Please help? pH & Vaginas?

Question

I understand that females should have a balanced vaginal pH to maintain vaginal health. But I don't fully understand. 1. What exactly IS pH? 2. How is it maintained in the vagina? 3. What are consequences of an abnormally high and abnormally low vaginal pH? Please help! 10 points for best answer.

Answer 1

1. pH is the scale that measures how acidic or basic something is, average vaginal pH is around 3.8 and 4.5 - this is an acidic pH to help kill-off 'bad' bacteria while also allowing 'good' bacteria to thrive. Vaginal pH can change throughout a woman's menstrual cycle due to hormonal changes and the presence of fertile cervical mucus around ovulation (this mucus is less acidic as it helps keep sperm alive within the vagina), it can also change when a woman is aroused (again to help with conception), different diets can change vaginal pH, and it can change according to vaginal needs.



2. It's maintained by vaginal flora - certain bacteria within the vagina such as lactobacilli produce lactic acid, these bacterium are in part controlled by hormonal changes. Changes in pH around ovulation come about as a result of cervical mucus, which is mucus that normally plugs-up the cervical opening but around ovulation softens and enters the vagina to help sperm reach the egg.



3. Abnormally high or low pH can result in vaginal infections (e.g. less acidic pH allows growth of harmful bacteria and yeast), it can also effect fertility as sperm are killed within the acidic pH.

Answer 2

familiar vaginal pH is 3.8 to 4.5, fairly acidic. the abode vaginal pH attempt kit measures pH on a scale of a million to fourteen. extreme vaginal pH numbers point out much less acidity, collectively as under familiar vaginal pH stages point out extreme acidity. strange vaginal pH often exhibits the presence of a vaginal an infection., yet no longer all vaginal infections reason exchange pH. this suggests that having a typical vaginal pH attempt does no longer advise which you do not have a vaginal an infection. in the experience that your vaginal pH is above familiar, the main possibly reason is which you have bacterial vaginosis (BV) and not a yeast an infection. familiar, or below familiar pH and you have indicators of, and characteristic in the previous had, thrush** attempt between the OTC drugs for vaginal yeast infections. If the OTC medicine for vaginal yeast an infection would not scientific care your vaginal indicators or an infection, see your familiar practitioner for diagnosis and therapy. **Thrush peoperly clinically determined via a doctor.

Answer 3

Learn more about vaginal ph and health at the link below

Answer 4

1. pH means how acidic or basic a substance is.

2. The vagina does it itself, so long as no soaps or washes, or other chemicals are introduced to it, and so long as it isn't stifled by synthetic or too tight clothing.

3. Infections. Bad smelling discharge. Irritation.



In short, if you wash with just water and a wash cloth, and wear cotton underwear, you should be fine.

Answer 5

All women should be concerned about their vaginal health. A healthy vagina is naturally acidic and contains rich quantities of beneficial bacteria that help fend off infections and maintain a normal pH level. A healthy vagina will also secrete small amounts of discharge to keep itself clean, much as saliva is produced to help cleanse your mouth. Any interference with these normal conditions, and you may face vaginal irritation or infection.

How to maintain a healthy ph:

Protect Your PH Balance – But Don't Douche

Douching can interfere with the vagina's pH levels, reducing its acidity and setting the stage for bacterial infections. If your vagina has a strong or unpleasant odor, see your doctor; a douche will only cover up the smell without curing the problem that's causing it. Also avoid using harsh soaps or cleansers on the vulva or inside the vagina, as these also can affect a healthy pH balance.

Eat a Healthy Diet

You may not realize it, but a balanced, nutritious diet and drinking plenty of fluids are key to vaginal and reproductive health. In fact, certain foods may be effective in treating vaginal health problems. Cranberry juice and yogurt can potentially help prevent yeast infections and aid in their treatment. And if you experience vaginal dryness, ask your doctor if you should eat more soy products, which contain a weak form of estrogen that can aid natural lubrication.

See Your Gynecologist Regularly

Having regular gynecological exams is crucial to maintaining your vaginal health. Every woman should have her first gynecological exam by age 21 or within three years of becoming sexually active. Gynecologists and many family physicians are trained to diagnose diseases and disorders that can harm the vagina or your reproductive system as a whole. Gynecologists also perform Pap smears, which can detect changes in vaginal cells that might indicate the presence of cancer.

Treat Infections When They Arise

Three types of vaginal infections are pretty common: yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, and trichomoniasis. Yeast infections are caused by several types of fungi, while bacterial vaginosis is caused by bacteria overgrowth in the vagina. Trichomoniasis is sexually transmitted. Treating these infections is crucial because not treating them can lead to unpleasant, painful, and serious reproductive health problems. All three are can be treated with oral or topical medications.

Lube Up During Sex

Lubrication is an important part of intercourse. Without it, the skin of the labia and vagina can become irritated and chafed, sometimes to the point of breaking. While vaginal lubrication occurs naturally during female arousal, some women do not produce enough natural lubricant and should use an artificial one to reduce friction and irritation and enhance pleasure. Avoid petroleum jelly (like Vaseline) and other oil-based products for this purpose because they can cause latex in condoms to break down and might cause infection.

Practice Safe Sex

Using condoms during sex helps to protect against sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV, genital herpes, syphilis, gonorrhea, genital warts, and chlamydia. Some of these diseases, like HIV and genital herpes, have no cure. Others, like the human papillomavirus that causes genital warts, are known to cause cancer or lead to other diseases. You also should change condoms when switching from oral or anal sex to vaginal sex, to prevent the introduction of harmful bacteria into the vagina.

Choose Clothing Carefully

Your vagina should stay clean and dry — and what you wear can affect that. Certain types of fabrics and styles worn close to the genitals can increase heat and moisture, potentially leading to bacteria overgrowth and infections. Wear cotton underwear during the day, and avoid thongs. Try not to wear tight-fitting clothing, and change out of wet swimsuits and sweaty workout clothes as quickly as possible.

Follow Proper Hygiene

Common sense can go a long way in protecting the health of your vagina. After a bowel movement, wipe from front to back to avoid bacterial contamination of the vagina and to lower the risk of bladder infection. Change sanitary pads and tampons regularly during your period. When you're not having your period, do not use pads or panty liners to absorb normal vaginal discharge; they will keep moisture and warmth near your vagina, which can result in infection.



I like to use vagisil pH balance to keep my pH balanced.