The acidity of the vagina and its role in sexuality

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Extract from the article: The vagina is acidic and more so than the rest of the woman's body. This acidity serves to protect it from microbes and to keep its flora healthy. As a cavity open to the outside world, this warm, moist space can easily become a nest of germs, if the

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The vagina is acidic and more so than the rest of the woman's body. This acidity serves to protect it from microbes and to keep its flora healthy. As a cavity open to the outside world, this warm, moist space can easily become a nest of germs, if there is no self-cleaning and microbe-killing system. The acidity of this area must be maintained.

The acidity of the vagina comes from the bacteria that live there and transform the sugar contained in the vaginal cells into lactic acid and from the mucus of the vaginal cells that contains hydrochloric acid.

Is vaginal acid dangerous?

No. On the contrary, it is important for the body because it keeps away germs that cannot tolerate acidity because they cannot grow there. In addition, the hydrochloric acid that comes from the vaginal cells combines with an antiseptic, hydrogen peroxide, produced by the lactobacilli to form a product that is highly toxic to sexually transmitted germs. For example, it attacks the germs that cause gonorrhoea. This being the case, the risk of STI transmission is therefore lower when the vagina is internally healthy or perfectly acidic.

Factors that can cause the vagina to lose its acidity

Several factors can damage the vaginal flora. Internal vaginal cleansing, the use of antiseptic products and the use of certain pills change the hormonal climate of the vagina. The introduction of certain forms of clay or other foreign bodies into the vagina for a long time can also destroy the hormonal climate. Thus, as soon as the vaginal flora is attacked, weakened or destroyed, the vagina becomes less acidic, much more fragile and receptive to infections.

The vagina can naturally lose its acidity

After sexual intercourse without a condom, sperm is present in the vagina. However, sperm is not acidic at all, but basic. It therefore temporarily unbalances the flora. This is why, a few hours after sexual intercourse, a strong odour can come from the vagina, an odour that is neither that of vaginal secretions nor that of the sperm itself, but that of germs that take advantage of this transitory drop in acidity to multiply.

If this is the case, ladies, there is little to fear. When the vagina is healthy, it will quickly regain its natural acidity and quickly repel these germs. Internal cleansing after sex should be avoided. It contributes to an imbalance in vaginal acidity and prevents the vagina from regaining its balance. External cleansing or cleansing of the entrance to the vagina with pure water or a specific hygiene product is sufficient.

What happens if the vagina is no longer acidic?

A woman whose vagina loses its acidity is at high risk of vaginal infections, which manifest themselves in a very unpleasant odour, abnormal discharge, etc. When this happens, she must take care of it. When this happens, she must treat the infection, but above all she must ensure that the acidity of the vagina is restored, so that it has a suitable environment. Otherwise, the infections will recur.

 Elom AKAKPO

Source: Dr Catherine Solano, Sexologist (France)