You ask whether there’s effect on your vaginal pH level from swimming regularly in a chlorinated pool or the ocean. The vagina is, in its natural state, not an open space but collapsed, that is, the walls are lying next to each other. Imagine a balloon before it is blown up.
The Basics of Vaginal pH
Firstly, let's talk about what pH means. pH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline a substance is, on a scale of 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. A healthy vaginal pH is slightly acidic, typically between 3.8 and 4.5. This acidity helps to keep the environment balanced and naturally wards off harmful bacteria.
How Swimming Affects Vaginal pH
When you go for a swim, your vagina is introduced to a new environment, which can be chlorinated pools, saltwater oceans, or freshwater lakes.
Does Chlorine Throw Off Your pH?
Chlorinated water has a pH of around 7.2 to 7.8, which is more alkaline than your vaginal pH. This can potentially disrupt the natural balance, leading to dryness or irritation.
Can the Ocean Mess Up Your pH Balance?
The ocean and salt water itself is unlikely to disrupt your body's pH balance due to the natural ability of your skin to act as a barrier and the homeostatic mechanisms your body has to regulate its internal pH.
While ocean water is typically more alkaline, with a pH around 8.1, this slight difference from the human skin's pH, which is mildly acidic at around 5.5, is generally not significant enough to cause a disturbance in the body's overall pH balance. However, prolonged exposure to saltwater can dry out the skin and may irritate it, especially if you have sensitive skin or open wounds, but this is not related to pH imbalance.
Freshwater varies in pH and can range from acidic to alkaline based on the presence of pollutants and natural minerals.
Preventing pH Imbalance While Swimming
To minimize the risk of disrupting your vaginal pH while swimming, consider the following tips:
- Rinse Off: After swimming, rinse your body and especially the vaginal area with fresh water to remove any residual chlorine, salt, or bacteria.
- Wear Appropriate Swimwear: Choose swimwear made from breathable fabrics and avoid staying in wet swimwear for prolonged periods, as this can create a breeding ground for bacteria.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps maintain your body's natural pH and supports overall health.
- Consider Probiotics: Eating foods rich in probiotics or taking supplements can help maintain a healthy balance of good bacteria in your vagina.
Understanding the Signs of pH Imbalance
If you experience symptoms like unusual vaginal discharge, odor, itching, or irritation after swimming, it could indicate a pH imbalance or infection. It's essential to listen to your body and seek medical advice if you notice any of these signs. Although not a replacement for proper medical care, you can also use an at home feminine pH Test Strip to check at home.
Conclusion
Swimming is generally safe for vaginal health, but it's important to be aware of the potential impact on your vaginal pH. By taking simple precautions, you can enjoy the benefits of swimming while keeping your vaginal health in check. Remember, if you have concerns about your vaginal pH or experience any adverse symptoms, consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Maintaining a healthy vaginal pH is just one aspect of your overall well-being. So dive in, enjoy the water, and take care of your body inside and out.
Related Read: Swimming and BV - What to Know
Dr. Barb DePree, M.D., has been a gynecologist and women’s health provider for almost 30 years and a menopause care specialist for the past ten.
2 comments
Generally the water from pools isn’t going to impact vaginal health as much as vulvar health. The vagina is what we call a ‘potential space’, in that it is collapsed in its natural state so water shouldn’t be getting ‘inside’ the vagina. 30% of women have Group B strep (GBS) as a normal inhabitant of the vagina, it is not a pathogen, and shouldn’t be treated as such. You can take antibiotics to eliminate but that bacteria will re-colonize. It’s likely you have always had GBS in your vagina. The only time we treat this is if you enter into labor, this can be adverse to newborns so we try to minimize exposure by using antibiotics in labor, but otherwise we don’t need to treat GBS. The vulva may be sensitive to certain pool exposure, but salt water tends to be the best option for women, their skin generally tolerates this quite well.
How does a salt water pool affect vaginal pH. Since starting water classes I’ve had problems with overgrowth of vaginal group b strep and advised boric acid suppository regime after course of amoxicillin failed to eradicate. I’m post menopausal, off HRT. Thank you