The female body is a true precious and delicate jewel, and for everything to function harmoniously, it is necessary to carefully care for every detail. The same goes for vaginal care, and for it to always remain healthy, it is very important to take care of vaginal pH.
The word pH is certainly not unfamiliar, and you have probably heard it somewhere, even if only seen on some product packages, especially hygiene products. But what does it have to do with vaginal health, and what is the importance of vaginal pH in a woman’s life?
What is pH?
The acronym pH comes from the term Hydrogen Potential and is divided into levels: acidic, alkaline, and neutral. pH plays various roles in the body in different ways, including in the vaginal area. In general, pH is the method used to assess and measure the degree of acidity of a location or certain solution. Its levels may vary according to changes in temperature and concentration of substances, acids, or salt.
In the pH evaluation scale, values from 0 to 14 are considered, where pH 7 is considered neutral, 0 indicates maximum acidity, and 14 indicates maximum alkalinity. pH is considered the thermometer of vaginal health and, to take the values into account, it is observed as follows:
- 0 to 7 – Acidic
- 7 to 14 – Alkaline
Vaginal Care
The female genital apparatus is made up of external and internal genital organs. These organs are extremely sensitive and deserve extra care and attention to keep them always healthy. The external area of the vagina has a protective layer that is naturally acidic and serves to prevent the multiplication of bacteria and invasive microorganisms. This acidic pH is a natural body defense system, which prevents infections, controls odors and irritations, and that is why it is so important to keep it always balanced.
The best way to keep the vaginal pH balanced is by caring for the vaginal area and appropriate hygiene. According to the Brazilian Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Associations (FEBRASGO), ideally, every woman should use products suitable for hygiene of the area, such as intimate soaps with an acidic pH, which are formulated and produced not to harm the sensitive mucosa and skin of the vaginal area. But here is the main question women have: if the vagina itself produces this protective mucosa to control pH, why use products for this purpose?
For couples trying to conceive, for example, it is essential to use lubricating gels that help control vaginal pH, prolonging the life of sperm in the body. FamiGel, in addition to improving pleasure during intercourse, acts as fertile mucus, helping to control vaginal pH and creating a suitable environment so that fertilization can occur more easily, unlike other lubricants that are not specifically produced for this purpose. You can purchase FamiGel here in our online store.
It is important to emphasize that, even though the vagina naturally produces self-protection, some external factors are linked to changes in vaginal pH and imbalances in the region, leaving the vagina more acidic than normal. This imbalance becomes harmful to female health, as do sweat itself, wearing very tight clothing, lack of ventilation, synthetic fabric underwear, and even improper hygiene of the area.
When we talk about inadequate vaginal hygiene, we are not referring to not showering, for example, but also to excessive cleansing and the use of incorrect products that alter vaginal pH, such as highly alkaline, bactericidal, or neutral soaps sold on the market, which can alter the vagina’s natural protective function.
When this imbalance in the vaginal flora occurs, the pH is altered and the vagina is left unprotected from invasions of bacteria and fungi, resulting in diseases in the area, such as some discharges, candidiasis, or vaginosis, which are very common conditions in these cases.
The Importance of Vaginal pH for Getting Pregnant
For women who are trying to conceive, it is important to understand the role of vaginal pH for fertility and to give an extra boost so that conception happens more easily. The vagina normally produces natural secretions of the female reproductive system, but when this is altered, with a different color and odor, it may indicate some complication in the region, including changes in vaginal pH due to fighting off some bacteria or fungus.
One of these highly harmful fungi that can invade the vaginal area is the Candida species, which causes candidiasis and drastically alters vaginal pH, making the environment completely hostile for the survival of sperm and thereby making conception difficult, as sperm may die before even attempting to reach the eggs. In this case, the problem is simple to solve by following the treatment indicated by the gynecologist, reversing the hostile mucus. After treatment, vaginal pH will naturally return to normal, providing a more pleasant environment for sperm.
As mentioned, vaginal pH will determine how long sperm can stay alive inside the female body. Therefore, using products that control vaginal pH and, consequently, prolong sperm life is essential for couples trying to conceive. Using lubricating gels such as FamiGel is a great option to increase the chances of pregnancy.
Does Vaginal pH Determine the Baby’s Sex?
It has always been known that it is the man who determines the baby’s sex through the chromosomes carried by sperm. However, through several obstetric studies, it has been observed that vaginal pH may also influence the determination of the baby’s sex.
According to this research, a more acidic vaginal pH is more favorable for a couple to conceive a baby girl, while a more alkaline vaginal pH favors conceiving a baby boy. But this connection is related to the environment being conducive to the resistance of the sperm carrying the chromosome that will determine the baby’s sex.
Through these studies, many couples have chosen to follow guidance to make the vaginal pH more suitable for the sex of the baby they wish to have. Considering that the X chromosome is female and the Y is male, research indicates that sperm carrying the Y chromosome are lighter, smaller, and faster but less resistant, and therefore are more likely to travel in an area with an alkaline pH. They can survive in the female reproductive system for about 24 hours.
On the other hand, sperm carrying the X chromosome are considered heavier, larger, slower, but more resistant, and have a higher probability of traveling in an area with an acidic pH, managing to survive on average 48 to 72 hours within the female reproductive system.
So, if you have a preference for a certain baby’s sex, you can follow some tips to make your vaginal pH more acidic or alkaline, giving a little help to the couple’s dream. Keep in mind that these are only possibilities and there is no 100% guarantee that the method will work, but every tip is welcome at this moment, isn’t it?
Talk to your obstetrician, get all necessary tests done, use lubricating gels that control vaginal pH, and follow all medical advice to achieve a healthy pregnancy. Having tests done even before getting pregnant is essential to avoid some complications during pregnancy and surprises concerning women’s health.
