How to balance the pH-value of your vagina to maintain intimate health and prevent odour and vaginal infections such as BV using the vaginal ph test

A healthy vagina is a pH balanced vagina indicitaed by your vaginal ph test strips, however, certain things can interrupt our natural healthy balance, and when this balance is disturbed, that's when we are prone to odour, itching and infection.

What you need to know is that the vagina’s ideal pH value is 3.8 to 4.5 on the pH scale; this means  that the bacteria is naturally acidic and you should avoid trying to neutralise it at all costs. After the bowel; the vagina contains more (good) bacteria than anywhere else in the body. The bacteria helps to keep the pH balance at an even level, produces naturally occurring antibiotics (bacteriocins) to kill 'bad' bacteria entering the vagina and much more. If the balance of the bacteria is disturbed, it can lead to infection, 'fishy' odour smell, inflammation and if pregnant, premature birth.

Maintaining a healthy pH level during perimenopause and during menopause is vital to prevent discomfort and infection

Thankfully we are all more enlightened these days, women  are understanding the fine balance of their bodies and this is especially so during menopause and as we age. Maintaining a healthy pH level, and monitoring it too, means that we can prevent odour, irritation and discomfort. If the pH level gets out of kilter - that when we will get an infection - and as we know, an infection may need antibiotics which then exposes us to a whole new raft of imbalances as all our 'good' bacteria gets killed off along with the 'bad' bacteria.

Can I use Vaginal pH as a marker for menopause?

Yes you can! Clinical studies show that measurement of vaginal pH is useful, effective, and inexpensive way for screening purposes. A vaginal pH of 4.5 is consistent with a premenopausal serum level and the absence of bacterial pathogens (bacterial pathogens are the 'bad' vaginal bacteria that cause infection and discomfort). An elevated vaginal pH in the 5.0 to 6.5 range suggests a diagnosis of either bacterial pathogens (an infection) or decreased serum. In patients with an elevated pH, vaginal culture should establish the diagnosis. In the absence of bacterial pathogens, a vaginal pH of 6.0 to 7.5 is strongly suggestive of menopause.

Make sure that you have the safest home for your baby during pregnancy; Vaginal pH Test Strips from EcoCare™ indicate the pH to help maintain perfect vaginal health for a safe pregnancy.

It’s not just for Chemistry, you know; your vaginal pH plays a vital role in your overall vaginal health and an even more important role in your pregnancy. These vaginal swabs determine the pH-value of your vagina so you can be reassured if you are providing the ultimate home for your developing baby. One less thing to worry about!

The most common cause of premature birth is the population of infection-causing bacteria in the vagina. It can often go unnoticed and if the bacteria is highly concentrated it may induce a preterm birth. These bacteria relocate the naturally occurring Döderlein bacteria, which through oxygen release and the production of lactic acid create an environment that normally provides protection in the vagina from the disturbance of unknown bacteria. If the normal pH balance is disrupted, it can follow on to a drop in oxygen tension and acidity decrease in the vagina, therefore an increase of the pH value. This could allow infectious pathogens to travel into the uterus from the vagina and lead to the formation of labour-inducing agents, thus to preterm labour or even a premature rupturing of the amniotic sac that lead to an early birth.

The earlier the pH balance disturbance is recognised, the chance of preventing a premature birth is increased (so now you know why you have to take a wee sample to every midwife appointment; as inconvenient as it may be!). With these vaginal swabs you have the peace of mind you can detect disturbances in vaginal acidity, easily and without having to go to the GP for a test. The vaginal pH test strips immediately indicate the vaginal pH, so you can detect infections such as BV and Thrush early; this allows you to then treat the infection as quickly as possible.

What’s a pH imbalance?

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a change in the balance of the bacteria that is present in the vagina. The vagina will create discharge that is thin and milky with a strong fishy odour; a lot of women have no symptoms which is why 15-20% of pregnant women are diagnosed with BV. The probability of getting an infection from BV is increased and consequences of this can be:

• Premature birth
• Choriomnionitis also known as intra-amniotic infection (IAI). It is an inflammation of the two foetal membranes: the chorion, the outer membrane that is closest to the mother and physically supports the thinner amnion and the amnion, the inner membrane that has direct contact with the amniotic fluid surrounding the foetus.
• Premature rupture of the amniotic sac
• Fever during childbirth
• Post-partum endometriosis
• A bacterial infection of the new-born infant

Regularly using the vaginal swabs, you can reduce the risk of these consequences. Having the perfect pH balance can even aid conception; if you and your partner are trying for a baby, make sure your environment is right for creating your bundle of joy using one of these vaginal pH test strips. Avoiding disturbances to your pH can be as simple as changing the soap you use and the sooner you know, the sooner you can make the changes you need.

Our tips for a healthy vagina

Just like how saliva works to help cleanse your mouth; a healthy vagina will secrete a small amount of discharge to ensure cleanliness. The vagina is naturally acidic and contains nutrients that nourish the vagina with beneficial bacteria to fight off infections and to maintain that normal pH balance.

• Avoid using harsh soaps and body washes; they can have a pH balance of over 8 and although they smell like a basket of roses, the perfumes and fragrances can upset your pH balance, causing infections like thrush. You should use soaps that specialise in keeping a natural balance for your intimate area.
• Maintaining a healthy diet – a healthy diet doesn’t just keep your gut happy; it keeps your vagina happy too. A balanced full of nutrition and drinking plenty of water are key to a healthy vagina and healthy reproduction. Cranberry juice and yoghurt can be particularly helpful in preventing and treating yeast infections and cystitis. If you’re experiencing dryness, try adding more soy products to your diet; they contain a weak form of oestrogen that will help in developing natural lubrication.
• Always strap up – we don’t really need to tell you why BUT condoms help to protect you from sexually transmitted diseases and avoid any harmful bacteria being introduced to your vagina.
• Take a regular trip to the gynaecologist – although having your legs open and your feet in stirrups may not be the thing you look forward to every few months; it’s crucial in maintaining optimal vaginal health. Regular pap smears can detect changes in vaginal cells, diseases and disorders that may harm the vagina or your reproductive system. Don’t worry, they see them every single day, there’s no need to be embarrassed!
• Treat the infection as soon as possible – the most common infections are yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis. Indicating whether you have an infection can be detected easily with the vaginal swabs, but they need to be treated as soon as they are detected. If ignored they can lead to unpleasant, painful and serious problems in your reproductive health. Ignoring the infection will not make it go away!
• There is never too much lubrication – it’s vital in intercourse! Without it can cause irritation and chafing of the skin of the labia and sometimes can even cause tearing. although vaginal lubrication usually occurs when a woman is aroused; some women may not produce enough natural lubricant. In these cases, women have to use artificial lubricants to reduce the risks of tearing. Lubricants can help to enhance pleasure too! You should however avoid oil based products or those that are highly perfumed to avoid infection and condoms from splitting!
• Choose what clothes to wear carefully – believe us, it can take an effect on your vagina’s health! Your vagina should stay clean and dry, but certain fabrics can increase heat and moisture to the genitals, which could lead to bacteria overgrowth and infections. Avoid tight-fitting clothing and change out of those sweaty workout clothes as soon as possible
• Say TATA to tampons – believe us, tampons are the enemy! They are created with pesticides, dioxins, fragrances and furans that are incredibly harmful to your vagina’s pH balance. A tampon and sanitary towel’s job is to absorb; this means absorbing your natural moisture too. Swap to menstrual cups instead, they collect instead of absorbing and are made with body safe silicone that’s soft and flexible; reducing the risk of intimate discomfort and Toxic Shock Syndrome.

Keep the worries at bay and stay on top of your pH with EcoCare’s™ Comfort Vaginal pH-Test Cotton Swabs – it’s a simple as that!