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vaginal issues. A vaginal pH of 3.5 to 4.5 indicates that there is a perfect amount of good bacteria (lactobacilli) and no overgrowth of the bad bacteria that can cause odor and irritation. An elevated pH means that the healthy flora of the vagina may struggle to survive, while harmful bacteria can thrive.” Here are a few of the most common questions:
1
Sometimes I have an odor the morning after sex. Why does it happen and what can I do? Don’t worry — you aren’t dirty and washing with perfumed soap or douching won’t help — it will only make it worse. This happens because your vaginal pH has been thrown out of balance. Think of your vagina as a delicate ecosystem that needs to be maintained at a pH of 3.5 to 4.5. The pH of semen has a pH of 7.1 to 8, so, when introduced to the vagina, an odor or itch can occur, usually the morning after having sex. Lots of women douche to feel clean and fresh but water has a pH of 7. While it might make you feel fresh for a short time it won’t solve the problem. Here’s what you can do: Over the counter, RepHresh Gel has been clinically shown to restore normal vaginal pH and eliminate odor without a prescription as it bonds to the vaginal walls and provides long-lasting support for up to three full days. Avoid douching unless you balance pH afterward. Try RepHresh Clean Balance. Don’t use feminine products that contain deodorants or scented soaps
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2I have a lot of discharge and
irritation, but over-the-counter yeast medications don’t work. What should I do? Less than one-third of women who think they have a yeast infection actually do. Two thirds instead suffer from bacterial vaginosis (BV), a proliferation of “bad“ bacteria, often caused by an unbalanced vaginal
pH. If you aren’t sure whether your symptoms indicate BV or a yeast infection, see your doctor before you apply any over-the-counter treatment. Once BV is diagnosed, a course of antibiotics is required to eliminate the symptoms. Recurrence rates are very high. The best way to prevent recurrent BV is to maintain a normal vaginal pH and keep yeast and bacteria balanced every day. RepHresh Pro-B contains the strains of probiotics that specifically promote vaginal health to balance yeast and bacteria every day. Pro-B contains Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14, two clinically documented probiotic lactobacilli specifically optimized for vaginal health as opposed to a probiotic or yogurt that supports immunity or digestion.
3Is there anything I can use
when I’m traveling or at the office for immediate relief? RepHresh Cooling Relief Vaginal Anti-Itch Spray is for relief of odor and itch, on the go. The unscented 2-in-1 spray contains hydrocortisone, the No. 1 doctor-recommended anti-itch ingredient, and has a portable design that sprays in any orientation, even upside-down for ease of use any time. Going to the gyno may not be top of the list, but it should be right up there. If you are nervous about the exam take your notes and questions in with you so you don’t forget. Talking about your anxieties can make the rest of the appointment a piece of cake. (BPT). l
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2019
FLUENTIAL 69
