In today’s fast-paced world, women’s health often takes a backseat. Yet, understanding and prioritizing it at different life stages is not just a personal concern but a societal necessity. This article delves into why maintaining health, especially in areas like vaginal pH, ovulation, early pregnancy, and menopause, is crucial.
Vaginal Health and pH Balance: Vagina health is a critical aspect of a woman’s overall well-being. The vagina’s pH balance, typically slightly acidic, plays a pivotal role in preventing infections and maintaining reproductive health. Factors like hygiene products, antibiotics, and even stress can disrupt this balance, leading to issues like bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections. Preventive measures include using pH-balanced products and regular gynecological check-ups.
A vagina’s pH should normally range from 3.8 to 5 pH. This range can help prevent illnesses from bacteria and fungi.
Age influences what is deemed a “normal” pH level in the vagina. Women who are postmenopausal or who have not yet started menstruation may have a normal vaginal pH higher than 4.5 pH, whereas women of reproductive age would have a normal vaginal pH between 4.0 and 4.5. The vagina’s acidic pH is caused by the lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide secreted by lactobacilli bacteria. Unless an illness or infection causes it to rise, a woman’s vaginal pH is typically less than 4.5 during her reproductive years.
What causes unbalanced vaginal pH?
The vaginal pH balance can be impacted by several illnesses and infections, mainly by raising pH levels. Changes in vaginal pH can be caused by the following factors:
Bacterial vaginosis is brought on by an excessive amount of bacteria in the vagina. The pH levels in the vagina may rise as a result. When a person has bacterial vaginosis, their vagina may hurt, burn, or itch. In addition, they could detect a white or gray discharge and experience burning when they urinate.
Douching is the term for washing or cleansing the vagina with specific solutions, like vinegar or baking soda. Although some remedies promise to lessen vaginal odor, they can make it worse. This is because they remove beneficial bacteria, which alters the pH balance in the vagina and increases the risk of infection.
The menopausal state may be indicated by vaginal pH levels. Compared to women of reproductive age, postmenopausal women may have a slightly higher vaginal pH. Reduced estrogen levels during menopause may affect a person’s vaginal pH.
Other vaginal infections
The presence of infections other than bacterial vaginosis may also increase the vaginal pH. Examples include Trichomonas vaginalis and group B Streptococcus (GBS).
Often referred to as vaginal thrush or candidiasis, vaginal yeast infection is a frequent medical problem. Both bacteria and certain yeast cells can be found in a healthy vagina. Nonetheless, yeast cells can proliferate when the ratio of bacteria to yeast shifts. This results in vaginal discharge, as well as inflammation and severe itching.
How to maintain the pH balance in your vagina
The pH balance of the vagina can be measured at home with testing kits that anyone can buy. These kits can be purchased online and at select pharmacies.
Elevated pH levels found through at-home testing may be a sign of an infection.
A pH-measuring strip of paper is placed against the vaginal wall and left there for a predetermined period.
One can compare the resultant color to those on a chart included with the package after removing the paper. Every color has a corresponding pH value.
All of the information included in the test kit, include recommendations on the timing of the test, such as not performing the test while menstruating or not too soon after sex.
- avoiding douching and strong soaps. Soaps usually have a high pH, cleaning the vaginal area with them may raise the pH. The ideal way to clean the vulva is with warm water and a mild cleanser; do not use soap inside the vagina. This will assist in preserving the pH balance in the vagina.
- routinely changing tampons. It is recommended to replace tampons every four to eight hours. Furthermore, by doing this, the chance of bacterial infections—including toxic shock syndrome (TSS)—is decreased.
- putting up a barrier to sexual activity. In addition to aiding in the prevention of STIs and pregnancy, barrier protection devices like condoms or oral dams can stop semen and other fluids from changing the pH of the vagina.
- avoiding feminine hygiene products with fragrances. The pH of the vagina may be affected by yeast infections, which may be created by sprays, bubble baths, and scented pads or tampons.
Doctors can also prescribe creams, such as estrogen cream, which may help to reduce the vagina’s pH levels.
Summary
Reducing infections and averting problems can be achieved by maintaining the proper pH balance in the vagina.
Vaginal pH readings are rarely the only test used by doctors to identify medical disorders, like yeast infections, or to predict menopause. Vaginal pH testing, however, can support the validation of a suspected diagnosis. Probiotic supplements and avoiding douching are two actions people can take to maintain the pH balance of their vagina. In Space Health our mission is to bring the tests to your home so you can prevent any infection and keep track of your health anywhere at any time.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com