonder...

What does the s3minal microbiome look like?

It's microbes like these that have been associated with changes in sp3rm parameters and fertility.
Increasingly, in a reproductive setting, I don't think we can view microbiomes separately.

We've spoken before about the evidence showing microbes can be shared between s3xual partners. We've discussed the landmark study demonstrating that treating male partners reduced recurrent bacterial vaginosis, and more recently, the evidence that urinary bacteria can also be be exchanged between partners.

So, seeing these types of bacteria on a v.ginal microbiome report raises another question.

Could these microbes be transferred during s3x?

We now know that s3men has its own microbiome, and emerging research suggests certain seminal microbial communities are associated with sp3rm motility, DNA integrity and inflammation. We also see overlap between bacteria identified within s3minal and v.ginal microbiomes.

One of the most interesting parts of my week is when I have the opportunity to review partnered microbiomes side by side. It always makes me stop and think.

And granted, not every fertility challenge is microbial. But when symptoms are present, or conception isn't progressing as expected, I do think we need to consider the interaction between these two microbial ecosystems.

Are you considering these microbiomes?

For many years, s3men was thought to be sterile. We now know it contains its own microbial ecosystem, and researchers ar...
27/07/2026

For many years, s3men was thought to be sterile. We now know it contains its own microbial ecosystem, and researchers are exploring how this community may influence inflammation, oxidative stress, sp3rm health and fertility.
This doesn't mean "more bacteria is better" or that every microbe is harmful. In fact reviewing microbiome tests associated with fertility requires specialised knowledge and context.

Like every other microbiome in the body balance, diversity and function are important.

Exploring and understanding the s3minal microbiome reminds us that fertility isn't just about hormones, sp3rm counts or egg quality. It's about the environment those cells develop within. The immune system, the gut, metabolism, lifestyle, inflammation and our microbial ecosystems should all be explored and considered.

At Intimate Ecology, we focus on the ecology rather than simply infections. Microbes dont exist in isolation. They interact and communicate to the host (that's you) :) Understanding that communication which is bidirectional (back and forth) helps us to understand what is going on that could influence whole body health.
The reality is that the microbiome is rarely the whole story, but it is often an important part of it.
A factor I'm reminded of daily when talking to clients. If we only focus on the bacteria or fungi we miss the 'why'.

Over the next week, I'll be exploring what we know about the seminal microbiome, partner microbial exchange, probiotics (thie impact on the s3minal microbiome), new research and why fertility should be thought about as a shared ecosystem influenced by individual factors.
It's a series of posts you don't want to miss.

Need support? Naturopathic appointments that support whole body health and conaider microbiome sites. LINK IN BIO
Reminder Vagiversity is still open for enrolment.

26/07/2026

If you live with chronic pain, being scared of your pain is completely understandable.

But when your brain starts associating pain with danger, it becomes more protective. You become more vigilant, your body tenses and your nervous system stays on high alert. Over time, this can amplify pain and keep the cycle going.
This doesn't mean your pain isn't real. It means your brain is trying to protect you.

Breaking the fear doesn't happen overnight, but it's one of the most powerful steps towards calming a sensitised nervous system.

In this video naturopath Danni explores these concepts and how they relate to pur body trying to protect us.

You can work with Danni for 1:1 naturopathic support or as a standalone consultations as part of her work with Pain Reprocessing Therapy.

Booking links in BIO

Need support with HSV, s3xual, v.ginal health or fertility?Jessie-Anne is an experienced and compassionate naturopathic ...
25/07/2026

Need support with HSV, s3xual, v.ginal health or fertility?

Jessie-Anne is an experienced and compassionate naturopathic clinican working with a wide range of conditions at Intimate Ecology.

This post is just a snippet of a typical week.

Need support?
Jessie-Anne has appointments available from mid August.

Not sure who to see at Intimate Ecology? We now have a helpful quiz on the booking page of the website that can help you find the best fit.

24/07/2026

Recently in clinic, Jessie has seen a wave of people with persistent v.ginal symptoms and acute infections that correlate with the after effects of exposure to an STI, specifically Neisseria gonorrhoea. 

We know that the research reflects a low-lactobacilli v.ginal microbiota is significantly associated with a higher susceptibility to Gonorrhoea infections (and other STI’s).

We also know that exposure to STI can potentially further lower lactobacilli, and contribute to inflammation and ongoing microbiome disorder. As a result, many individuals may feel like things don’t feel quite right, never go back to ‘normal’ or develop other symptoms that may be associated with low lactobacilli and microbiome imbalance.

Knowing this highlights the need to prioritise the health of the v.ginal microbiota and the presence of Lactobacilli to both prevent and recover from STI. Treating an STI should involve more than just the antibiotic. A recovery and restoration plan for the microbiome is important too. To ensure you get back to a balanced state. 

Need Support?
Jessie-Anne works with s3xual health and these types of presentations. You can book via the profile links or visiting our website www.intimateecology.com.au

Pracs Vagiversity: Open for enrolment NOW Link in Bio

24/07/2026

Why would HPV pop up all of a sudden on a papscreen, does this mean my partner has cheated?

Weirdly, this conversation around HPV detection out of the blue without a new s3xual partner or infidelity came up a few times in my week. In clinic, at pilates and via email.

In this reel I talk you through why and how this can happen and why jumping to conclusions about your relationship may not be the right thing to do without adequate suspicion.

PS. for parts of this my cat was hanging off my leg, you will see me struggling to find words!

Need support with a HPV presentation? Practitioner Danni works with this often.
Link in BIO

Always a privilege to share my clients highs and lows as we work through supporting their genitourinary health. There we...
18/07/2026

Always a privilege to share my clients highs and lows as we work through supporting their genitourinary health. There were some excellent improvements this week and lots of results to go through.

This week was also a busy week with a new research project in the works and presenting a webinar on vaginal dryness to a great crowd of holisitic health professionals.

Needing an appointment? There are still some new client appointments left in late August in the current new client intake.
Return appointments remain available via the diary link in Bio, website and through admin.

The Intimate Ecology website is undergoing a revamp, it is live while this is happening but you will see some updates and improvements over the coming weeks. Stay tuned!

Have a restful weekend.
X Moira

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