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There are, however, various natural and environmental factors that can affect this pH level, leading to symptoms such as itching, burning, and changes in discharge. Women can consult with their OB-GYN about how probiotics may prevent the development of damage-causing vaginal yeast and bacteria. Gradually add more alkaline foods to your diet as you limit acidic ones at the same time. This way, your digestive system has enough time to adjust and welcome this new eating habit. To avoid that, switch to drinking pH-balanced water with a good amount of alkaline. Since it’s full of alkalizing minerals, a small change such as this can go a very long way in restoring pH balance in the body.
Some people have no symptoms, but others notice itching or burning. The vagina may produce a white, gray, or yellow fluid that smells fishy. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
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If our blood pH level is too high, it can lead to muscle twitching, nausea, confusion, coma and other negative health effects. What should a woman know about vaginal discharge at any stage of the menstrual cycle? Doctors may prescribe estrogen treatments to lower the vaginal pH and to prevent further UTIs. Lactobacilli bacteria live in the vagina and secrete lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide, which give the vagina its acidic pH level. In the vagina, a high pH may cause infections as it can allow bacteria and yeast to thrive.
The acidic environment, normal flora, and secretions keep the inside of the vagina clean. Secretions wash away blood, semen, and excess discharge. To keep the outside clean, just use warm water on the outer areas when bathing. If your pH is too high, you may experience symptoms like redness and rash or a burning sensation.
What happens when your feminine pH balance is off?
The levels tend to be higher before menstruation or if the patient has gone through menopause. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, you should visit your doctor right away. A simple test will reveal the cause of your discomfort so you can begin treating the condition.
If a person is taking antibiotics, their vaginal pH may be out of balance. Bacterial vaginosis is a medical condition that occurs when too much bacteria is present in the vagina. This can cause an increase in vaginal pH levels.
Do I need to restore my pH if I have BV?
Gone are the days when aloe vera was just a potted plant sitting on your windowsill, jazzing up your home... You can also try fasting or intermittent fasting to attain a balanced pH level. Also, eat fruits and vegetables that have high water content, such as watermelon, cucumbers, celery and so on. Add 1 cup of water to it and drink it immediately in one sitting. Mix together ½ teaspoon of baking soda and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Most of us never even think about the pH level of our body.
You should also avoid using harsh soaps in your vaginal area. Opt for gentle wipes or a specially-formulated feminine hygiene wash instead. You may want to consider switching to an organic, chemical-free menstrual products, such as Genial Day menstrual pads and period panties .
Boric Acid - A known BV treatment that can also help to naturally rebalance your pH. The normal blood pH level in humans is slightly above neutral, or slightly alkaline. According to MedicineNet , the normal pH of human body blood is 7.35 – 7.45.
The vagina is mostly self-cleaning therefore harsh soaps, sprays and wipes are unnecessary to keep it clean. A pH imbalance caused by over-acidity can potentially cause inflammatory problems like arthritis or even bronchitis. Keeping vaginal pH levels in balance can help to reduce infections and prevent complications. Tampons should be changed every four to eight hours. This also helps reduces the risk of bacterial infections, including toxic shock syndrome . People use antibiotics to kill harmful bacteria, but these medications can kill good bacteria as well.
Follow the directions for either type of test carefully for accurate results. Your healthcare provider may also recommend urine testing to rule out infections. Drinking plenty of water helps flush toxins and regulate the vagina’s ecosystem. Dehydration can lead to itching around the vagina or worsen yeast infections. Lactobacilli are an example of helpful bacteria in the vagina’s flora. Lactic acid, produced by lactobacilli, creates an acidic environment that helps prevent harmful bacteria from growing.
That said, an acidic vagina creates a protective environment, as it reduces the chance of a person having an infection. Avoiding harsh products is a great way to help keep your pH in balance. You should also be able to identify symptoms of an unbalanced pH so you can take action if you notice something is off. The two main symptoms of an off-balance vaginal pH are smell, unusual discharge, itchiness in vaginal area, discomfort when having sex.
Plus, a bit of lemon-infused water is exactly what your liver needs to produce natural enzymes that’ll get rid of toxins such as uric acid. What is pH balance and how do you maintain a healthy level? Studies suggest nonsmokers had more lactobacilli in the body than smokers which are essential bacteria for pH and intimate health. Menstruation and external factors like fragranced wash products can also throw off the pH of your vagina and may cause some discomfort, infection and inflammation. Vaginal dryness is a common problem around menopause, but it can happen at any time. Here, learn why is happens and how to alleviate it.
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