March 7, 2024 – Let’s start with this: Your vagina “naturally” self cleaningThis means it doesn't need to be washed or rinsed to be „fresh.“ ”
That's the conclusion of Dr. Karen Adams, a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Stanford University School of Medicine and an obstetrician-gynecologist.
But there's a common misconception that a vagina needs to smell and taste luxurious to indicate it's healthy, according to Heather Ilovanda, M.D., an obstetrician-gynecologist at NYC Health + Hospitals. That's what it means. „People expect their vaginas to smell like roses, chocolate, or a sickle of orange cream,“ says Ilovanda. „A vagina smells like a vagina.“
Nevertheless, vaginal health gummies are all the rage on TikTok and Instagram, being touted by celebrities and influencers touting the supplement's health benefits. vagina Optimized shape through improvements pH balance, taste, smell, freshness. These products are sold at major U.S. retailers such as Amazon, Target, and Ulta Beauty, and experts like Adams and Ilovanda wonder how long it takes these candy-sweet supplements to get into the vagina. They offer opposing views on what is safe, effective, and necessary. The „most favorable state“ is itself a controversial characteristic.
The vaginal biome, or vaginal flora, is microorganisms It shapes the function of the vagina. For a healthy vagina, pH balance About 4.0. The pH scale measures the acidity of a substance. The range is 0 to 14, with 0 being the most acidic, 7 being neutral, and 14 being the most basic. For example, battery fluid has a pH of 0, water has a pH of 7, and drain cleaner has a pH of 14.
The vagina organically produces probiotics, or „healthy bacteria.“ lactic acid bacteriaa small amount yeastsaid Mr. Adams.
The vagina also contains „bad bacteria,“ and when the good bacteria grows, it can cause a pH imbalance.When this happens, it is called an infection. bacterial vaginosis (BV), which can lead to changes in the natural taste and odor of the vagina.
Many vaginal health gummies are not FDA approved as health supplements and contain beneficial bacteria.Lemme Purr, the vaginal gummy created by Kourtney Kardashian Barker, contains: bacillus coagulansThis is a clinically studied probiotic that does not occur naturally in the body and has been shown to pass from the highly acidic stomach to the vagina. „SNZ 1969 is a powerful stand-alone strain in supporting the vaginal biome, especially in preventing the overgrowth of harmful bacteria, including those that cause bacterial vaginosis,“ says Lemme Purr, Certified Functional Medicine Nutritionist. said advisor Leona Fox. .
Lemme Purr is also sold in capsules containing three varieties of SNZ 1969. lactic acid bacteria Strain. “The four main strains in Lemme Purr promote a balance of vaginal bacteria and promote optimal pH levels for a healthy vaginal environment,” says Fox. „This helps maintain normal vaginal taste and odor.“
But again, some experts stress that the vagina doesn't need any additional products to function properly.
Adams says there's also an old myth that eating pineapple makes your vagina taste better, but that's not true. But there are foods that contain natural probiotics that increase the number of good bacteria in the vagina, Ilovanda said. These include sauerkraut, yogurt, kimchi, etc. fermented food.
Important note: If your vagina smells bad,Shady smell” or if you notice a green or gray watery discharge, this is a clear sign of bacterial vaginosis. Don't reach for vaginal health gummies. See your doctor right away, as these types of vaginal infections require special treatment and antibiotics from a qualified medical professional.
Other tips for maintaining a naturally healthy vagina, according to Ilovanda, include removing your underwear before bed (let your vagina breathe!) and washing both your vulva and vagina with only water. There are many things that can be mentioned. If you use soap, make sure it is unscented. Increasing your water intake can also help. “Hydration is key because different people have different personalities. vaginal secretions” said Ilovanda.
Most importantly, always try to differentiate between anxiety about the natural state of your vagina and a serious vaginal infection. „I'm especially concerned that young women, teenagers, are buying into the idea that their vaginas stink or taste bad,“ Adams said. „This is absolutely harmful to young women! Our vaginas are normal and perfect the way they are.“