For optimal intimate health it is very important to regulate the vaginal pH, this allows maintaining the correct amount of healthy bacteria that make up the vaginal flora, preventing the proliferation of fungi and pathogens that can lead to vaginal infections.
Good vaginal health also impacts our sexual well -being, allowing us to enjoy our encounters without discomfort such as those that occur due to dryness, changes in flow or itching.
For this reason, most women claim that vaginal health indirectly impacts their levels of confidence, mood, libido, sexual enjoyment, and productivity during the day.
Maintaining a balanced pH is essential to avoid intimate health problems. But do you know how to regulate vaginal pH? In this article we explain it to you in detail.
What is vaginal pH?
The pH is a value that oscillates between 0 and 14 and indicates the acidity or alkalinity of a medium, in this case, the vagina. The optimal pH of the vagina is between 3.5 and 4.5, although it varies depending on the life stage of the woman, being able to change during periods such as adolescence, pregnancy or menopause.
Why is it important to have a balanced intimate pH?
When the vaginal pH is balanced, the balance of the set of bacteria that live inside the vagina and constitute its natural flora is maintained. The vaginal flora is mainly composed of lactobacilli, which are characterized by their protective effect against the different pathogens that reach the vagina.
Thus, regulating vaginal pH helps the lactobacilli population. Therefore, if it is altered, this population is affected, which can favor the proliferation of pathogens that can cause vaginal infections such as bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis and trichomoniasis.
These types of conditions are more frequent than you think. It is estimated that 75% of women will suffer from a vaginal infection throughout our lives, and unbalanced vaginal pH is the main cause of these conditions.
In addition, regulating the intimate pH prevents the appearance of discomfort such as itching, burning, irritation, redness or dryness and helps prevent infections, making us feel good and comfortable both in everyday life and in sexual intimacy.
Factors that can alter vaginal pH
The balance of the vaginal pH depends to a large extent on a series of external factors, which is why some of our daily habits without our knowing it can impact its correct balance.
These are some of the factors that can alter it:
- Vaginal showers: they consist of irrigating medicated solutions or water inside the vagina, however, this habit is not always beneficial. These douches can modify the pH and destroy the vaginal flora, giving pathogens a better opportunity to develop, so they should only be used under medical indication.
- Scented products: perfumed talc, compresses or toilet paper are not suitable for the delicate intimate area, as they can alter its balance and give rise to annoying symptoms.
- Taking antibiotics without supervision: prolonged or frequent use of antibiotics can affect the vaginal flora. For this and other reasons, it is not advisable to take antibiotics without a medical prescription or exceed the indicated time of treatment.
Signs that the intimate pH is unbalanced
Any factor that affects your balance can trigger symptoms of greater or lesser intensity. These are signs of an unbalanced intimate pH:
- Changes in vaginal discharge such as changes in color, odor, or texture
- intimate itching
- Stinging
- vaginal dryness
- Discomfort when urinating
- Discomfort when having sexual intercourse
Any of these signs is indicative of the need to regulate the vaginal pH through a treatment that a professional will always have to prescribe.
How to regulate vaginal pH
These are the basic recommendations to maintain a healthy vaginal flora and prevent intimate discomfort:
Use special products for intimate hygiene
It is advisable to opt for an intimate gel specially developed for this area and dermatologically tested, which is hypoallergenic and helps balance the vaginal pH, cleanses and refreshes the area.
The Soothing Intimate Gel and the Refreshing Intimate Gel from the Durex Intima Protect vaginal care range help soothe discomfort and bad odor caused by loss of balance while maintaining hygiene in the area. And when you’re not at home, you can opt for the 2-in-1 Wipes, which refresh the area and soothe discomfort wherever you are.
Incorporate prebiotics into your routine
Prebiotics are food for the beneficial bacteria of the intestinal and vaginal microbiota, so their consumption contributes to regulating the intimate pH.
That is why it is advisable to add ingredients such as oats, cereals, onions, garlic, artichokes or legumes to your diet. In addition, there are intimate products with prebiotics that can be applied directly to the area to promote the balance of bacterial flora, such as those from the Durex Íntima Protect line.
Do not use vaginal showers or inappropriate products
As we have indicated before, vaginal showers and products not indicated for the area do not promote hygiene, but can be counterproductive. For this reason, for daily intimate hygiene it is advisable to use products suitable for this area, neutral and dermatologically tested.
Also, opt for unscented toilet paper and pads, and avoid applying cosmetics like talcum powder to this area.
Take care of the hygiene of the vaginal area
After urinating, always wipe yourself from front to back. You also have to dry yourself completely after the shower, not wear wet clothes for a long time and change your underwear if you sweat a lot, since excessive humidity favors the proliferation of fungi that can give rise to vaginal candidiasis.
Wear cotton underwear
Cotton is a material that allows proper perspiration of the intimate area, which is why its use in intimate garments is recommended.
Now that you know what to take into account to regulate vaginal pH, follow these recommendations and take care of your intimate and sexual health every day.
