Some soaps have a completely different pH than our skin. They are alkaline and therefore react with all our natural skin oils. Every time we wash with a soap that is not pH-balanced, we lose the body's natural moisturizing substances. This becomes even more important to consider when cleansing the intimate area, as the pH value there is even lower. The skin on the rest of the body has a pH value around 5.5, while our pH in the intimate area is below 4.5. This increases the risk of irritation from shower gels and soaps that are not pH-balanced. Maintaining the pH balance in the intimate area is crucial for good intimate health.
pH Balance
Take care of your pH
Your skin is naturally acidic, and this also applies to the skin in the genital area. The pH value is a measure of acidity, and it is the outer thin fat layer that ensures the skin maintains its pH balance. If the pH value rises, it can damage the cells, trigger an infection, and the skin can become red and dry.
OTHER CAUSES OF A CHANGED PH VALUE IN THE GENITAL AREA
VAGINAL DOUCHING
Some women douche their vagina to remove bad odor and see it as a method to keep their vagina clean. But it is important to know that a woman's vagina cleans itself. It gets rid of semen, menstrual blood, and other bodily fluids on its own. Cleaning with a vaginal douche or disruptive cleaning can damage the vagina, in some cases seriously.
A woman who is concerned about odor or abnormal discharge should contact her doctor to discuss the problem. Using a vaginal douche to address these issues risks hiding underlying conditions, which can lead to more serious problems if left untreated.
BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS (BV)
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common infection that affects the vagina. It occurs due to a change in the normal balance of the vaginal bacterial flora. A person with bacterial vaginosis may experience itching, pain, or burning in the vagina. The condition can also cause burning during urination and white or grayish vaginal discharge.
Read the blog about bacterial vaginosis and foul-smelling discharge here
MENSTRUATION
Blood has a higher pH than the vagina and can contribute to an increased pH value in the genital area. This can cause women to experience discomfort and irritation during their menstruation. Women also have the lowest estrogen levels during menstruation, which contributes to reduced growth of lactic acid bacteria.
MENOPAUSE
During menopause, estrogen levels drop, which affects the pH value in the vagina. Many women may then experience symptoms such as dry and fragile mucous membranes.
ANTIBIOTICS
When a person takes antibiotics, the pH in the vagina can be affected. Antibiotics are used to kill harmful bacteria, but these drugs can also kill beneficial bacteria, including those in the vagina.
By being aware of the factors that affect your pH value, you can be attentive to symptoms and maintain a healthy genital area.
Maintaining the pH balance in the vagina is important for supporting the health of your vagina!