I know you all have probably heard about vaginal pH, but the question is do you really know what vaginal pH means? Yes, this is small health concern for many women who have no idea how pH affects their vagina.
Literally “pH” stands for “Power of Hydrogen”, which is a measurement of the body’s hydrogen concentration. When we talk about balance we are referring to the alkalinity/acidity in our blood. This is measured on a scale of 0 to 14. The more acidic a solution is the lower the pH is, the more alkalinity, the higher it is. A healthy pH balance is a solution with a pH of seven or slightly higher.
How does pH affect health?
Overly acidic bodies are a feeding ground for unwanted organisms like bacteria, yeast, and fungus. This condition is called acidosis. Overly alkalotic bodies are susceptible to respiratory and/or metabolic disorders. This condition is called alkalosis.
When your pH levels are balanced there is a much smaller chance of illness. An unbalanced environment is the feeding ground for disease and disorder to take root. If your pH is out of balance in either direction (too high, or too low) it needs to be treated by your doctor to prevent dangerous consequences.
How is pH tested?
It’s actually quite simple to test. You can even purchase a pack of pH test strips at your local pharmacy! Your kit will include test strips and a chart for you to compare your results with. You can test your pH with saliva or urine, the ideal sample being the second urination of the morning.
So, pH levels measure how acidic or non-acidic (alkaline) a substance is. A normal pH level for a vagina is between 5.5 and 9.5. When pH levels rise, that means acidity has dropped and so has healthy, protective bacteria that the vagina naturally produces.
Studies show that by maintaining a healthy vaginal pH, you can help reduce your risk of vaginal issues, like yeast infections.
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Here are a few everyday things that can elevate your vaginal pH. You can alter your habits to show love to your vagina and keep it pH balanced.
5. Douching: Yes, I know… Somebody's great-grandmother, grandma, momma, auntie, or 22nd cousin down the line told you that you should douche after your menstrual cycle to get that awful smell away, but no. Just let your vagina clean itself. It is acidic for a reason, and no, it's not supposed to smell like a lotus flower bomb (no matter what Wale tells you).
4. Tampons: I know you don’t want to wear a bulky pad (that can potentially show through those skinny jeans). But, just think about becoming friends with pads (at least every other month). I know y'all are probably saying there are organic tampons out, but anytime you stick something up there, you are messing with your pH levels.
3. Sex: Some of you are probably saying” I am not giving up sex.” But it’s not about giving up sex; it’s about being safe when you are having sex. If you are having lots of sex or sex with new partners, that can increase your chances of a yeast infection. Your partners introduce foreign bacteria into your vagina, which can alter your pH levels. Semen has a pH of 7.1 to 8. Use condoms. I repeat: use condoms. This helps reduce the risk of introducing bacteria into the vagina.
MUST READ: Dr. Drai Says: Leave Your Vagina Alone!
2. Period: The one thing many of us cringe about once a month, but love to see at the same time. Yes, our period. Your menstrual cycles produce blood and blood has a very high pH level (7.4). This is why some women are more prone to yeast infection just before or after their cycle.
1. Menopause: To my wiser women who are going through menopause or other hormonal changes, make sure your vagina is getting adequate estrogen to maintain a healthy pH level. hose levels contribute to several issues like vaginal dryness and an increased risk of yeast infections. Many women take estrogen supplements during menopause.
Felicia Bowman is currently the HIV Health Educator/ Sexual Health Educator for Fan Free Clinic. Felicia has a Bachelor of Science in Community Health Education with a minor in Social Welfare. You can find more of Felicia’s work on www.speakglamher.com
