Yeast infections, Bacterial Vaginosis (BV), Vaginal Odor...

These are all affected by the pH of your most intimate areas. So why hasn't anyone explained this whole pH thing in the first place? Sounds like a quick lesson on what vaginal pH balance is would have been a good idea, right? Well buckle up buttercup, a pH lesson is happening right now.

Let's start with the basics:

The pH scale goes from 0 to 14. 0 being the most acidic (think batteries) and 14 being the most alkaline, or basic (think drain cleaner). For those of us visual gals, see the chart below. 

 

infographic pH scale

(pic courtesy of neptunecoffee.com)

This infographic is a great one. Based on the chart, it's easy to see that water is neutral, at a pH of 7. The million dollar question is: what is the optimal vaginal pH level?

The answer? Your vagina is happiest at a pH of 3.8-4.5....which means "she" prefers to be acidic. Not even slightly acidic, but all the way acidic. Have you ever noticed a "bleached" effect in your panties? Your vaginal discharge is acidic enough to even "bleach" or remove the color from your underwear fabric. 

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So why is pH balance important? When your vagina (both internally and externally) is pH balanced, it allows good bacteria to thrive and keeps bad bacteria and yeast at acceptable levels. When the pH balance is disrupted, or thrown off, it can lead to an imbalance in bacteria and yeast levels, causing all sorts of issues, including bacterial infections, BV, yeast infections, and more. So, any thing you use to clean your vagina (externally) should be pH balanced or more acidic in its composition. Let's be clear, we're stressing external, here. Douching is not healthy for your vagina, but cleaning your external vagina (aka vulva) is what we're talking about. 

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Let's put that into perspective. Soaps of all kinds are made from the same "base" and are always alkaline. They range in pH from 8-10, and some can be as high as 13! Not nice for your "kushae" aka vagina, as such a strong shift in your vaginal pH level is bound to cause issues. So what are you supposed to use to clean your most intimate areas with?

Dr. Barb, Board Certified OB/GYN, with clinical practices in Texas, recommends using an all natural, toxin free feminine wash, like KUSHAE's Gentle 2n1 Foaming Wash. "The Kushae Foaming Wash is ideal for a number of reasons. This vaginal wash product is pH balanced, hypoallergenic, and made with all natural and plant-based ingredients. Kushae, unlike many other brands, also does not contain glycerin which may lead to an increased exposure of STI's (sexually transmitted infections) according to recent scientific evidence (see our blog post about why glycerin can be dangerous for your vagina!). Kushae is gentle and effective and leaves a woman's intimate area with a moisturized clean."

So what about all the soap you bought that's stacked up in your bathroom? No worries. It is perfectly acceptable to use soap on your body but NOT on your vagina. Cleaning your vagina everyday with a pH balanced wash like the KUSHAE Gentle 2n1 Foaming Wash helps you reset your vagina's natural pH and allows your body to focus and use its resources on other tasks, i.e heart health, cellular growth, etc. While you're at it, check our other natural pH balanced products.

So yes ladies, it's time to separate "church" and "state". Soap on body, yes. Kushae Gentle 2n1 Foaming Wash on vagina...absolutely!

This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.