Vaginal pH: What it is and how to keep it at an optimal level | Sex Toys

If your vagina has ever experienced a less-than-perfect balance, chances are you’ve heard of vaginal pH. Whether a doctor has ever told you that your itchy, funny-smelling discharge is bacterial vaginosis (BV), or you’ve ever had to buy those awful yeast infection treatments at the drugstore to get rid of the feeling like your vagina is burning in hell (along with, you guessed it, more discharge), these are signs that your vaginal pH is out of whack. The good news: Even if your issues are chronic, and even if they’ve eluded doctors for years, there is hope for getting your precious girl back in balance, and many of the things that can make your vagina healthier and happier are simple, do-it-yourself steps.

What exactly is vaginal pH?

When we measure how acidic or alkaline In fact, we use a unit of measurement called pH. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with anything below 7 considered acidic and anything above 7 considered alkaline. It turns out that the pH level of your vagina has a big influence on your vaginal health.

A vaginal pH of 3.8 to 4.5 (moderately acidic) is considered healthy and normal. It should be noted, however, that for girls who have not yet had their periods and post-menopausal women, a pH slightly above 4.5 is considered perfectly normal.

Why is vaginal pH important?

Okay, here’s the thing. An acidic vaginal environment protects you from stubborn bacteria and yeast by creating a barrier that keeps them from multiplying too quickly and causing problems. On the other hand, an overly alkaline vaginal climate provides the perfect conditions for bad bacteria and yeast to thrive, putting you at risk for infections like bacterial vaginosis (BV), trichomoniasis (or trichome), yeast infections, and even urinary tract infections (it’s all connected, baby).

At the other end of the spectrum, an overly acidic vagina can reduce fertility, like sperm like to swim in alkaline waters. Fun fact: During sex, vaginal pH temporarily increases to create a more welcoming, alkaline environment that will protect sperm. So if you’re trying to get pregnant, know that your body is trying to help you get there.

What can throw off your vaginal pH?

Although a wide variety of factors can alter your vaginal pH, some of the most common include:

Antibiotics. In case you didn’t know, these over-prescribed medications kill off the good bacteria along with the bad. This can easily lead to a host of digestive issues and an overly alkaline vaginal pH (the good bacteria are the ones that keep you in check).

Vaginal douche. Although This practice has been strongly discouraged for decades.about 20% women still regularly douche with over-the-counter products (I don’t know why they haven’t been banned) or homemade mixtures of water, vinegar, baking soda, and iodine. Douching not only increases vaginal pH,it promotes the proliferation of harmful bacteria.

Unprotected sex. Whether you’re in a committed relationship or not, whether you’ve been tested for STIs or not, and whether or not you’re trying to get pregnant, some women are particularly sensitive to semen: If a man ejaculates inside you without a condom, you’re at higher risk of developing an overly alkaline environment.

Menstruation. Like semen, menstrual blood is somewhat alkaline and tends to raise your vaginal pH. This is completely normal, but when you wear a tampon or pad that holds this alkaline mixture in place, it can raise your pH excessively. Diva Cuts are a solution for some.

High or chronic stress. Stress can cause every health problem you can think of, including high vaginal pH. Research showed a palpable link between the peaks of cortisol (AKA the stress hormone) and the likelihood of developing bacterial vaginosis.

Signs of an upset vaginal pH

As we’ve already established, high pH can lead to many types of vaginal infections, but the discernible symptoms you might experience (if you experience any) include:

A change in the color and texture of your discharge. Vaginal discharge may be white, gray, or yellow, with a texture similar to cottage cheese. Healthy vaginal discharge is usually clear or white.

A change in the smell of your discharge. I’m talking about a strong, foul or “fishy” smell, rather than your usual odor.

Discomfort and itching in the vagina and vulva. This can manifest as itching around the vaginal opening, burning when urinating, or discomfort during intercourse, among other pleasant sensations.

How to Restore (and Maintain) Healthy Vaginal pH, Naturally

If you suspect that your vaginal pH is out of balance, there are steps you can take to restore it naturally. Of course, if your symptoms are severe and do not go away with natural remedies, do not hesitate to seek the advice of a doctor.

Probiotics

In a healthy vagina, “good” bacteria, also called lactobacilli, thrive in abundance. They fight infections and maintain pH balance. You should still take probiotics if you’ve been on antibiotics, but even if you haven’t, you can try them to see if they help. Lactobacillus can be taken in a number of ways: orally, as a probiotic supplement; intravaginally; and in fermented form probiotic foods like yogurt, kimchi, or sauerkraut. While oral supplements and foods are a good start, intravaginal probiotic supplements take a more targeted approach. Personally, I can vouch for FeminaFlora.

Boric acid

Boric acid is accessible, affordable, and has been used to treat bacterial vaginosis for a good century nowBefore resorting to antibiotics (which can cause a whole other kind of imbalance, as we’ve already established), you might want to consider using boric acid suppositories (despite their name, they go into your vagina, not your butt). You can buy them at some pharmacies or onlinePersonally, I can vouch for Nutrablast.

Garlic

Garlic is full of an antibacterial compound called allicin. Research shows that garlic tablets can be as effective as oral antibiotics in treating the symptoms of a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis, with fewer side effects. You can buy garlic tablets at a pharmacy or online. Or, you can experiment with using raw garlic instead. Note: There is enough evidence that insert a clove of garlic into your vagina helps fight both bacteria and yeast (and tons of anecdotal evidence to boot), but unsurprisingly, health professionals advise against it. I have my theories about this. In any case, if you go for it, do so at your own risk, but know that I have personally done it several times with success.

Less stress

We cannot completely avoid stress unless we want to hide in a dark cave, but even then I am sure new stresses would arise. are Here are some ways to prevent your stress hormones from negatively affecting your health, including your vaginal pH. Consider exercising to increase your brain’s production of endorphins, or feel-good neurotransmitters.oga And meditation Deep breathing exercises can also be very helpful in reducing stress. And of course, if you’re in a toxic relationship or have a job you hate, you already know what you need to do.

No Smoking

Research Studies show that smokers are more likely to develop bacterial vaginosis. In fact, non-smokers have been found to have a higher proportion of lactobacilli in their vaginas than smokers! If you want to quit smoking but don’t know how, there are several alternative therapies that can help. Many people have successfully quit smoking with acupuncture. You can also talk to your doctor to come up with a plan that works for you.

No soap or perfumed products

Even if the vagina is self-cleaningThere’s no shortage of scented cleansing products on the market. In addition to avoiding douching like the plague, it’s also best to avoid scented vaginal washes and tampons or pads. To clean your vulva and vagina, simply rinse the area gently with warm water. If you still want to use soap, opt for an all-natural soap, fragrance-free options.

The right panties (or no panties at all)

To keep your poompoom’s pH balanced, wear panties made of natural, breathable, and absorbent fabrics like cotton, avoid thongs that get caught in your cracks (I’m just saying), use a hypoallergenic detergent to wash them, go commando at night to avoid excess moisture, and change your underwear throughout the day if it gets too damp or you feel irritated. Got it? Hint: wear skirts without panties! Just be sure not to wear the kind that’s vulnerable to wind gusts.

A healthy diet

A balanced, nutritious diet and good hydration are essential for overall health and vaginal health in particular. If you suffer from chronic yeast infections, chances are you have a candida overgrowth (a surprisingly common condition that doctors are slowly beginning to recognize), and which could benefit from monitoring candida cleanse diet. I know I did. If you are serious about it, read The Candida Curewhich describes a very useful 90-day program to regain balance.

Bottom line: Maintaining a healthy vaginal pH is a delicate balance, but once you find the method that works for you, it gets easier and more revealing. The big plus: Once you get your vaginal pH back in check, chances are you’ll see improvements in your overall health, too. Because it’s all connected. <3