Contents:
- Medical Video: Home Remedies for Bacterial vaginosis | How to Cure Bacterial vaginosis Naturally
- The acid level or vaginal pH determines the type of bacteria your vagina has
- Then, what should you do to keep your vaginal pH balanced?
- Then, what about the vaginal cleanser?
Medical Video: Home Remedies for Bacterial vaginosis | How to Cure Bacterial vaginosis Naturally
Did you know that the vagina is 'home' for 50 species of bacteria? Take it easy, you do not need to suddenly feel disgusted with your own vital organs. Bacteria in the vagina are good bacteria that actually help the vagina to make 'protection' so that there is no potentially harmful vaginal bacteria. So, is there a way to find out that your vagina is "inhabited" by good bacteria instead of bad bacteria? Of course there are, and you will find this article.
The acid level or vaginal pH determines the type of bacteria your vagina has
Have you heard the word pH? pH turns out not only in water or blood, the intimate part of femininity also has a pH that you should pay attention to. Why is vaginal pH important to note? Because pH or commonly known as acid base levels are directly related to the health of your vagina, especially related to vaginal bacteria.
According to Dr. Rinku Metha, a medical chief at the Frisco Institute for Reproductive Medicine, said that the first thing you need to understand about vaginal pH is that when the vagina has a normal pH or acid-base level, this vaginal pH can protect you from infection.
The acidic or vaginal pH level that is said to be healthy is between 3.5 and 4.5. If the vaginal pH increases, the potentially bad vaginal bacteria can multiply and risk causing fungal irritation, itching, and abnormal vaginal fluids.
According to Nina Helms, a sexual health expert, there are two roles of good bacteria that play a role in maintaining vaginal pH balance, these two bacteria are lactobacillus and corynebacterium. These two bacteria produce natural antibiotics called bacteriocins to reduce other bacteria that enter the vagina.
Keeping the vaginal pH acidic is important because the good vaginal bacteria, lactobacillus and corynebacterium, can only live in acidic pH conditions. When pH rises, of course these good bacteria can die. Though these good bacteria help suppress the growth of bad bacteria.
If the balance between good and bad bacteria is disrupted, then you can experience bacterial vaginosis. Bacterial vaginosis occurs when populations of bad bacteria such as gardnerella vaginalis, prevotella, peptostreptococcus, and bacteroides spp dominate.
Well, if you feel your vaginal discharge is large enough, smells, triggers itching, heat and swelling around the vagina, most likely, this is a sign that your vaginal pH is not balanced. Simply put, good bacteria in your vagina lose to bad bacteria.
Then, what should you do to keep your vaginal pH balanced?
The easiest way you can do to keep your vaginal pH balanced is to keep your vagina clean and make sure the vaginal bacteria that have a 'good' role remain in your vagina. Actually, this method is quite easy to do.
For example, after urinating (BAK) or defecation (BAB), wash with clean water from the front to the back, so that no bacteria from the anus that enters the vagina. If possible, wash with warm water. After that, dry using a towel, so that the area is not damp.
When using a tissue to dry the vagina, choose a soft tissue. Avoid using coarse tissue because it has the potential to cause skin irritation in the area, noting that the remaining tissue fibers stick to the vaginal surface, because it can cause itching and become a means for bacteria and fungi to develop due to moisture.
During menstruation, choose sanitary pads that do not contain fragrance. Immediately change pads if it's time. Do not delay, this is to minimize vaginal bacteria that could potentially harm your vagina.
Then, what about the vaginal cleanser?
Actually, you can clean your vagina just by washing it using warm water. However, if you want to use feminine cleansers, you can use a vaginal cleanser occasionally, but don't use it for a long time and make sure you clean only the outside area of the vagina.
Also make sure you choose a vaginal cleanser containing povidone iodine. According to a study povidone iodine content can restore normal levels of flora in your vagina so that it can help keep your vaginal pH levels normal.
