Tips to Maintain a Healthy Vaginal pH

As women, our bodies get impacted by the smallest things, such as diet, stress, or sex. Our vaginal pH level is typically determined by gut bacteria, menstrual bleeding, semen, tampons, and many other external (or internal) factors. Although there’s no secret guidebook on how to always maintain a healthy vaginal pH, there are some helpful things you can do to avoid throwing off your vaginal pH balance. Here are a few great tips on how to maintain a healthy vaginal pH: 

Practice Good Hygiene 

Your hygiene plays a major role in how to maintain a healthy vaginal pH balance. It is vital to know when to change your menstrual pads, cups, or tampons when deemed necessary to prevent the spread of bacteria. As always, when using the bathroom, wipe from the front to back to avoid transferring bacteria to different areas. Unfortunately, when this happens, it can cause a UTI, which causes discomfort and impacts your vaginal pH balance. Furthermore, always use warm water to wash the vulva area to avoid irritation, dryness, and itching from developing within the vaginal area.  Always make sure to urinate when after sex to flush out any bacteria from the urethra to avoid infections. 

Pay Attention to Notable Changes 

If you begin to experience persistent itching or burning, it is critical to contact your gynecologist. Itching and burning are not only linked with yeast infections but can also be a sign of bacterial vaginosis or sexually transmitted disease. Additionally, although discharge is normal before, during, or after your menstrual cycle, it is necessary to pay attention to any unusual smell or color. If you begin to notice a foul smell with a yellow or green color, alongside with or without itching or burning, it is good to contact your gynecologist. Altogether, all these factors can impact a person’s vaginal pH balance, so it’s vital to rule out any underlying factors. 

Avoid Tight Clothing 

Although tight clothing is beautiful and sexy to wear, it can directly impact your vaginal pH balance. Tight clothing can restrict blood flow in the lower area, which makes it easier for heat and moisture to get trapped in the vaginal area. When this happens, it becomes easy for bacteria to spread, which leads to yeast infections. Ultimately, yeast infections can negatively impact your vaginal pH, and also causes much discomfort. For this reason, it is necessary to wear comfortable breathable clothing so your vagina can flourish and maintain a healthy pH balance.