Whether you’re trying to keep a healthy vagina or you’re trying to fight an existing infection, you need to be aware of your vaginal pH. It has a huge role in the overall health of your sexual organ.
By now, you’re probably thinking:
What is pH balance and why does it matter?
pH refers to the acidity or alkalinity of something. As an example, your blood has a pH level of 7.4 while the gastric acid in your stomach has a pH level between 1 and 2.
If those pH levels get disrupted, you experience problems in your health.
The same thing happens with your vagina.
A healthy vaginal pH balance is between 3.5 to 4.5. This environment creates that balance between bad and good bacteria.
You see, the acidic environment of your vagina enables good bacteria to thrive there. If an imbalance in the pH happens, bad bacteria can proliferate in the area, causing infections, odor, and irritation.
In essence, having the right pH balance is critical in keeping your vagina healthy.
Now, what happens when your vagina develops pH imbalance?
Well, for one, you’ll feel uncomfortable. You’ll notice the discomfort particularly when you’re sexually active.
Plus, it makes you more prone to contracting sexually transmitted infections.
What Causes An Imbalance In Your Vaginal pH?
There are a couple of things that can alter your vaginal pH. Here are the most common of them.
Bacterial Vaginosis
BV happens when there are too much bacteria in your vagina. It’s caused by a common type of bacteria that can be found in the vagina- Gardnerella Vaginalis.
Take note that BV isn’t technically a sexually transmitted infection. However, having multiple sex partners increases your risk of getting it.
The main symptom of this condition is a thin vaginal discharge which has a really strong fishy smell. The discharge may appear greenish, foamy, dull gray or white in color.
You may also notice a bit of burning or itching whenever you pee.
Menopause
Women who are going through menopause are likely to have a higher vaginal pH level. Apart from that, menopausal women also have lower estrogen levels which can alter their vaginal pH.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are generally prescribed to kill the harmful bacteria inside the body. However, what most people don’t know is that these medications can also kill good bacteria.
Douching
Douching is believed to lessen vaginal odor but in reality, it tends to make the smell a lot worse. It washes the good bacteria which can make you prone to acquiring infections.
Other causes of vaginal pH imbalance include:
Sex
Tampons left in place for an extended period of time
Using scented soap to clean the area
Applying feminine products that have deodorants, like wipes
Using hormonal birth control pills
Staying in hot tubs
How to Test Your Vaginal pH
While you can see your doctor to get your vaginal pH tested, you can also take the test at home. There are home vaginal pH test kits you can buy over the counter.
A typical test kit includes a color chart and a piece of pH test paper.
To perform the test, you need to take the pH test paper and place it against your vaginal wall. Hold it in place for a couple of seconds.
After that, get your color chart and place it against the strip. Look for the color that closely resembles your test results.
A high vaginal pH number means that your vagina is more alkaline. If your result shows lower than the normal vaginal pH, then there’s high acidity in your vagina.
If you are in doubt of your test results, it’s best to see your doctor. You’re not supposed to take any medications without your doctor’s prescription and without getting a solid diagnosis.
Your Food Choices, pH Level, and The Way Your Vagina Tastes
Normally, your vagina tastes acidic because of its pH level. However, it’s not too sour- just a bit astringent.
Now, this doesn’t mean that all vaginas taste the same. Your diet, sweat, arousal fluids, and natural bodily secretions are things that can alter your organ’s taste.
If you are too concerned about how yours taste, there are foods you can eat to make your vagina taste better. The list includes cucumber, green tea, blueberries, pineapplie, parsley, mango, and kiwi.
Basically, eating fruits will make your vagina taste “fruity”.
Apart from eating the right kinds of food, you may also need to ditch your bad habits. Smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages can make your vagina taste bad.
How to Have A Healthy Vaginal pH
Since keeping your vaginal pH within the normal range is important for your health, you need to know the steps you can take to make sure it doesn’t go too acidic or too alkaline.
One of the first things you need to check is your clothing. As much as possible, make sure to wear natural fiber clothing. Don’t wear anything that’s damp as that will only encourage bacterial growth.
Also, pick the right material for your underwear. Cotton is the best since it’s able to absorb extra moisture.
When it comes to personal hygiene, it’s important that you don’t overdo it. Use products that are specifically made and formulated to keep your pH level normal.
Avoid using products that are scented as they can only cause irritation. Don’t douche as well.
For your diet, remember that what you eat can affect the way your vagina tastes. Your diet can also affect your risk of acquiring infections.
So, to avoid those things, make sure to avoid eating too much high carb and extra sugary foods. Eat more fruits and add probiotics to your diet.
If you feel any irritation and itching or if you notice an unusually foul odor from your vagina, see your doctor so you can receive proper treatment. For infections, antibiotics may be necessary.
To check if you are doing the right things for your vaginal pH, you can take tests at home. Or, if you are in doubt of at-home test kits, you can always see your doctor.
