More info on VAGINAL PH

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I'm also adding some notes from my files here. From Medscape etc: Various notes I've put together from Articles below. Dee~1.(Candidiasis) typically presents as a thick, "curdled" whitedischarge or vulvar pruritus (itching), with a hyperemic vagina and anerythematous and/or excoriated vulva. Vaginal pH is usually in thenormal range of 3.8-4.2 in uncomplicated CANDIDIASIS!! ( A higherACID RANGE) the lower the number the higher the acid range. *mynote*. anything lower than this would be definitely complicatedCandida in my opinion*. dt.2.(Bacterial vaginisis) ..Its presence represents a change in thevaginal ecosystem, specifically a *decrease in lactobacilli*, whichis part of the

normal flora; a proliferation of pathogenicinhabitants of the vagina; and an elevation of pH (>4.5).Despite exhaustive basic research, it is unclear whether the declinein lactobacilli, proliferation of pathogens, or rise in pH*initiates the cascade.3.(overgrowth of Lactobacilli) Still within the realm of infectiousetiologies are other causes of vaginal discharge. One is termedlactobacillosis or Döderlein cytolysis. This entity is characterizedby an 'overgrowth' of the commensal lactobacilli *The pH is typicallylow-normal.* Treatment, therefore, is directed at correcting the disruption ofthe vaginal ecosystem in order to limit the excessive proliferationof these protective organisms. *note*...Broad-spectrum antibioticsmay lower the proliferation of the lactobacilli, and alkaline(sodium bicarbonate) douches may raise the vaginal pH to restore theecosystem.4.(inflammatory

Vaginitis) Another entity, inflammatory vaginitis,features a *vaginal pH above 4.2,*Large numbers of leukocytes, and some parabasal and basal vaginalcells, with a paucity of superficial squamous cells. Cliniciansoften find that patients are infected with group A or group Bstreptococcus. Therefore, because infection is suspected to underliethe inflammation and desquamation, treatments directed againstbacterial vaginosis are recommended.5. A vaginal pH of *6.0 to 7.5* in the absence of bacterialpathogens is strongly suggestive of menopause, while a vaginal pH in the 5.0 to 6.5 range indicates a bacterial pathogen OR decreased serum estradiol, according to C. Caillouette, M.D., an ob-gynin private practice in Pasadena, Calif. He also says states: "Wouldn't it be better to encourage women's health-care practitioners to provide

estrogen-replacement therapy in such a way as to discover which dose is ideal for each patient?," he asked. "The goal of [hrT] is to achieve patient compliance, resulting in a vaginal pH of 4.5, with relief of menopausal symptoms and side effects." It would be individually prescribed according to needs using the Ph levels. 6.Lactobacilli (acidic) maintain the healthy vaginal ecosystem by atleast 3 mechanisms: Their production of lactic acid maintains a normal vaginal pH of*4.0 (3.8-4.2).* This acidic milieu is hostile against theproliferation of the aforementioned potentially pathogenic species.Their production of hydrogen peroxide is toxic to the anaerobicmicroflora. *my note* some suggest baths with Hydrogen peroxide or 'splashes' for the same reason as the vinegar for the integrity of the skin. DT. Their micropili (tiny

projections from the cell wall) adhere toreceptors on the vaginal epithelial cells, preventing adherence ofpotential pathogens. The transition from normal toward abnormal,(too hi in lactobacilli) particularly in the case of BV, entails anelevation of pH and a relative shift from a predominance oflactobacilli toward one of pathogenic organisms (mostly coccoidbacteria).An aside: The case for not using Tampons:Women should be advised to allow the menstrual flow to pass throughthe vaginal canal naturally, as the alkaline nature of menstrualfluid combines with the acidic vaginal environment, balancing thechemistry (pH) of the vagina with normal, healthy flora.