Her-pH-and-flora-are-delicately-balanced.-Learn-how-to-keep-it-that-way

Her pH and flora are delicately balanced. 1,2 Learn how to keep it that way

She is your vagina and she is pretty phenomenal. Surely you would like to keep her that way, but sometimes something you may do will upset her delicate pH balance and make her unhealthy. Once that happens, she will be sure to let you know! Here are some general tips on how to keep her happy and healthy.

What to do

Visit your doctor or gynaecologist on a regular basis to discuss your vaginal health. It is recommended that a Pap smear is done annually in your 20’s, and thereafter every 3 to 5 years depending on your medical history and what your doctor recommends. 3 A Pap smear does not only screen for cervical cancer, but also detects inflammation and infection in your vagina, which can be treated. 4

If you see, smell or experience anything different, speak to your doctor.  Some vaginal infections may have a distinct fishy smell and cause excessive fluid discharge. 1 Hormonal changes during menopause may cause a dry vagina, a loss of good flora (Lactobacilli bacteria) in the vagina, and an increase in vaginal pH which can result in infections. 2,5

Lactobacilli bacteria produce lactic acid to maintain a slightly acidic environment inside the vagina. This ensures a healthy vaginal lining and protects the vagina against infections. Many harmful organisms do not grow so well in an acidic environment. When the balance is disturbed (there are too few Lactobacilli, or the pH of the vagina becomes too alkaline) harmful bacteria may grow and cause infection. 2,6

What NOT to do

Anything that upsets the pH balance in the vagina may lead to infection or can cause discomfort. 1,2,5,7

We all love the decadence of scented baths and shower gels, but they may give your vagina a not-so-lovely fishy odour! 7 Rather avoid perfumed soaps, bubble baths or shower gels.7  Your vagina is one feisty lady and knows how to clean herself naturally, proving once again just how phenomenal she is! It is not necessary to cleanse her excessively. Douching upsets the natural balance of your vaginal flora and increases the risk of infection. 7,8 Unsafe sexual practice is never a good idea and having multiple sexual partners may increase the risk of vaginal infection. 1,7 Furthermore, semen (has an alkaline pH) raises the natural, slightly acidic pH of the vagina, making it more alkaline, and this in turn could lead to more “bad” bacteria and less of the “good” Lactobacilli. Remember, Lactobacilli keeps the vagina healthy and keeps the vaginal pH at the optimum level i.e. acidic, to protect it against infections. Should you tend to get regular vaginal infections, consider speaking to your partner about using a condom or speak to your doctor or pharmacist about other management options. 2,8

Be your vagina’s best friend and know her intimate secrets. Help her to stay phenomenal. For further information on vaginal pH and vaginal flora, speak to your healthcare professional.

Name and business address of applicant: iNova Pharmaceuticals (Pty) Limited. Co. Reg. No. 1952/001640/07, 15e Riley Road, Bedfordview. Tel. No. 011 087 0000. www.inovapharma.co.za. For further information, speak to your healthcare professional. IN2697/18

References:

  1. Mayo Clinic. Bacterial vaginosis [online]29 July 2017 [cited 2 March 2018]; Available from URL: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bacterial-vaginosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352279
  2. Smith SB, Ravel J. The vaginal microbiota, host defence and reproductive physiology. J Physiol 2017;2:451–463
  3. Botha H, Cooreman B, Dreyer G, et al. Cervical cancer and human papillomavirus: South African guidelines for screening and testing. South Afr J Gynaecol Oncol 2010;2(1):23-26
  4. National Cancer Institute. Pap and HPV Testing [online] 9 September 2014 [cited 22 March 2018]; Available from URL: https://www.cancer.gov/types/cervical/pap-hpv-testing-fact-sheet
  5. Portman DJ, Gass MLS, on behalf of the Vulvovaginal Atrophy Terminology Consensus Conference Panel. Genitourinary syndrome of menopause: new terminology for vulvovaginal atrophy from the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health and The North American Menopause Society. Menopause 2014;21(10):1-6
  6. Soper DE. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV). Merck Manual Consumer Version [online] [cited 22 March 2018]; Available from URL: https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/women-s-health-issues/vaginal-infections-and-pelvic-inflammatory-disease/bacterial-vaginosis-bv
  7. Thrush and Bacterial vaginosis. Looking after your sexual health [online] [cited 22 March 2018]; Available from URL: http://www.sexualhealthsheffield.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/thrush-bacterial-vaginosis-information-and-advice.pdf
  8. Priestley CJF, Jones BM, Dhar J, et al. What is normal vaginal flora? Genitourin Med 1997;73:23-28