The acidity of the vagina and its role in sexuality

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Extract from the article: The vagina is acidic. This acidity serves to protect it from microbes and keep its flora healthy. Being a cavity open to the outside, this warm, moist space could easily become a breeding ground for microbes if it did not have a system for self-clean

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The vagina is acidic. This acidity serves to protect it from microbes and keep its flora healthy. Being a cavity open to the outside, this warm, moist space could easily become a breeding ground for microbes if it did not have a system for self-cleaning and destroying microbes. It is therefore important to preserve the acidity of this area.

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

Vaginal acidity: is it dangerous?

No. On the contrary, it is important for the body because it keeps away germs that cannot tolerate acidity, as they cannot grow in it. In addition, the hydrochloric acid produced by the vaginal cells combines with an antiseptic, hydrogen peroxide produced by lactobacilli, to form a product that is highly toxic to sexually transmitted microbes. For example, it attacks the germs that cause gonorrhoea. This means that the risk of STI transmission is 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 taking certain pills alter the hormonal environment of the vagina. The introduction of certain types of clay or other foreign bodies into the vagina for long periods of time can also destroy the hormonal balance. Thus, once the vaginal flora is attacked, weakened or destroyed, the vagina becomes less acidic, much more fragile and susceptible to infections.

The vagina can naturally lose its acidity

After sexual intercourse without a condom, semen is present in the vagina. However, semen is not acidic at all, but rather alkaline. It therefore temporarily upsets the balance of the flora. This is why, a few hours after sexual intercourse, a strong odour may emanate from the vagina. This odour is neither that of vaginal secretions nor that of semen itself, but that of germs that take advantage of this temporary drop in acidity to multiply.

If this is the case, ladies, there is no need to worry. When the vagina is healthy, it will quickly regain its natural acidity and repel these microbes. Internal intimate hygiene after sex should be avoided. It contributes to upsetting the vaginal acidity and preventing it from regaining its balance. External hygiene or cleaning 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 as a very unpleasant odour, abnormal discharge, etc. When this occurs, she must treat the infection, but above all ensure that the acidity of the vagina is restored in order to provide it with a suitable environment. Otherwise, the infections will recur.

Elom AKAKPO (Source: Dr Catherine Solano, sexologist, France)