Vaginal Health Through the Years

Vaginal health is a topic that many shy away from and find it hard to discuss. There are several factors that can affect the health of the vagina. The pH of the vagina is moderately acidic, between 3.8 and 4.5.  An alkaline environment will encourage fungal or bacteria growth. When the vagina becomes more alkaline, symptoms may develop such as burning, irritation, candida, odour, itchiness or discharge can occur at any age.  This can lead to Bacterial Vaginosis (BV), yeast infection or a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI).

Causes of Alkaline pH

The main causes of the pH in the vagina to become alkaline are using soaps, bubble baths, fragrant products, hot yoga, high intense workouts, but also a poor diet high in carbohydrates, sugar and processed foods and/or antibiotic use can all lead to encouraging yeast growth,  causes unpleasant symptoms. The vagina naturally has the ability to clean itself and replenish its natural lubrication, without any need to use soaps, shower gels or douches.  If there is an odor, this is a sign something is not right and should be addressed.

Sexual Intercourse

• Semen Has a Higher pH than the Vagina pH, Causing Temporary Imbalance
• Condoms Contain Chemicals That Prevent Natural Lubrication Replenishment

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• Naturally pH Fluctuates Can Increase Risk of Vaginal Infection
• Monitor pH and Consult a Doctor
• Leaky Bladder and Sweating Can Lead to Decrease in Vaginal Health

Menopause

• Decrease in Estrogen Causes pH to Rise
• Increase in pH Causing Vaginal Dryness
• Leaky Bladders, When Sneezing, Coughing or Jumping or Running
• Hot Flashes Causing Sweating Can Affect Vaginal Hygiene

During pregnancy and after childbirth many women will experience signs of a weak bladder.  Symptoms like a leaky bladder, during physical exercise, sneezing, coughing, frequent urination due to the bladder decrease in ability to empty fully.  Introducing kegel exercises and/or visiting a pelvic floor specialist can strengthen the muscles and improve bladder leakage.  If the bladder is not emptying fully it can lead to bladder infections and or a UTI. 

UTI Symptoms and Natural Treatments

• Frequent Urination
• Burning, Pain When Urinating
• Urge to Pee and Only Drops Come Out
• Cloudy Urine or Blood in the Urine
• Strong Odour From Urine
• D-mannose From Cranberry- Stops the Growth of Bacteria and Prevents Recurring Infections-use Daily for Prevention
and Before Intercourse
• Vitamin C, Cranberry Juice, Lemon Juice, Apple Cider Vinegar to Alkaline Urine, Preventing Bacteria From Growing
• Probiotics to Replenish After Antibiotic Use and Prevention
• Colloidal Silver, Argentyn Silver, Oregano Oil, Garlic for Natural Antibiotics, Antimicrobial
• Increase Water and Non-caffeinated Teas to Flush the Bladder and Kidneys
• Decrease Sugar Consumption to Avoid Feeding the Bad Bacteria

Candida/Yeast Infection Symptoms and Natural Treatments

• Cottage Cheese Type Vaginal Discharge-overgrowth of Yeast-no odour
• Itchy, Irritated Vagina and Vulva
• Pain, Swelling and Rash
• Antifungals, Oregano Oil, Caprylic Acid (Coconut), Apple Cider Vinegar, Candida Cleanses
• Reduce/omit Consuming Sugar and Carbohydrates
• Probiotics to Replenish Good Bacteria and Prevention
• Vaginal Probiotic Suppositories
• Wear Cotton Underwear
• Soaking in Diluted Apple Cider Vinegar

Bacterial Vaginosis

• An Overgrowth of Bacteria
• Grey, White, or Green Discharge With Fishy Odor
• Itchy and Burning When Urinating
• Due to Unprotected Sex, Use of Douches, Soaps, or Fragrance
• See a Doctor for Diagnoses
• Probiotics and Probiotic Suppositories
• Garlic, Colloidal Silver, Argentyn Silver, Oregano Oil,
• Tea Tree, Coconut Oil
• Wear Cotton Underwear and Practice Healthy Hygiene

Vaginal Dryness

• Burning, Irritation, Pain, and Dryness During Sex
• Bleeding, Spotting During and After Sex
• Perimenopause, Menopause, Hormonal Imbalances After Pregnancy
• Sensitive When Urinating
• Insufficient Lubrication
• Reduced Estrogen
• See Doctor to Check Hormones to Know Imbalances
• Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, Jojoba Oil, Vitamin E,
• Aloe Vera,
• Natural Lubricants, St. Francis Cala-gel

Maintaining Optimal Vaginal Health

• Limit Sugar and Carbohydrate Intake
• Take Vitamin C Daily
• Consume Probiotic Foods, Yogurt
• Eliminate Feminine Hygiene Products
• Use 100% Organic Cotton Menstrual Products-avoid Synthetic Tampons and Pads
• Use Natural Lubricants
• Consume 1-2 Tbs Apple Cider Vinegar Daily With Water. (Braggs, Filsner)

In order to properly diagnose the above vaginal  concerns, one should consult a Practitioner.