How the pH Level in Feminine Wash Impacts Your Health

Learn How Choosing the Right pH-Balanced Feminine Wash Can Promote Overall Vaginal Health 

Intimate hygiene is an important and empowering aspect of self-care that everyone deserves to understand better. By choosing the right pH-balanced feminine wash and adopting healthy habits, you can support the delicate needs of your intimate area. Proper hygiene helps maintain the natural protective barrier, ensuring balance in the vaginal flora, and preventing discomfort, irritation, and infections. 

The intimate area has a naturally acidic pH, typically between 3.8 and 4.5, which supports a healthy balance of microorganisms. By using products that respect this natural balance, you help protect the intimate area from disruptions that could lead to infections. Prioritizing intimate hygiene helps you feel your best and empowers you to take control of your health and well-being.

What is Vulvo-Vaginal Hygiene?

Vulvo-vaginal hygiene refers to the care and cleaning of the genital area, which requires specific attention using gentle and pH-balanced products. The vulva and vagina have natural defense mechanisms, such as an acidic pH and beneficial bacterial flora, which help protect them. However, disruptions to this balance can lead to issues like:

• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Symptoms include pain while urinating, a constant urge to urinate, blood in the urine, and discomfort in the bladder area.
• Vaginitis: A general term for vaginal inflammation, which may be due to infections, irritants, or hormonal changes. Symptoms include increased vaginal discharge, a strong or unpleasant odor, itching, redness, pain during intercourse, and discomfort when urinating.
   

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or want to learn more, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment.

How to Keep Vaginal pH Balanced

To maintain vaginal health, it is essential to follow an intimate hygiene routine. Here are some key tips on how to keep vaginal pH balanced:

• Wash the vulvovaginal area with water or mild intimate gels twice a day (morning and night).
• Clean the external vulva, the folds of the labia majora and minora, and the area around the clitoris. Avoid washing inside the vagina, as it naturally cleans itself with vaginal discharge.
• Avoid vaginal douching, which can disrupt the vaginal pH and lead to inflammation or infection.
• Choose a pH-balanced feminine wash formulated to match the natural vaginal pH (3.8 - 4.5 for women of reproductive age). Avoid regular soap, shower gel, or shampoo, as they can alter the natural flora.
• Change menstrual products frequently and maintain good hygiene to prevent infections.
• Wear breathable, cotton underwear and avoid excessively tight clothing.
• Wash hands and the genital area before and after sexual intercourse.
• Always clean the perineal area from front to back to avoid spreading bacteria from the anus to the vulva.
   

Vaginal pH Changes Throughout Life

Vaginal pH varies at different stages of life:

• Childhood (pH ~7.0): The vulva is thin and delicate, making it more susceptible to infection or irritation due to a lack of estrogen.
• Reproductive Age (pH 3.8 - 4.5): Increased estrogen levels support diverse bacterial flora, mainly Lactobacillus, which helps maintain vaginal health. Factors like antibiotics or contraceptives can disrupt this balance.
• Menstruation: pH fluctuates, rising to neutral or slightly alkaline, increasing susceptibility to vaginal pathogens.
• Pregnancy (pH 4.0 - 4.5): Elevated estrogen and blood flow to the vaginal area increase cervical mucus production, making pH more acidic.
• Menopause (pH 5.0 - 7.5): Lower estrogen levels reduce Lactobacillus populations, increasing the risk of vaginal dryness and vaginitis.
   

How to Check Your Vaginal pH

If you suspect an imbalance, a gynecologist can perform a clinical examination using a pH strip to assess acidity levels. If you experience symptoms such as itching, dark-colored discharge (healthy discharge resembles egg whites), redness, or pain during urination, seek medical advice.

Choosing the Right Feminine Wash

Using the right pH-balanced feminine wash is essential for preventing discomfort and maintaining a healthy vaginal pH. Here’s why:

• Lactacyd^® Odor Fresh: Helps to keep intimate area odor-free for up to 24 hours.
• Lactacyd^® All Day Care: Made with natural milk extracts for daily cleansing.
• Lactacyd^® Pearl Intimate: Helps to brighten and even skin tone in the bikini area, made with natural marine extracts.
• Lactacyd^® Pro Sensitive: Specially formulated for sensitive skin, remove and replace with "to help protect from irritation especially during red days.
• Lactacyd^® Cool Sensation: Provides instant and long-lasting cooling sensation.