How the pH balance in the vagina can indicate an infection? Normally, the vagina is fairly acidic, with a pH of 3.8–5.0. This acidity prevents harmful microorganisms from taking hold. Good bacteria, such as lactobacilli, produce acids that keep the pH stable. However, douching, unprotected intercourse, antibiotics, and menstruation can reduce the vagina’s acidity, allowing infections to occur.
When vaginal pH rises over normal, it often indicates vaginitis, which is swelling and infection of the vagina. Bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections caused by Candida fungus, and parasitic trichomoniasis are the three most frequent. Each produces unpleasant symptoms such as discharge, discomfort, itching, and fishy odor. When vaginal pH exceeds 4.5, doctors frequently test for bacterial vaginosis. They also examine the discharge under a microscope to identify the bugs causing problems.
Treatment is determined by the underlying cause. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections require antifungal creams or pills, and trichomoniasis is treated with antiparasitic medication. Probiotic pills containing good microorganisms may help to prevent future problems.
There are at-home test kits available that girls can use to assess their vaginal pH. Along with other symptoms, these tests can detect infections early, allowing females to receive the appropriate treatment more quickly. Hygeia Touch, Biosynex Exacto, FloriSense, and Monistat are popular pH testing.
Dealing with down there troubles can be a real nuisance! However, what helps to avoid infections and irritation?
First and foremost, you must wear breathable underwear! Anything too tight or made of synthetic fibers seems to cause issues. If an underwear bothers your skin or does not allow for air flow, just quit wearing it.
Discontinue douching. It appears to help clean the region, doctor says douching can actually kill healthy bacteria and alter pH balance. And the doctor would know best in this scenario!
Instead, take women’s probiotic supplements with lactobacillus strains, which boost beneficial bacteria growth. A cup of plain yogurt once a day produces a similar effect, it’s a small habit that counts.
When showering, take care not to let fragrant soaps or body washes into your vagina. That can be irritating. Also avoid using any scented items or sprays in that area.
It’s inconvenient to deal with infections and pH concerns, but be conscious of the textiles you wear and do not use any fragranced treatments down there. This1 will help you stay comfortable. I hope some of these recommendations help girls avoid issues !!
References
- MDPI and ACS Style
Lin, Y.-P.; Chen, W.-C.; Cheng, C.-M.; Shen, C.-J. Vaginal pH Value for Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment of Common Vaginitis. Diagnostics 2021, 11, 1996. https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics11111996
AMA Style
Lin Y-P, Chen W-C, Cheng C-M, Shen C-J. Vaginal pH Value for Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment of Common Vaginitis. Diagnostics. 2021; 11(11):1996. https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics11111996
Chicago/Turabian Style
Lin, Yen-Pin, Wei-Chun Chen, Chao-Min Cheng, and Ching-Ju Shen. 2021. “Vaginal pH Value for Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment of Common Vaginitis” Diagnostics 11, no. 11: 1996. ↩︎
