The female reproductive system is complex, with many factors that affect its health. You may have heard the term “balanced” in relation to vaginal health probiotics and other products that aim to combat vaginal issues. But what is being balanced and why does it matter?
What Is pH Balance?
Like other systems in your body, your reproductive system has an ideal pH level, which is a measurement of how acidic or basic something is. For the vagina, that ideal is between 3.8 and 4.5 pH – this range is considered “balanced.”
When your vagina’s acidity falls within this range, it’s the perfect environment for good bacteria to thrive. This bacteria keeps you healthy.
What Happens When Your pH Is Off?
At times, you may experience pH that’s higher than the desired 4.5. This can be caused by a number of factors:
- Taking antibiotics
- Sex
- Menstruating
- Inappropriate cleaning methods like douching
When your vagina is more basic than it should be, bad bacteria can outweigh the good, which may cause the following problems:
- Urinary tract infections
- Bacterial vaginosis
- Yeast infections
- Trichomoniasis
You may be wondering how you can avoid a pH that’s too high, especially when some of the causes are common or unavoidable. Fortunately, there are products specifically designed to encourage ideal levels.
How Do You Achieve Balance?
If you’re concerned about your pH, there are several products you can try:
- Vaginal health wipes
- Probiotics
- Antibiotic pills or creams to combat bad bacteria
You can also try the following changes to routine:
- Using barrier protection such as condoms during sex
- Using non-scented or gentle soap when washing your genital area
- Changing tampons more frequently
If you try these techniques and still experience burning, itching or a fishy smell, be sure to contact your physician, as it may be a sign of something more serious.
Taking care of your reproductive system is essential for your overall health. One of the best things you can do is take preventative measures, such as using probiotics for UTIs, to encourage a balanced vagina.
To read more on topics like this, check out the life & lifestyle category.
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