“How to help vaginal pH despite frequent sex?”
I have a rather vigorous sex life with my fiancé and was wondering if there is anything I can do to help my pH balance after having frequent unprotected sex. Neither of us has an STI, but the odor is notably different. I know douching isn't good for a vagina's pH, but could it help correct it?
Female | 23 years old
Complaint duration: Months
3 Answers
Need to go to a clinic or gym physician to take a swab and determine what will be the correct treatment.
Good luck,
Dr. Chaudhury
Good luck,
Dr. Chaudhury
Clean yourself as you do with for feminine hygiene. No douching as you correctly noted. If the odor persists, see your primary doctor for further testing and possible treatment.
There is nothing wrong or unhealthy about an active sex life. The vagina should keep itself clean and balanced once you are settled into a rhythm.
While the vaginal odor may certainly change, you may want to visit your gynecologist to make sure the change in odor is not due to a yeast or bacterial infection. You say neither of you has an STI. That is good news as long as you have both been TESTED negative for STI’s. If you have not BOTH been tested negative, you should go now for urine testing for gonorrhea and chlamydia and blood testing for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
You are correct that douching is not recommended and may actually increase the incidence of infections. You can help balance the pH by drinking 8 ounces of cranberry juice per day and eating yogurt with acidophilus. You could take supplements for either instead if you don’t enjoy drinking cranberry or eating yogurt.
Finally, if the pH still seems to be off, you can use the occasional boric acid suppository to re-acidify the vaginal pH. 600mg suppositories are available on Amazon or at drugstores.
Of course, you should be performing proper vaginal hygiene. Wash with water only or a mild cleanser like Cetaphil if you must. Do not use vaginal wipes or other scented soaps or cleansers. Wear cotton panties. NEVER thongs. Take your panties off at night. If you must wear something at night, loose boxers or pajama bottoms of cotton are preferred.
While the vaginal odor may certainly change, you may want to visit your gynecologist to make sure the change in odor is not due to a yeast or bacterial infection. You say neither of you has an STI. That is good news as long as you have both been TESTED negative for STI’s. If you have not BOTH been tested negative, you should go now for urine testing for gonorrhea and chlamydia and blood testing for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
You are correct that douching is not recommended and may actually increase the incidence of infections. You can help balance the pH by drinking 8 ounces of cranberry juice per day and eating yogurt with acidophilus. You could take supplements for either instead if you don’t enjoy drinking cranberry or eating yogurt.
Finally, if the pH still seems to be off, you can use the occasional boric acid suppository to re-acidify the vaginal pH. 600mg suppositories are available on Amazon or at drugstores.
Of course, you should be performing proper vaginal hygiene. Wash with water only or a mild cleanser like Cetaphil if you must. Do not use vaginal wipes or other scented soaps or cleansers. Wear cotton panties. NEVER thongs. Take your panties off at night. If you must wear something at night, loose boxers or pajama bottoms of cotton are preferred.
