A DELICATE BALANCE...

Simply put, feminine hygiene is the care of our most intimate areas as women - the vulva and vagina. We know that being comfortable and healthy in the V-zone leads to holistic well-being. It’s a very important pillar of overall health and wellness for women.

WHY DOES IT MATTER?

Even though half the world's population has one, vaginas are often still a taboo subject - and the health and hygiene of vaginas is even more so! Not speaking openly about feminine hygiene allows for the spread of misinformation and unhealthy practices that can be harmful to our vaginal health. Taking care of your feminine hygiene matters because you matter. You want to take care of your mental health, your diet, your skin... and the same should go for your V-zone - and that's why GynaGuard is here.

There are a whole host of products out there aimed at feminine hygiene - from menstrual products like tampons and period panties, to cleansers like intimate washes and wipes. They’re all designed to help with daily freshness and cleanliness, and make menstruating manageable. These products are designed for women in their teen years, through adult-hood, and even into menopause, and are there to make sure that you can master your feminie hygiene whichever stage of life you’re in.

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?

The 2 V's

Let's start with basic anatomy. When it comes to feminine hygiene, there are two V's that matter:
The vagina is internal. It provides a passageway for sperm, menstrual bleeding and childbirth. Good bacteria in the vagina help to create lactic acid and this acid, together with other secretions in the vagina make it a self-cleansing organ. That is why vaginal pH is so critical. If the pH becomes less acidic, it can allow bacteria and yeast to grow, causing infections. You should never put washes or soaps inside your vagina unless prescribed to do so by a doctor.

The vulva is external. It is skin, and needs to be cleansed just like any other skin on the rest of your body. Because the vagina opens up to the vulva, how you take care of your vulva affects your vagina. The cleaner it is, the better! Soap is not good for cleansing your vulva as many bath soaps are very alkaline and can upset your natural pH balance. Gynaecologically formulated washes are the better choice.

GynaGuard Intimate Washes are specially formulated cleansers that not only promote healthy vaginal pH but also include probiotics which support good, healthy bacteria in the V-zone.

These claims are specific to various products. Not all products have all claims. Please refer to the individual products on our product page for details.

All about pH

A normal vaginal pH is usually anything from 3.8 to 4.2. The lower the pH value, the more acidic. In the vagina, a higher pH value could cause infections as bad bacteria and yeast thrive i these pH levels.

So, what affects vaginal pH?
Medications - Antibiotics are prescribed to kill harmful bacteria, but they can also kill good bacteria. Other medicines can also affect one’s pH, including oral contraceptives. This does not mean you should not take prescribed medications, but just that you should support your V-zone’s pH with gynaecologically tested washes like Gynaguard’s Essential and Ultimate Intimate washes.
Menopause - One study has found that women tend to have higher pH levels during menopause, which is why feminine hygiene is a life-long endeavour.
Sex - As the pH of semen is the direct opposite of the vagina’s acidic environment, it may temporarily increase vaginal pH during sexual intercourse. This is normal, and usually the vagina will regulate it’s own pH again.
Stress - Stress can exert major pressure on both your body and your life, and it can affect your pH level too, so good mental well-being leads good physical well-being.
Poor hygiene - The vagina is designed to keep itself clean but it is still important to wash your vulva daily with products designed specifically to take care of feminine hygiene,
Good perineal hygiene - the cleanliness of the area between the vagina and the anus can heavily affects the overall cleanliness of the entire V-zone. Keeping this area clean by practicing good bathroom hygiene and washing daily is a good practice.
Other personal care products - scented detergents, soaps and feminine sprays could also contribute to an altered vaginal pH, so it’s best to be conservative when using these items around the vulva.

The GynaGuard range has proactively formulated our products to promote vaginal pH control. From washes and foam bath, to pantyliners and moisturising gel - GynaGuard has got you, and you’ve got this