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Your body is designed to keep the pH levels in balance. The body maintains a healthy relation with the good inhabiting bacteria and maintains an acidic environment. However, sometimes, due to the discharges or fluids, the vaginal pH level can change. This disruption in the environment can prove to be an invitation to a colony of yeast and bacteria. In this blog, we will cover the right pH level and important reasons for maintaining the right pH level. Note that it is recommended that you use natural remedies to restore ph balance.
What is the Right pH Level?
The normal pH ranges from 3.8 to 4.5. (1) As a woman ages, the pH level gradually tends towards 5. The acidic environment keeps the harmful microbes from growing and, consequently, the genitals free from diseases. Growing pH level, therefore, can be a warning of bacterial infections or sexually transmitted diseases. There are plenty of signs that can help you in determining the alkaline ph level. Common symptoms to look for include a fish-like smell, and a change in the color of vaginal discharge to green, or grey. (2) Also notice if you feel itchiness around the vagina. The signs often accompany redness and burning sensations.
What Causes the Change in pH?
Knowing the factors that can contribute to the rise in the pH level can assist you to keep the precautions and culture healthy habits. As you go through such times, you might be able to control some factors and have an understanding of others so that you can watch for changes.
1. Discharge
The vaginal discharge during menstruation or pregnancy can hamper the acidic environment in the genital region. The menstrual flood contains fluids such as blood that are mildly basic. Therefore, it is advised to change pads frequently during menstruation. The catch is to clean away the blood and harmful bacteria and not let them sit on your body for a long time to cause infections.
2. Douching
This method of cleaning the vagina during periods has the potential to make the environment more alkaline. The process involves cleaning the insides with fluids like soda, iodine, etc. It is recommended that you use soap and water for washing instead of douching.
3. Aging
The pH changes with age and is higher as a woman nears menopause. If you’re nearing menopause or past it, a slightly higher pH than average isn’t a problem. However, if you are still in your teenage, early adulthood, or younger than your late 30s, you need to restore the pH to the normal range.
4. Sex or Semen
Unprotected sex can contribute to higher pH levels in many ways. Firstly, semen is alkaline and it can neutralize or make the vagina more basic. Moreover, coming in contact with the penis can also bring bacteria and microbes it may house. This may lead to infection which brings us to our final reason for a high pH.
5. Infections
Many scenarios can lead to infections in female genitalia. The primary contributors include menstruation fluid and unprotected sex. The bacteria or yeast infections degrade the acidic environment and make nature more alkaline. Vice versa, alkaline nature is also a precursor that these microorganisms might be present.
Risk Factors Associated With High pH Level
1. Urinary Tract Infections
An increase in the pH level opens you to a wide range of infections. Urinary tract infections cause an individual to pee more often, and subsequently pain in the lower abdomen. The infection can be in any part, like the urethra, kidney, or bladder. Additionally, UTIs can be caused by an infected toilet seat or a low estrogen level (especially in women nearing menopause).
2. Yeast and Bacterial Infections
Bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections are some very common problems caused by the increasing pH level. These infections can lead to the inflammation of the vagina, i.e., vaginitis. The common symptoms include pain, burning sensation, itching, foul smell, etc. Vaginitis is very common, and every woman is expected to have it at least once in their lifetime.
3. Sexually Transmitted Disease
A less acidic environment in the vagina certainly puts you at risk of STDs like trichomoniasis. The symptoms are quite similar to any infections and thus make STDs hard to diagnose from common infections. Trichomoniasis is often accompanied by itching and pain during urination. If you notice these symptoms, it is recommended to see a doctor.
