HEALTH

I keep hearing about my pH balance. What is it, and why is it important?

The pH scale measures the relative acidity of a certain substance.  Maintaining a standard pH allows organisms to function properly in a certain environment. A healthy vagina is slightly acidic with a pH of 4.5 or less. When your vagina stays at this level, that means there is a healthy balance of good bacteria and yeast living there—and bacteria and yeast are what keep your vag clean and healthy.

A normal vaginal pH is around 3.8-4.5. To help keep the pH level around 4.5, you should clean your vulva with warm water. You do not need to use soap—your vagina cleans itself, so it doesn't’t need any outside help on that front.  

Eating foods like yogurt, kimchi, and miso (which contain loads of beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus) and taking a probiotic are great ways to maintain your pH balance. 

P.S. If you're a girl who loves to hit the gym, make sure you change out of your workout clothes ASAP after you finish your workout. Sitting around in those leggings, no matter how comfortable they are, could potentially end up with a yeast infection. Same story goes with wearing a thong to your spin class. Make sure you wear full coverage cotton panties to the gym. You'll thank yourself later.

Taking care of your reproductive health is majorly important. If you're concerned about anything going on down there, make sure to see your gynecologist and get checked out. 

We want to hear from you! Send us your weirdest body questions here (seriously, we'll answer anything!) and it just might get featured.

by Brittany Taylor and Audrey Bartholomew | 2/1/2016