Most women pay attention to enhancing the beauty of their skin and hair and ignore the most important part of their body “the vagina”. Many of us feel shy of talking about it but do you know? Vagina hygiene is as important as other body parts. A healthy pH level of vagina is a sign of good health and a better sex life. There are so many products available in the market for vagina wash. Do we need them? Or should we learn how to keep our vagina neat and clean? This is a real question clicking our mind, pH level of vagina is not only important for health but for enjoying sex also. Sex with an infected vagina makes it more painful and causes a danger of sexually transmitted diseases, so to avoid such a situation one must take care of pH level of vagina.
Factors Disturbing pH level of vagina
Every body part has a pH balance which needs to be maintained for digestion, fighting infection and proper functioning. Likewise, the vagina also has a pH level of about 3.8 to 5.0 which means it’s on the acidic side. As you grow older its acidity slightly decreases which results in dryness and itching. To prevent dryness and maintain a chemical balance, your vagina regularly produces fluid. That fluid contains acids. Your vagina’s acidity helps protect it against germs. Acid kills harmful bacteria, parasites and fungi. Unbalanced pH leads to irritation, itchiness and pain.
Let us understand the reason for the unbalanced pH.
Pregnancy and menopause lead to disturbance in pH level of vagina
Birth control pills change the pH level of vagina and cause infection. Another reason for a change in pH balance is because of antibiotics medicines which tend to kill bacteria both good and bad.
Douching may lead to a decline in pH level of vagina
It is a method of cleaning the inside of the vagina. It’s different from washing the outside of your vaginal area with soap and water. Douching usually involves squirting a pre-packaged fluid mixture into your vagina with a tube or other tool. This process can increase the pH level of vagina.
pH level of vagina is affected by the Use of lubricants during sex
Some lubricant products have a pH higher than 4.5. This higher pH can kill healthy bacteria and lead to an infection.
These are the general reason that can disturb the pH level of vagina. If anyone of you is facing the problem of a vagina infection it is recommended to visit the gynecologist to get the proper reason.
We have discussed the reasons that can lead to the disturbance pH level of vagina let’s now throw a light on how we can maintain it.
Precautions to keep pH level of vagina in balance
We can keep our vagina healthy if we follow certain precautions. Applying them in your daily life can keep you away from the infections. Let’s know how we can maintain pH level of vagina.
(1). Avoid wearing tight clothes as it can reduce the airflow and lead to vaginitis. Try wearing the body-friendly fabric that suits you. Wear cotton underwear, looser-fitting pants and tights with a cotton patch around your vaginal area.
(2). Daily wash your vagina with the clean water and mild cleanser.
(3). Avoid douching.
(4). Unprotected sex can also lead to vagina infection. Like the vagina, the penis has its bacteria. If these bacteria come in contact with your vaginal environment it can disturb its pH balance. Using a condom keeps bacteria and other germs on the surface of the penis separate from your vaginal area.
(5). Change in your diet can also help in maintaining the pH level of vagina. Avoid sugary and processed foods like cheese, bread and so on instead drink a lot of water, freshly squeezed juices and green vegetables. Include yogurt in your daily diet.
(6). Change tampons, pads, and liners at least 4-5 times a day. It may help. Also, wash or wipe the area regularly during your period. Avoid scented versions of these products too.
Applying these practices in your daily life can keep you away from a yeast infection but if they are not helping you, then you must visit the gynecologist and get treated under them. Untreated vaginitis can lead to many diseases like pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility and sexually transmitted diseases.
FAQ
Que:- What is the vagina’s pH balance?
Ans:- A normal vagina pH balance ranges between 3.8 to 5.0. If your pH balance comes under this range then it will help in keeping bacterial and fungal infections away. This range can vary depending on the age, menopause and the stage of your menstrual cycle.
Que:- How to know our pH balance is imbalanced?
Ans:- Certain signs can clear this doubt. It includes itching, burning when urinating, chunky, yellow or green discharge.
Que:- What food increases pH levels?
Ans:- (1). Alkaline food has a high pH balance.
Examples: Non-starchy veggies, fruits, nuts such as chestnuts or pumpkin seeds and legumes like kidney beans or white beans.
(2). Acidic food has more inferior pH balance.
Examples: Meat, Cheese, Eggs and Grains.
