You may have heard of the term "thrush" getting thrown around in topics regarding vaginal health. Don't be alarmed. Thrush is actually just another word for a yeast infection. Yeast can grow in your mouth, throat, and other parts of your body, even on skin. Vaginal thrush (yeast infections) usually occurs when your vaginal pH is off-kilter. An unbalanced vagina can happen for a number of reasons, all of which can easily be corrected.

What is a Balanced Vagina?

We aren't talking about a juggling act here; a balanced vagina refers to the pH levels. The pH level of anything indicates how acidic, neutral, or basic it is. The vagina's optimal environment is slightly acidic, ranging between 3.8 and 4.5. The acidity encourages the growth of healthy bacteria (Lactobacillus), which can help stop harmful microbes and bad bacteria from attaching to the vaginal wall.

If the vaginal pH is out of range, it can cause a slew of infections "downstairs," including yeast. High pH levels can make you susceptible to yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and STDs like Trichomoniasis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. With that said, it is very normal to have an unbalance. Things like antibiotics, your period, and feminine products can all interfere with your body's natural level. Maintaining a balanced vaginal pH will keep the vagina clean and infection-free. 

Tips to Keep Your Vagina's pH Balanced

Fluctuations in pH balance are very normal. If you think something feels "off" down there, pick up Checkable's at-home vaginal pH test strips to see where your levels fall. If out of the normal range, here are some tips to keep your vagina happy and infection-free.

• Wear Cotton Underwear: Cotton lets the airflow down there. Moisture can cause yeast to overgrow.
• Feminine Hygiene Products: Tampons, pads, cups, disks, or scented soaps can disrupt your vaginal pH and encourage yeast and bacterial growth. Make sure to change them often and only use products that say they are paraben-free and safe down there.
• Probiotics: These are "good" bacteria. Either take supplements or eat foods rich in probiotics like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, kombucha, and raw sauerkraut.
• Use Condoms: Your partner's parts can cause unwanted bacteria in the vagina that can throw off your pH. 
• Apple Cider Vinegar: We are big fans of ACV. It has antimicrobial properties that keep harmful bacteria from forming. Apple Cider Vinegar gummies are a great way to get the perfect daily dose.
• Drink water: Water does help to cure all. It helps flush out bacteria to keep the pH levels in the normal range.

Now that you are a pro in vaginal health, we hope you and your vagina stay balanced and infection-free. But if a yeast infection should arise, we have some tips on how to ditch the itch fast and get your pH back to good. Testing your pH levels is simple and a fast indicator of a problem. Don't guess; test!