Vulva? Have you really heard about this term earlier?Â
Vulva is the outside part of the genitalia. The primary function of the vulva is to keep the vagina free from infection.
Vagina on the other hand is the internal part of the genitalia.Together, the vagina (canal on the inside) and vulva (genitalia on the outside) function.
Vagina is exposed to a variety of environments that are frequently moist or humid.
To keep the vagina healthy and well functioned, the vaginal pH should be balanced. You're probably thinking that the vagina has a pH level as well.
Well, our vulvovaginal pH typically maintains itself in control, however pH levels can alter due to a variety of internal and external circumstances.
Let's first explore pH levels before learning about internal and external influences.
What is Vulva's pH or pH levels?
pH stands for potential hydrogen. The pH scale determines how acidic or alkaline various substances are, including your skin and water-based cosmetics.
Depending on the person's life stage, the vagina has a pH level between 3.8 and 4.5, which is moderately acidic. However, because it lowers the risk of infection, an acidic vagina produces a protective environment against microbial growth. When the vagina is exposed to a foreign material or has an infection, its pH changes (or becomes alkaline). Even the somewhat basic character of menstrual blood has the potential to alter the pH of the vagina. However, it is not a serious issue because the vagina returns to its natural pH following menstruation.
Unhealthy bacteria can proliferate in the vagina if the pH level is above 4.5, which raises the risk of illnesses such as:
Bacterial vaginosis (BV)
The majority of women who encounter bacterial vaginosis are of reproductive age. Unprotected activities can raise the high risk of the infection. Under such circumstances, women experience abnormal vaginal discharge, itching and bad odour.Trichomoniasis (trich)Â Â
Trichomoniasis is among the most common sexually transmitted infections. It causes genital itching, painful urination, and foul-smelling vaginal discharge.We would recommend you to reach out to your doctor or specialist in case of any difficulty. They can give you the best treatment according to your medical history and body compatibility.
What are the symptoms of pH imbalance ?
When your vaginal pH is off, you could suffer many symptoms, such as:
- Urination that causes burning.
- Soreness or itching at the vulva and vagina.
- Green or yellow discharge
- Discharge a fishy-smelling smell.
- Churning or thick discharge.
Now comes the real question,Â
How to Balance Vaginal pH?
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pH friendly intimate products.
Your face and body care products have a higher pH than is good for the vulva since the pH levels of various body regions vary. A higher pH upsets the vulva's delicate equilibrium and can lead to dryness, itching, or the development of harmful germs. Choose a probiotic wash devoid of irritating additives that is vulva-friendly instead.
The Ksister’s Intimate hygiene wash is formulated to gently clean the intimate area and keep them infection free. It also maintains the vulva pH levels and eliminates infection-causing bacteria.Â
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Change the tampons or pads at regular intervals.
It is advised to avoid keeping a tampon in your vagina for an extended period of time since the blood's small basicity might raise the pH level in the area. Change your tampons every four to eight hours, as advised by the majority of businesses to lower the chance of toxic shock syndrome (TSS). TSS is an uncommon, potentially fatal illness that can suddenly raise the temperature, produce low blood pressure, vomiting, or induce diarrhoea.
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Don’t wear damped underwear.
When you encounter significant discharge, quickly swap out the moist underwear. Change your clothes after engaging in physically demanding activities that make you perspire, such as jogging, yoga, working out at the gym, etc. This beneficial practice prevents the proliferation of dangerous germs and maintains the vagina clean.
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Always wear comfortable underwear.
Choose some vulva-approved underwear instead, which will allow your lady bits to breathe. Speaking of swampy, it's a good idea to skip the nighttime undies. Our vaginas need to get some air since we perspire a lot at night in order to maintain a good pH. Additionally, sleeping without underpants is quite freeing!
Takeaway
You can now see that maintaining ideal vaginal pH is not at all difficult. Now that you are aware of all the dos and don'ts, assist other women become aware of them as well.
A girl of any age might experience vaginal issues because they are so common. Knowing that you must seek medical attention as soon as you have any unusual vaginal symptoms is essential.
