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How to control your pH level – and your feminine health

2020-02-17T15:20:21

(BPT) - The vagina is a delicate ecosystem that must be maintained at a normal pH of 3.8-4.5. Everyday events like your period, sex, soaps, certain medications and the water in a douche can all change the vagina’s natural balance because those elements have a pH of 7.5 or 8. When vaginal pH is disrupted, you might experience burning, itching or an unpleasant odor.

What to do? OB/GYN Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, Clinical Professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at the Yale University School of Medicine, offers the following tips to maintain good vaginal health on a daily basis:

1) Eat and drink for health: Drink plenty of water and cranberry juice, as it’s good for the bladder, and the acidity helps balance pH levels to relieve UTI symptoms. Foods high in sugar can increase the risk of yeast infections. So, avoid processed foods, alcohol and sugary drinks, and eat more fruits, veggies and whole grains to help prevent yeast issues and UTIs.

2) Avoid irritating wipes and soaps. Most vaginal odor is not the result of poor hygiene. The secret is to keep the vaginal pH balanced, instead of just masking the problem with scented soaps, fragrance sprays, irritating wipes and pads that can be harmful to delicate tissue. Over-the-counter RepHresh Gel keeps the pH balanced and eliminates odor for up to three days. Lingering bacteria can cause odor too. If you douche, remember to balance pH immediately after with RepHresh, or use their Clean Balance kit that includes a cleaning solution and pH balancer all-in-one.

3) Swap clothes after that sweat session. Yeast infections are common for avid exercisers because yeast tends to grow in warm, moist areas. Change out of wet bathing suits and tight exercise clothing right after that run, bike or hike and if you douche afterwards, remember it can actually destroy the healthy pH balance. That’s why it’s important to restore normal pH right after.

4) Be aware of BV. Symptoms of a yeast infection can include odorless and sometimes thick discharge, itching and burning. Many women think they have a yeast infection when they have bacterial vaginosis (BV), an increase of “bad” bacteria, usually caused by unbalanced pH. Symptoms of BV are often similar, but the discharge produced generally has an unpleasant odor. If you aren’t sure whether you have BV or a yeast infection, see your doctor for a proper diagnosis and solution.

5) Focus on the right probiotic. While there are yogurts that add probiotics to promote digestive health and immunity, no yogurts are shown to maintain vaginal health. RepHresh Pro-B is different from other probiotics, lactobacillus and acidophilus products because it is clinically shown to provide healthy probiotic lactobacillus that work to balance yeast and bacteria. With one capsule taken daily, you can help maintain healthy vaginal flora.

By following a few simple tips, you can stay healthy, feel confident, and decrease the risk of issues like unpleasant odor or itch.

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