Does your vagina have more good bacteria or bad bacteria? & bull; hello healthy

Did you know that the vagina is "home" to 50 species of bacteria? Take it easy, you don't need to suddenly feel disgusted by your own vital organs. The bacteria that are in the vagina are good bacteria which actually help the vagina to make "protection" so that there are no potentially harmful vaginal bacteria. So, is there any way to know that your vagina is "populated" with good bacteria not bad bacteria? Of course there are, and you will find out in this article.

The acid-base level or pH of your vagina determines the type of bacteria your vagina has

Have you ever heard the word pH? It turns out that pH is not only in water or blood, the female intimate parts also have a pH that you should pay attention to. Why is vaginal pH important to pay attention to? Because pH or what is commonly known as acid-base levels is directly related to the health of your vagina, especially with regard to vaginal bacteria.

According to dr. Rinku Metha, chief medical officer at the Frisco Institute for Reproductive Medicine, said that the first thing you have to understand about vaginal pH is that when the vagina has a normal pH or acid-base level, this vaginal pH can protect you from infection.

The level of acid-base or vaginal pH that is said to be healthy is between 3.5 to 4.5. If the pH of the vagina increases, then potentially bad vaginal bacteria can multiply and risk causing yeast irritation, itching, and abnormal vaginal discharge.

According to Nina Helms, a sexual health expert, there are two roles of good bacteria that play a role in maintaining vaginal pH balance, these two bacteria are lactobacillus and corynebacterium. These two bacteria produce a natural antibiotic called bacteriocin to reduce other bacteria that enter the vagina.

Keeping the pH of the vagina acidic is important because the good vaginal bacteria, namely lactobacillus and corynebacterium, can only live in acidic pH conditions. If the pH rises, of course these good bacteria can die. Even though these good bacteria help suppress the growth of bad bacteria.

If the balance between good and bad bacteria is disturbed, then you can experience bacterial vaginosis. Bacterial vaginosis occurs when populations of bad bacteria such as gardnerella vaginalis, prevotella, peptostreptococcus, and bacteroides spp dominate.

Now, if you feel that your vaginal discharge is quite a lot, smells, triggers itching, burning and swelling around the vagina, chances are, this is a sign that your vaginal pH is imbalanced. Simply put, the good bacteria in your vagina are outdone by the bad bacteria.

So, what should you do to keep vaginal pH in balance?

The easiest way you can do to keep the pH of your vagina in balance is to keep your vagina clean and ensure that vaginal bacteria that have "good" roles remain in your vagina. Actually, this method is quite easy to do.

For example, after urinating (BAK) or defecating (BAB), flush with clean water from front to back, so that no bacteria from the anus enter the vagina. If possible, wash with warm water. After that, dry using a towel, so that the area is not damp.

When using tissue to dry the vagina, choose a soft tissue. Avoid using coarse paper towels because they have the potential to cause skin irritation in the area, pay attention so that the tissue fibers do not remain on the surface of the vagina, as they can cause itching and become a means of bacteria and fungus to develop due to humidity.

During menstruation, choose pads that do not contain fragrances. Change the pads immediately when it's time. Don't delay, this is to minimize vaginal bacteria that have the potential to harm your vagina.

Then, what about vaginal cleansers?

Actually, you can clean the vagina simply by washing it with warm water. However, if you want to use a feminine cleanser, you can use a vaginal cleanser occasionally, but don't use it for a long time and make sure you clean only the outer area of the vagina.

Also make sure you choose a vaginal cleanser that contains povidone iodine. According to a study, the content of povidone iodine is able to restore normal flora levels in your vagina so that it can help keep your vaginal pH levels normal.