Yeah, that affects your vagina's balance too, as does salt water and even the water in your shower plain-old water has a pH of seven. On a more abstract level, things like the medications you're taking—everything from the pill to antibiotics—affect your balance. And don't even get me started about how diet can play a role.
Latif Estafan. These factors all swing your vaginal pH to the more basic side, which means your vagina's "barrier" is compromised, Dr. Latif Estafan explains.
But of course, some of these factors just happen like, I'm not going to not go to spin class , so the key is just to follow the tips below to keep things as balanced as possible. Naturally, when I learned about why it's so important to balance your vagina's pH level, I couldn't help but wonder: How can you even measure that? My issue here, though, is that I'm not exactly ready to bust out my litmus test strips at a moment's notice.
To save you the hurdle, you can just abide by the rules of maintaining a healthy, balanced vagina. Mainly, it's all about using the right products down there. First things first: Avoid harsh ingredients that'll strip that friendly lactobacilli out of its proper place. Think about what you're using on your face—chances are, you've already nixed ingredients like sulfates from your cleansers and try to steer clear of fragrance, which can be problematic.
Changes in discharge color, amount or smell may indicate an imbalance. If you have any questions about your discharge, speak with a doctor. Douching, which means cleaning or rinsing the vagina with water, soap or another liquid, is extremely common in the United States -- and one of the main interferents in vaginal pH balance.
According to the Office on Women's Health , one in five women between the ages of 15 and 44 douche, despite potential risks including:.
Douching has been linked with an overgrowth of a variety of bacteria that are known to cause infection see the previous citation.
This is because it reduces the number of Lactobacilli, the bacteria responsible for maintaining healthy acidity — and keeping unwanted bacteria levels down. This means that having unprotected sex may affect the acidic nature of the vagina. In fact, during intercourse, the vaginal pH levels may rise to protect the sperm as it travels towards the egg. Suggested Article: Check out these period sex tips for beginners.
Remember how we said that menstrual blood is more alkaline than the vagina? It would only make sense, then, that balancing vaginal pH may become more complex while menstruation. Tampons may also increase vaginal pH unnaturally. This is because tampons soak up any type of liquid — including the good bacteria that create a healthy ecosystem down there.
In addition to dryness and chafing, tampon use may cause vaginal pH imbalance. And studies show that "vaginal pH balancing" tampons have zero effect. For that reason and many others, women use a menstrual cup. Since a period cup collects, rather than soaks up, fluid, it helps the vagina remain a balanced ecosystem, no matter the time of the month.
Another big culprit when it comes to alkaline imbalance is antibiotics. By nature, antibiotics kill bacteria. This may mean killing off good bacteria, such as Lactobacilli. Probiotics, which can be found in yogurt, may help with pH balance.
Tight clothing that doesn't breathe may also affect vaginal pH levels. This is because it may foster unwanted bacteria growth. In addition to clothing, hygiene may play an important role. Wiping from front to back, for instance, is a great way to prevent unwanted bacteria, as is cleaning and not sharing sex toys.
Much like how long a period lasts, vaginal pH balance is not consistent for the duration of a woman's life. This may be due to a change in hormonal levels, such as estrogen. One study found that women going through menopause had elevated vaginal pH levels compared to fertile women. Having an imbalanced vagina pH may increase someone's chances of a urinary tract infection UTI. Note that having high vaginal pH does not cause a UTI or visa versa.
Additionally, struggling to restore vaginal pH and dealing with UTIs is more likely during perimenopause or menopause due to the lowering of estrogen levels.
Millions of women struggle with restoring normal vagina pH annually. The best way to maintain a healthy vaginal pH is to take preventative measures and regularly see your doctor.
Avoid semen, which is more alkaline than the vagina. This means using a condom during intercourse and changing that condom after each use. Keep in mind that not all types of birth control prevent STI transmission. Probiotics are becoming an increasingly popular supplement for a reason: They may help restore natural bacteria balance.
That helps with balancing vaginal pH, too. Keep in mind that some types of yogurt also have that beneficial bacteria. Speak with your gynecologist for specific suggestions. Douching is a bad idea. Sugar, dairy, stress and travel can all agitate the vaginal microbiome, upsetting the balance of good bacteria. We only recommend products we have independently researched, tested, and loved. If you purchase a product found through our links, Sunday Edit may earn an affiliate commission.
Mellanie Perez. Wellness Sex. Sign up for the Sunday Edit newsletter to stay in-the-know on all things skincare and beyond. Email Address. Most Popular. By Lindsay Tigar. By Kaleigh Fasanella.
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