What causes irritation to intimate skin?

Irritation can be caused by a change in pH level (how acidic or alkaline something is). The pH-balance of the intimate skin is different to the pH of body skin and is naturally more acidic to prevent and discourage infections. This low, acidic nature is caused by good bacteria ‘Lactobacilli’ that naturally inhabit the intimate area, helping to keep it clean and healthy. But there are times when this delicate pH-balance changes, leaving you prone to irritation and infection

What are the causes and symptoms of a pH-change?

pH levels change with age: before puberty and then again with the onset of the menopause. In between, there are a number of factors that can cause your pH to fluctuate such as:

• Antibiotics - which can wipe out your ‘good’ bacteria, leaving you at an increased risk of infection
• Pregnancy - the hormone levels alter the pH during pregnancy. The pH changes in breast feeding women too
• After sex - sweat and abrasion during sex can be an irritant and semen is alkaline so may alter the pH
• Contraceptive pill -The pill provides constant hormone levels but some women may experience some irritation in the week that they are not on the pill
• Heat and sweat - caused by wearing tight underwear or jeans, exercising, and intercourse
• Monthly cycle - hormonal changes during your monthly cycle alter the pH-balance and it’s least acidic on the days just before and during your period leaving you prone to infection. Sanitary protection products can also be irritants, particularly perfumed liners which can cause irritation especially if they are worn all day
• Some perfumed or high pH wash products - In the same way your body skin can be irritated by perfumed shower gels and creams if you have sensitive skin, the delicate skin down there can be easily upset. This is a very common cause of irritation

The most common symptom of a change in your pH is itching. When the intimate environment becomes irritated you want to naturally scratch which can lead to infection. Once you upset the vaginal pH-balance the skin naturally becomes sensitive and you are open to bacterial infections which will need to be treated by a doctor.

Why are some women prone to irritation more than others?

It’s purely down to skin type. Some women can do anything and never get a reaction. Also, women’s urethra, vagina and anus are naturally close together so bacteria can be easily spread. There is also a huge variation in the distance between the vagina and anus in women - some can be as close as a few mm apart and this closeness may mean they may be more prone to cross infection. Bacteria can be passed by wiping the wrong way after going to the loo or during sex too so it’s essential to keep the area as clean as possible.

I’ve heard that if you have an infection or irritation you should wash with water only. Is this true?

If you have an infection the most important thing is to limit irritation to sensitive skin, so advice in the past has been to restrict any use of soap or body washes. But we are talking about skin here and just as you want a clean face or underarms we all want to feel clean in that area too. There’s a good option in femfresh washes which are specifically formulated and safe to use to get clean in this area.

What causes irritation after sex and what can you do to reduce the risk?

The main cause is when bacteria that live quite harmlessly in the bowel get into the urethra. Another cause of infection is using unclean fingers or sex toys that carry bacteria to reduce the risk of infections urinate before and after sex to flush out any bacteria.

The pH-balance of your intimate skin is cnaturally more acidic to prevent and discourage infections. This low, acidic nature is caused by good bacteria ‘Lactobacilli’ that naturally keep your intimate area healthy. The pH of semen is alkaline so you need to wipe away semen as quickly as possible or you could upset your ‘good’ bacteria.

If you are highly prone to attacks its best to shower straight away using pH-balanced femfresh washes. If you can’t shower at the very least cleanse using femfresh wipes which will remove sweat, bacteria and leave a good pH environment. Remember to always wipe front to back too.

The use of spermicides with diaphragms alters vaginal flora, increases pH and decreases lactobacilli concentration which promotes irritation. If you are prone to irritation talk to your nurse about other contraceptives.

Is cystitis like cold sores, once you’ve had one infection you’re likely to get them again and again?

About half of all women have at least one bout of cystitis. For many, only one or two bouts occur in their lifetime. However, recurring bouts of cystitis occur in some women. This most commonly occurs in women in their late 20s, and in women over 55 and is usually down to bacteria pushed into the urethra during sex or bad hygiene habits, for a minority there is a significant problem and re-occurring attacks require medical investigation. If you are suffering re-occurring attacks you should discuss it with your GP who may decide to investigate further.

Why is irritation more common during pregnancy?

Cystitis and urine infections are more common during pregnancy than at other times.¹ One reason for this is the high levels of progesterone, the pregnancy hormone, which makes the bladder larger and more relaxed than usual so it does not empty as efficiently. Also, as the uterus grows it puts pressure on the bladder and urethra which can make it difficult to pass urine properly. When the bladder is not emptied, bacteria hangs around for too long and can multiply leading to infection.
¹www.babyworld.co.uk/information/pregnancy/pregnancyproblems/pregprobs_cystitis.htm

Why is irritation more common in menopausal women?

As the function of the ovaries decline, the body's estrogen levels drop. The pH level in menopausal and post-menopausal women also changes making it more alkaline.

How can I relieve the symptoms of dryness/irritation?

Whatever the cause or severity of dryness/irritation there are things you can do to relieve the symptoms. You can see your GP to discuss prescriptive remedies, but there are some steps you can take yourself to help.

• Take in lots more water than usual to ensure you are suitably hydrated. Avoid any dehydrating products like alcohol and caffeine.
• Avoid any intimate irritants, like perfumed shower gels, soaps or bath oils. Opt for femfresh Body Wash which is hypoallergenic and at the right pH-balance for the intimate area.
• Avoid strongly perfumed washing powders. Opt for the most sensitive on the market.
• Use a natural lubricant during sex.