How does vaginal pH balance affect your health?
This balance has an effect on the vaginal health. Healthy levels of some certain types of bacteria may keep the vaginal pH balance from 3.8 to 4.5, which can be on the acidic side. Nevertheless, the balance may be upset easily.
What is the pH level of your vagina?
The vagina’s pH level is about 3.8 to 4.5, which means it’s on the acidic side. Its acidity slightly decreases as you get older, with its pH level rising closer to 5. Your vagina naturally is home to different types of healthy, acid-producing bacteria. To prevent dryness and maintain a chemical balance, your vagina also regularly produces fluid.
How can I improve the pH of my vagina?
To keep the pH of your vagina at a consistently healthy level, follow these tips: Whenever you have sex, use a condom. The barrier will not only protect you from STDs, but it’ll also prevent alkaline semen from disrupting your vaginal pH levels. Shop online for condoms here.
Why does the pH of my vagina change during my period?
Some medications may affect the pH and hormones throughout your menstrual cycle will affect it. Blood has a pH of 7.4 so when you’re on your period the pH of your vagina may rise. Similarly, water’s pH is seven so infusing the vagina with water can irritate it. The bacteria in your vagina is exceptionally sensitive to change.
Does smoking affect your pH balance?
The results showed decrease the salivary pH level in the tobacco smoke group compare to the non-smoker (7.058 and 7.168 respectively), however, the differences did reach the significant level (table 1). This could be due to the used pH meter was not sensitive enough to detect small differences the salivary pH.
Can nicotine give you BV?
Nicotine and its metabolite cotinine have been detected in the cervical mucus of smokers [21–23]. It is also hypothesized that smoking leads to an accumulation of vaginal amines, [21] which combined with the antiestrogenic effect of smoking [24] predisposes a woman to BV.
Does vaping mess with your hormones?
E-cigarettes, even those which are nicotine-free, contain many harmful substances, including endocrine disruptors, which disturb hormonal balance and morphology and the function of the reproductive organs.
Can vaping cause yeast infections?
Vapers can end up with e-cigarette-caused immunodeficiency in the mouth, which can lead to overgrowth of bacteria and yeast.
Why do I keep getting BV?
BV is a result of an imbalance of “good” and “harmful” bacteria in a vagina. Douching, not using condoms, and having new or multiple sex partners can upset the normal balance of vaginal bacteria, increasing your risk for getting BV.
What does vaping do to a woman?
E-cigarette usage may impair fertility and pregnancy outcomes, according to a mouse study published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society. Many young and pregnant women are using e-cigarettes as a safer alternative to smoking, but little is known about the effects on fertility and pregnancy outcomes.
What are 5 negative effects of vaping?
The most commonly-reported adverse effects were throat/mouth irritation, headache, cough, and nausea, which tended to dissipate with continued use....Coughing, dry throat, headachescoughing.dry mouth and throat.shortness of breath.mouth and throat irritation.headaches.
Can vaping affect your menstrual cycle?
Both cigarettes and vapes have harmful chemicals that can impact your overall health, even your menstrual cycle.
Can smoking cause bacterial infection?
Nasopharyngeal and respiratory tract infections Adult smokers are at increased risk of respiratory infection by several bacterial pathogens, including Streptococcus pneumonia, Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae and Legionella pneumophila [1-5].
Can smoking cause yeast infection?
The predisposition of cigarette smokers for development of respiratory and oral bacterial infections is well documented. Cigarette smoke can also contribute to yeast infection.
How is BV different from a yeast infection?
With yeast infections, discharge is usually thick, white, and odorless. You may also have a white coating in and around your vagina. With bacterial vaginosis, you may have vaginal discharge that's grayish, foamy, and smells fishy. (But it's also common for BV to have no symptoms.)
What does smoking do to a woman body?
Women who smoke are more likely than women who don't smoke to: Have more irregular or painful periods. Have low estrogen levels, which can lead to mood swings, fatigue, and vaginal dryness. Go through menopause at a younger age, and have worse symptoms.
What does pH have to do with your vagina?
As most vagina-owners are well aware, the vagina has a lot of fluid. This is most often evidenced by the discharge that sometimes pays a surprise visit to our underwear.
What happens when your vaginal pH is off-balance?
When your vaginal pH levels are thrown off – in particular, when your pH levels increase to 4.5 or higher, becoming less acidic – your vagina starts to look like a more appealing home for things like bad bacteria or parasites. Then , vaginal odor, discomfort, and infections can start to creep in.
How to test your vaginal pH?
How to test vaginal pH levels. There are two ways to test your vaginal pH: At home or at a healthcare facility, like your OB-GYN’s office. At-home tests are, in most cases, just as reliable as the ones you’d get done with a provider. They’re relatively inexpensive and easy to use.
Why is my pH out of whack?
There are many possible triggers for imbalance, out-of-whack vaginal pH, including taking antibiotics, being on your period, hormonal fluctuations, pregnancy, douching or deodorizing, and the presence of semen inside the vagina.
Why does estrogen drop off during menstruation?
Estrogen levels change throughout your menstrual cycle, peaking right around ovulation and then dropping off during the luteal phase, before your period. However, estrogen can be influenced by a number of other factors, including menopause, pregnancy, prolonged stress, and certain health conditions. So, if your vaginal pH is out of whack, it could have something to do with hormonal changes.
Where is glycogen produced?
Let’s circle back to the glycogen, the food source for the Lactobacilli. Glycogen is produced by your vaginal and cervical epithelial cells. 3 The amount of glycogen present in your vaginal “ecosystem” varies widely from person to person.
What is the normal pH level of a vagina?
This pH level can fluctuate day by day as the result of a LOT of different factors. A “normal” vaginal pH level is, in general, between 3.5 and 4.5. 3 However: Your normal may not be the same as someone else’s normal, and your “baseline” vaginal pH often changes as you age.
What to wear for vaginal pH?
Wear cotton underwear, looser-fitting pants, and tights with a cotton patch around your vaginal area. Unbalanced vaginal pH can lead to more serious illness. Untreated vaginitis raises your risk of pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs). . Take a pH test.
What is the pH of a substance?
What is pH? The pH scale measures the acidity of a substance. It ranges from 0 to 14, with 0 being the most acidic, 7 being neutral, and 14 being the most basic. For example, battery acid has a pH of 0, water has a pH of 7, and drain cleaner has a pH of 14. The pH balance of different parts of your body is important for digestion, ...
Why is pH important?
The pH balance of different parts of your body is important for digestion, fighting off infection, and other functions. Your stomach is acidic, which helps it break down food and kill harmful bacteria. Other parts of your body are less acidic.
Does birth control affect vaginal pH?
Antibiotic medication can raise your vaginal pH because it kills all bacteria, both good and bad. Birth control pills can also change vaginal pH for some people, which potentially leads to infections. Douching. Douching is a method of cleaning the inside of the vagina.
Can a high pH level cause an infection?
This higher pH can kill healthy bacteria and lead to an infection. An unbalanced vaginal pH level can go along with bacterial infections and other health issues. Your vaginal pH balance might be off if you’re experiencing common symptoms of an infection.
Can a vaginal pH test tell you what infection you have?
The test won’t tell you what specific infection you may have. Your vaginal pH can also change even if you don’t have an infection. Talk to your doctor. A doctor can diagnose any infections that could be linked to vaginal pH. They will ask about your medical history, your symptoms, and examine your vagina.
Can you test your pH at home?
Untreated vaginitis raises your risk of pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs). . Take a pH test. You can purchase an at-home kit to test your vaginal pH. These kits come with special paper to insert into your vagina for a short time, and a color chart.
What is the pH of a vagina?
What is vaginal pH? pH is a measurement of how acidic or alkaline (basic) a substance is. The scale runs from 0 to 14. A pH of less than 7 is considered acidic, and a pH of more than 7 is basic. What does any of this have to do with your vagina?
What to do if your vagina has a high pH?
To treat a BV or trichomoniasis infection, your doctor might prescribe one of these antibiotics by pill or cream: clindamycin (Cleocin) for BV.
What is the name of the disease that causes burning and itchiness in the vagina?
for more serious infections, like human papillomavirus (HPV), herpes simplex virus, and HIV. Trichomoniasis (trich) is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis.
Why does my vagina smell so bad?
Having a high vaginal pH puts you at risk for these infections: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a bacterial overgrowth condition that causes a “fishy” odor, along with an unusual gray, white, or yellow vaginal discharge. It can also result in vaginal itchiness and burning during urination.
What can change the pH of your vagina?
Any of the following situations can change your vaginal pH level: Unprotected sex. Semen is alkaline, which can encourage growth of certain bacteria. Antibiotics. These drugs kill not only the bad bacteria that cause disease, but also the good bacteria you need to maintain a healthy, more acidic vaginal pH level.
Why does pH matter in vagina?
So why does vaginal pH matter? An acidic vaginal environment is protective. It creates a barrier that prevents unhealthy bacteria and yeast from multiplying too quickly and causing infection.
How many people are affected by trich?
Trichomoniasis (trich) is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. In the United States, it affects an estimated 3.7 million people.
Normal pH Level
pH stands for potential hydrogen. pH levels are based on a scale of 0 to 14 and measure acidity or alkalinity . Numbers lower than 7 are acidic, while higher numbers are alkaline (basic).
Symptoms of Unbalanced pH Levels
Before discussing the pH balance of the vagina, it’s important to discuss normal vaginal flora. Normal flora is made up of healthy microorganisms such as bacteria, yeast, and other fungi. Think of it as a mini-ecosystem in the vagina that is critical for maintaining a healthy pH balance.
Testing
At-home vaginal pH tests are also referred to as feminine screening kits and are similar to those used in the doctor’s office. Some include litmus paper, while others use a vaginal swab. You collect the sample at home, comparing your results with an easy-to-read pH color chart. 6
Remedies
Your healthcare provider may prescribe something to help keep the vaginal pH balanced. However, these are some of the things you can do on your own in the meantime.
Summary
A healthy vagina has an acidic pH level that helps good bacteria (normal flora) thrive. Along with discharge, pH levels and normal flora keep the vagina clean and balanced.
A Word From Verywell
Experiencing uncomfortable vaginal symptoms such as rash, swelling, pain, unusual discharge, or unpleasant odor can feel embarrassing. However, fluctuations in pH balance are very normal and happen to most people at some point (or many points) in their lives.
How to tell if you have vaginal discharge?
Ordinarily, vaginal discharge has little or no odor and appears clear, milky, or blood-tinged depending on hormone levels and the current phase of your menstrual cycle. It could be a warning sign of vaginitis if your discharge: 1 Gives off an unpleasant odor 2 Alters in color (to yellow or green) 3 Changes in texture (becoming thick and chunky)
Why does vaginal pH increase?
That’s because as vaginal pH rises, unhealthy bacteria and yeast multiply and affect the reproductive and urinary systems. Numerous factors come into play when vaginal pH balance is disrupted.
What is the cause of vaginal inflammation?
Vaginitis is a general term that refers to any form of vaginal inflammation, most commonly caused by infection. However, inflammation could also be related to changes in normal vaginal pH, resulting from injury, rough sex, or an allergic reaction. You may have an allergy to certain laundry detergents, soaps, lotions, perfumes, ...
What is the best way to control pH in the vagina?
One way it controls vaginal pH is with probiotic lactobacillus or healthy bacteria. Probiotic-rich products include yogurt, kefir, chia seeds, and cottage cheese.
How to test pH in vagina?
How to test vaginal pH. Vaginal pH is tested with a special type of paper called litmus paper, which changes color when exposed to an acidic or alkaline substance. Assuming normal vaginal pH, a piece of litmus paper would turn from blue to red when held against the vaginal wall for a few seconds, indicating its acidity.
What are the most common pathogens in vaginal infections?
Three different pathogens have been identified in most cases of vaginal infection: bacterial vaginosis, candida vaginitis, and trichomoniasis. Because their symptoms often overlap, these conditions are tough to diagnose without a medical examination.
How to maintain a healthy pH?
Follow these simple steps to ensure healthy vaginal pH: Take gentle baths regularly to cleanse the outside of your vagina. Avoid douching (or internal cleansing) as it only disrupts normal vaginal pH. Remember to use only clean water and mild soap as products containing fragrances could irritate the area.
Why is my pH level higher than normal?
Causes Of pH Imbalance – Menstruation. The blood pH is normally 7.4, which is considered much higher than the pH levels of the healthy vagina. Tampons may be one of the causes of pH imbalance because they often absorb menstrual blood & fluids for a long period of time.
What is the best way to keep your pH balanced?
Tampons. Tampons soak up your menstrual fluid and good & bad bacteria. They may prevent the good bacteria from maintaining your pH balance while giving the bad bacteria a great environment to grow on [1]. Instead, you can try using a reusable menstrual cup, which collects your menstrual flow rather than soaking it.
How to get your body to alkalize?
Moderate exercise helps to alkalize your body for a lot of reasons. It aid s in increasing the oxygen flow in your blood, organs, and tissues, and stimulating the burning and eliminating acid wastes from your body. Over exercising may create acidity due to the accumulation of lactic acid. In addition, lack of exercise may contribute to the buildup of acids in your body.
How to get lactic acid levels back to normal?
You should maintain moderate physical activity for at least 3 times a week with a proper period of rest, which helps to return the lactic acid levels to normal. 5. Sexual Intercourse.
Why does my vagina have a high pH?
Nevertheless, the balance may be upset easily. A high pH level in the vagina indicates that there isn't enough acidity while a lower level indicates a higher amount of acidity. When the vaginal pH level is above the normal range, you can experience excess discharge, itching, and pain when urinating. So, do you know the root causes of pH imbalance? ...
What causes acidity in the body?
Meat, highly processed foods, sugar, dairy products, alcohol, coffee, and soft drinks result in an acid condition in your body if not balanced by drinking enough water and eating alkaline-forming foods, including vegetables and fruit.
What is the pH balance of a vagina?
Lack Of Water. The pH balance is the balance between “basic” and “acidic”. This balance has an effect on the vaginal health. Healthy levels of some certain types of bacteria may keep the vaginal pH balance from 3.8 to 4.5, which can be on the acidic side. Nevertheless, the balance may be upset easily.
How to restore pH balance in vagina?
Some options include taking boric acid supplements, probiotics or garlic tablets, and avoiding douches and scented feminine hygiene products.
What is the best bacteria for vaginal pH balance?
The “good” bacteria, known as lactobacilli, are abundant in a healthy vagina. In addition to fighting off infection, these bacteria help to keep your vaginal pH balanced. Lactobacilli can be found in probiotic supplements and is naturally occurring in a number of fermented foods.
How to treat BV?
1. Consider using boric acid suppositories. Boric acid is affordable, easy to access, and has been used to treat BV for over 100 years.
What is the pH of a vagina?
A “normal” vaginal pH is moderately acidic, hovering between a pH of 3.8 and 4.5.
How to tell if discharge is clear?
Healthy discharge will typically be clear to white. Change in discharge odor. You may notice a strong, foul, or “fishy” smell.
How to get your mind to focus on your body?
Deep breathing can help oxygenate your blood, clear your mind, and center your body. Focusing on a favorite activity. Instead of focusing on whatever is worrying you, try doing a puzzle, playing a game, watching a show that makes you laugh, or spending time on a favorite hobby. Listening to or playing music.
How to reduce stress?
Some types of activities, like yoga and tai chi, can be especially helpful for reducing stress. Deep breathing. Find a quiet place to breathe deeply and slowly through your nose and out through your mouth for 5 minutes. Deep breathing can help oxygenate your blood, clear your mind, and center your body.
Why do I flush out my urethra when I use the toilet?
This is due to the fact that when you use the toilet you flush out bacteria which could have been pushed into your urethra during sex which could develop into a urinary tract infection (UTI.) Being mindful of your vaginal health is important.
Why is it important to have a good pH before and after menopause?
The pH of your vagina is important because it acts as a barrier against unhealthy bacteria and infections which thrive in less acidic environments.
Why does the pH of the vagina rise during sex?
During sex, the pH of your vagina rises in order to create a more alkaline environment to protect the sperm and encourage fertilization. This can also encourage the growth of certain bacteria. While this rise in pH is immensely helpful for conception, it does open you up to the risk of infection.