Vaginal health can deteriorate due to fluctuations in pH balance (vaginal pH). Therefore, all women should have information related to pH, so that they can save themselves from problems.
Different parts of the body have their own pH balance. This also includes your vagina. The pH level of your vagina is important for infection prevention, healthy pregnancy, and hormonal changes. pH balance (Vaginal pH) Vaginal health can deteriorate due to fluctuations in. Therefore, all women should have information related to pH, so that they can save themselves from problems. Dr. Krutika Rawat of the MBBS department of Government Doon Medical College told what should be the pH level and what is the reason for unbalanced pH, so let us know about it in more detail (Vaginal pH),
First know what is pH? (What is PH level)
The pH scale measures the acidity of a substance. It ranges from 0 to 14. In this, 0 is the most acidic, 7 is neutral and 14 is the most basic. For example, battery acid has a pH of 0, water has a pH of 7, and drain cleaner has a pH of 14.
The pH balance of different parts of your body is important for digestion, fighting infection, and other functions. Your stomach is acidic, which helps break down food and kill harmful bacteria. Whereas other parts of your body are less acidic.
What is the normal pH level of the vagina? (What is the normal pH level of the vagina)
The pH level of the vagina is around 3.8 to 4.5, which means it is acidic. As you age, its acidity decreases slightly. Its pH level reaches close to 5.
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Your vagina is naturally home to a variety of healthy, acid-producing bacteria. Your vagina also produces fluids regularly to prevent dryness and maintain chemical balance. That fluid contains acid. The acidic nature of the vagina helps protect it from germs. The acid kills harmful bacteria, parasites and fungi.
What causes unbalanced vaginal pH?
The pH of your vagina can change depending on existing health conditions, lifestyle and other factors.
1.Period Cycle: Menopause, pregnancy, puberty can all affect your vaginal pH levels.
2.Medication: Antibiotic medicine can increase your vaginal pH because it kills all bacteria, whether good or bad. Birth control pills can also alter vaginal pH for some people, potentially leading to infection.
3.Douching: Douching is a method of cleaning the inside of the vagina. This is different from washing the outside of your vaginal area with soap and water. Douching usually involves spraying a pre-packaged liquid mixture into your vagina using a tube or other device. This process can increase the pH of your vagina.
4.Lubricants: Lubricants reduce dryness in the vaginal area during sex. Some lubricants products have a pH higher than 4.5. This high pH can kill healthy bacteria and cause infection.
Symptoms of unbalanced vaginal pH
Imbalanced vaginal levels can lead to bacterial infections and other health problems. If you’re experiencing common symptoms of infection, it could be a sign that the vaginal pH balance is out of whack. Some of these symptoms are as follows:
Strong, fishy odor from the vagina
brown or green foamy water
itching around the vagina
Swelling and burning sensation around the vagina
Feeling pain or burning in the vagina during sex
burning sensation while urinating
These are symptoms of common infections like bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis or yeast infection. Most of these infections fall under the larger category of vaginitis. Vaginitis is any inflammation or irritation that occurs in the vagina and its surrounding area.
Tips to maintain vaginal pH balance
1. Use condom during sex
Like the vagina, the penis also has its own bacteria. If bacteria come in contact with your vagina due to an unsafe compress, it can cause infection. Using a condom keeps bacteria and other germs on the surface of the penis away from your vaginal area.
2. Avoid douching
Make a habit of washing the area around your vagina with soap and water instead of douching. In this way the risk of infection is reduced.
3. Change your diet
Many types of yogurt contain the same bacteria that live in your vagina. Avoiding sweet, processed foods like white bread and rice can help prevent yeast infections.
4. Wear the right clothes
Tight clothes can reduce the flow of air into your vagina, which can increase the risk of vaginal infections. Wear cotton underwear, loose-fitting pants and a panty liner over your underwear.
What to do if your vaginal pH is unbalanced
Imbalanced pH due to infection can lead to more serious disease. Left untreated, your risk of vaginal inflammation, infertility, and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) increases.
Remember these things if you notice symptoms of unbalanced vaginal pH:
1.Get pH test done: You can check vaginal pH at home. These kits come with special paper and a color chart to be inserted into your vagina for a short period of time. The paper changes color depending on your vaginal pH. Different pH ranges result in different color changes. The test won’t tell you which specific infection you may have.
2 Contact a doctor: Doctors can diagnose any infections associated with vaginal pH. They will ask about your medical history, your symptoms, and examine your vagina. Doctors suggest antibiotics and other treatments to reduce symptoms.
Also read: Know what could be the right options for different needs to avoid pregnancy.
