How can stress affect women’s intimate health?


Stress can cause an imbalance of the vaginal pH and alterations of the vaginal flora, favoring the onset of infections.

Stress is a problem that can be considered one of the evils of our time. This is because it is present in the daily life of almost all of us and has a negative impact on the health of the body, as the body is directly affected by emotions.




Emotions can also affect a woman’s immunity, making her more prone to developing vaginal infections and diseases.

Although stress is not the direct cause of female intimate health problems, it can cause vaginal pH imbalance and changes in the vaginal flora.

“Stress situations and low body resistance, depending on the impact, cause changes in the vaginal pH. In the case of the vagina, the healthy pH value is between 3.8 and 4.5, which is acidic,” he explains. Dr. Larissa Caetanogynecologist, obstetrician and specialist in high-risk pregnancy and humanized childbirth.

In addition to anxiety, excess stress causes an increase in cortisol and adrenaline levels, which disrupts the ideal conditions for the production of the necessary acidity, favoring the change of vaginal flora and pH.

“Due to the increase in cortisol caused by stress, the vaginal pH can become more acidic, causing an increase in secretion that favors vaginal secretions,” says the doctor.

Due to the weakening of the immune system, which is responsible for protecting the organism, the imbalance of the microbiota occurs and, with this, the development of infections such as candidiasis can occur.

“The healthy pH helps the vagina to stimulate the good bacteria, which produce lactic acid to keep the pH low and ideal. It also controls the bad bacteria, essentially functioning as a defense system of the intimate region, thus acting as a protective barrier for the vagina against irritation and infections “underlines Dr. Larissa Caetano.

To preserve intimate health, the gynecologist and obstetrician list five tips.

  1. Visit the gynecologist regularly: In addition to keeping your appointments up to date, don’t forget that it is essential to have your gynecological visits frequently.
  2. Never leave underwear to dry in the bathroom: In this way, the piece will be moist for a long time, favoring the appearance of fungi and bacteria.
  3. safe sex: At the time of intercourse, be sure to use a condom, as it is the best way to prevent sexually transmitted infections.
  4. Goal for a healthy diet for vaginal health: For example, excess carbohydrates and sugars can promote gynecological infections.
  5. Seeking treatment when infections appear: And remember: not all vaginal creams are the same, so don’t use them without your doctor’s advice.

“Sweating and choking, inadequate hygiene, very tight clothing and the use of antibiotics can also help to deregulate the vaginal pH. You have to be careful, because if you are in a very acidic environment, there is a risk of developing infections from fungi, such as Candidiasis. If it is alkaline, the woman can contract vaginosis “, concludes Dr. Larissa Cassiano.

🇧🇷The best content in your email for free. Choose your favorite Earth Newsletter. Click here!

Source: Terra