Daily Habits That Alter Vaginal pH and Increase Infections: Common Mistakes Doctors Alert To
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- The vaginal pH, maintained by lactobacilli, acts as a natural barrier against infections, with an acidic environment around 4.5.
- Daily habits like diet, hydration, clothing choices, and hygiene practices can disrupt this delicate balance, leading to discomfort and potential infections.
- Factors such as high sugar intake, insufficient water, antibiotic use, stress, synthetic clothing, and harsh hygiene products can negatively impact vaginal health.
In Uruguay, El País addresses a sensitive yet crucial aspect of women's health: maintaining vaginal pH and preventing infections. The article, based on insights from gynecologist Belén Gómez, debunks the myth that hormonal changes are the sole culprits behind imbalances, emphasizing the significant role of everyday habits.
este equilibrio no es fijo y puede alterarse con facilidad.
We are informed that the vaginal ecosystem, dominated by beneficial lactobacilli, thrives in an acidic environment. Disruptions to this balance, signaled by changes in discharge or increased sensitivity, can lead to infections. The piece highlights how seemingly minor daily choices, from what we eat to the clothes we wear, have a profound impact.
El consumo frecuente de productos con alto contenido de azúcar, como la bollería industrial, puede afectar la presencia de bacterias beneficiosas.
The article points to specific dietary culprits, like excessive sugar, and advocates for probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt and kefir. Hydration is also stressed as essential for mucosal health. Beyond diet, the use of antibiotics, chronic stress, and even the choice of underwear—synthetic or tight-fitting—are identified as potential disruptors.
Una ingesta insuficiente de agua puede generar sequedad en las mucosas y repercutir en el pH vaginal.
Furthermore, the piece cautions against harsh hygiene practices, including overly hot showers or the use of aggressive intimate care products. It also notes the influence of detergent chemicals and the natural hormonal shifts during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. By bringing these factors to light, El País empowers its readers with knowledge to better care for their intimate health, moving beyond taboo to practical advice.
el uso de ropa interior sintética o muy ajustada genera calor y humedad, condiciones propicias para la proliferación de bacterias y hongos.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by El País in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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