Maintaining a healthy vaginal pH balance is essential for women’s reproductive health. Any imbalance caused by medications or other causes can lead to discomfort and infections. There are several effective methods to restore and maintain normal pH levels, promoting optimal vaginal health and reducing complications.
Normal vaginal pH
Normal vaginal pH ranges from 3.5 to 4.5, creating a slightly acidic environment that safeguards against infections. Maintaining this balance supports vaginal health, self-cleaning, and microbial harmony, which are important for women’s well-being and comfort. Factors like hormones, hygiene, and sexual activity impact pH, emphasizing the need for balance upkeep.
Symptoms indicating vaginal pH imbalance
An imbalance in vaginal pH can lead to various uncomfortable symptoms. Some of these indications include;
- Vaginal Itching and burning sensations
- Excessive discoloured vaginal discharge with a foul odour
- Redness and swelling in the area
- Dryness in Vagina
These symptoms only occur once the condition worsens. Therefore, closely check your vaginal health and report any abnormality immediately to the doctor.
How to check the vaginal PH
You can check the vaginal acid-base balance using the pH kit at home. Follow these steps to get the correct test results;
- Acquire a vaginal pH test strip or a pH testing kit from a pharmacy.
- Wash your hands thoroughly and ensure the vagina is clean before beginning the test.
- Choose a comfortable lying position and gently insert the pH test strip into the vagina for a few seconds.
- Remove the strip and compare the colour change with the provided guide on the test kit.
If the test results don’t fall within the reference change, consult an experienced gynecologist and follow the natural home remedies.
Myths about Vaginal pH balance
Several myths surrounding vaginal pH balance can lead to misunderstandings and misinformation. Let’s debunk these myths with facts:
Vaginas should always be at a neutral pH (pH 7)
The normal vaginal pH is slightly acidic. It ranges between 3.5 and 4.5. This acidic environment helps maintain a balance of beneficial bacteria and prevents the overgrowth of harmful microorganisms.
Douching can improve vaginal pH balance
Douching or rinsing the vagina with fluids can interfere with the natural vaginal pH balance. It may also increase the risk of vaginal infections, irritation, and other health issues. Avoid these practices, as the vagina is a self-cleaning organ and doesn’t require external washing.
Eating certain foods can directly influence vaginal pH
While diet can impact overall health, there is no direct link between consuming specific foods and altering vaginal pH levels. The body’s internal pH regulation systems are complex and not solely influenced by dietary choices.
Maintaining a higher vaginal pH is necessary for conceiving a baby boy
The belief that altering vaginal pH can influence the sex of a baby is a myth. The sperm (X or Y chromosome) that fertilizes the egg decides the sex of the baby, and vaginal pH doesn’t influence it.
Vaginal pH balance is the sole factor in determining vaginal health
Hormonal changes, sexual activity, hygiene practices, and overall health determine vaginal health. Along with the pH balance, aspects like maintaining good hygiene, using appropriate hygiene products, and regular health check-ups are equally important in maintaining good vaginal health.
Using acidic substances in the vagina is safe and effective for maintaining pH balance
Avoid introducing any foreign products into the vagina without proper medical supervision. While some products claim to be pH-balancing, they can disrupt the natural vaginal microbial flora and cause harm, leading to irritation and infections.
The vagina is a very sensitive body part. If you have concerns about your vaginal health or experience unusual symptoms, it’s best to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Avoid relying on myths and seek evidence-based information to maintain optimal vaginal health.
How to Get Your Vaginal pH Balance Back to Normal
The natural remedies to restore vaginal pH and the prescribed medical treatments can help you maintain good reproductive health. Some of the commonly known ways to get your vaginal pH balance back to normal include;
Take a Probiotic Diet
A probiotic-rich diet can restore vaginal pH balance and promotes vaginal health. The balance of the microbes in the vagina, particularly comprising of Lactobacillus species, plays an important role in preventing vaginal infections, reducing discomfort, and enhancing the immune response.
A few of the food options containing probiotics include;
- Plain yoghurt
- Fermented foods (Kimchi, cottage cheese, etc.)
- Garlic cloves
A balanced diet and lifestyle are vital for overall well-being, including vaginal health. While a probiotic diet is helpful, consult a healthcare professional, especially if you have specific health concerns or conditions.
Use apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is good for maintaining vaginal pH balance due to its acetic acid content. It’s thought to ward off harmful bacteria and support beneficial bacteria, thereby supporting a healthy vaginal environment. Avoid direct application or douching, which may disrupt the natural pH balance. Instead, you might safely use apple cider vinegar by:
Ingestion: Incorporate ACV into your diet, for example, by adding it to salads or diluting it in water. Remember to dilute, as undiluted apple cider vinegar is too acidic to consume directly.
Bathing: Add one to two cups of ACV to a warm bath and stay in the bathtub for about 20 minutes.
Drink plenty of water
Restoring vaginal pH balance is crucial for maintaining overall vaginal health. One simple natural remedy to achieve this is by drinking plenty of water. Hydration can help detoxify your body, eliminate harmful bacteria, and maintain healthy vaginal flora.
Sufficient water in the body is also beneficial in creating an ideal environment for friendly bacteria, including lactobacilli, to thrive. These bacteria are essential in maintaining your vagina’s acidity level, helping restore and preserve your vaginal pH balance.
So, remember, your daily water intake is not just for overall health but also a key to maintaining your intimate health.
Maintain good Vaginal hygiene
Maintaining healthy vaginal hygiene is essential for keeping the pH balance within the normal range.
Here are some of the tips on how to restore vaginal pH and maintain good reproductive health;
Gentle Cleaning: Choose non-scented, mild soaps to prevent irritation and preserve the natural vaginal flora.
Breathable Undergarments: It is better to use cotton undergarments as they allow proper air circulation, reducing moisture that can lead to infections.
Safe Sex Practices: Use protection to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that can disrupt vaginal pH balance.
Proper Cleaning Technique: Always wipe from front to back to prevent the spread of bacteria from the anal area to the vagina.
Practice these steps in your routine, as they can assist in restoring the vaginal pH balance.
Avoid Douching
Douching is washing or cleaning out the vagina with water or other fluids with a goal that you need to avoid to maintain vaginal health.
This cleaning technique disrupts the natural pH balance, increases the risks of infections, promotes sexually transmitted infections, risks for pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), pregnancy complications, and even cervical cancer.
The vagina cleanses itself naturally with natural secretions (discharge). Therefore, the doctors don’t recommend using any such cleaning procedures.
Take supplemental suppositories
Boric acid suppositories are a natural solution to restore vaginal pH. These possess antifungal and antimicrobial properties that help fight off common vaginal issues like yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis. To help restore the vaginal pH balance, insert the suppository in your vagina. The usual dosage regime is a 600 mg boric acid suppository for 21 days.
Conclusion
Every woman must learn how to get her Vaginal pH Balance Back to Normal. Natural remedies and good hygiene can help restore the vaginal pH balance. Always consult a healthcare professional, particularly if the symptoms persist. Ensuring vaginal health is integral to your well-being and leads to a healthier lifestyle.