Balancing vaginal pH

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The vaginal pH refers to acidity or alkalinity of the vagina environment, according to health experts. It tells how healthy the vagina is. 

According to some researches, the healthiest women will have a vaginal pH of between 3.8 and 4.5, an environment that's considered to be moderately acidic, others put it between 3.8 to 5.

So what can disrupt your vagina's pH

Reports say unprotected sex (semen) can disrupt your vagina's pH level, and increase your risk of infections.

Also, douching (washing the inside of the vagina with water that has other ingredients to eliminate bad odour) among others not only disrupts vaginal pH levels but also encourages the growth of harmful bacteria overall.

The consequences

According to health experts, an unbalanced vaginal pH makes women prone to infections such as bacterial vaginosis and vaginitis associated with a higher vaginal pH level.

Bacterial Vaginosis, which is common in women, happens when the normal balance of Microorganisms in the vagina gets disrupted.

It can be spread through sexual contact, and the risk of getting it increases when having sexual contact with new partners, and from not using condoms correctly and consistently. Symptoms include an off-white or grey vaginal discharge that has a fishy smell.

On the other hand, vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina that can result in discharge, itching and pain.

The common symptoms include irritation of the genital area, leading to redness and swelling, discharge that may be white, grey, watery, or foamy, pain or discomfort when urinating, painful sexual intercourse, and foul or fishy vaginal odour.

Itching, abnormal vaginal discharge, irritation, yeast infection, boils and pimples are common problems that happen to the vagina, causing discomfort and even low self-esteem among women as well as interfering with their lives.

Good practice

To keep the vagina healthy, use water only without soap while washing, says Dr. Joel Lwasa an obstetrician and gynaecologist at Kawempe National Referral Hospital. “First wash the vaginal area before you shower using soap,” he advises.