I am sure that all of us have used invasive treatments for our body and for our intimate health, if you do not think of it that way, remember that disposable pads and tampons are external and harmful agents for our vagina. They are able to generate infections, irritations, alter our pH and in turn, our bacterial flora (which is very important to maintain) but, what is pH and how is it represented in our intimate area?

Is basically the degree of alkalinity or acidity that we can present in certain areas of our body, such as the stomach, the vagina and our entire body itself, but each of these areas has a different degree of acidity and alkalinity to the other. As in this exhibition we are talking about the pH in our intimate area, we know that generally outside of menstruation the level should be neutral (it should be between 4.5 and 5), during menopause or menstruation it rises (between 6.8 and 7.2) and finally during pregnancy it has the ability to go down to 4.

Let's take into account that the higher the number, the more alkaline it is and the lower the number, the more acidic it is. I leave you a table to guide you.

Why is it important to take this into consideration? Well, over the years we have seen how much of the pharmaceutical industry has bombarded us with intimate cleansing products such as special soaps, special douches, ovules and not only cleansing products but also menstrual products, i.e. pads and tampons.

Well, the excessive use of these products can completely transform our pH and this could bring with it the risk of infections. If, for example, our pH is lowered to 4.2 acidity, we are at risk of developing candida. These products are capable of altering our pH in such a way that we can contract this type of infections.

But you may wonder, aren't infections contracted through sexual activity? And the truth is that most of them do, but in our vagina we have the famous bacterial flora or vaginal microbiota, it stores fungi and bacteria in a way let's say balanced, when this microbiota is altered any of these fungi or bacteria can reproduce unstoppably and cause an infection.

So basically everything is connected, having an imbalanced pH alters our flora causing this risk. This can be altered due to excessive hygiene products, taking high-spectrum antibiotics, stress, contraceptive methods (such as diu, condoms, pills), use of inadequate underwear (lace, synthetic).

That is why it is very important the decision we must make regarding invasive methods of contraception (such as pills), with the hygienic care and also, with the choice of underwear. But Daniela, all my life I have used intimate soaps because that is how I have learned to take care of myself, now what can I do?

Well, there is really not much to worry about, our vagina basically cleans itself, it is designed to do so, that is why we never stop lubricating or throwing different flows (of course, you should always pay attention to the color and texture of it to identify problems). That's all, we don't really need anything else to take care of it or clean it, besides, our menstrual cycle also serves the function of doing a hygienic job. What we can use are natural baths from time to time and, especially when rituals are planned. Another thing is, if you have accustomed your flora to the excessive use of chemicals, you will notice a change when you stop using them, one way to recover the pH is by using apple cider vinegar.

A very practical tip for those of you who are irritated by pads, prepare a pot of chamomile tea and put it to cool, when you feel itching or burning apply it to the area, it will immediately soothe the uncomfortable sensation.

If you have any questions regarding more care for your intimate area such as natural baths or solutions, leave your question and it will be answered next week. Next week we will talk about some infections and their natural treatments and taking basal temperature. 

As a last tip, using ecological pads or menstrual cups is a great gift for your intimate health, get it if you have not yet made the step, plus you will benefit the planet in the change.

We will meet again, Daniela. xx