March 7, 2024 – Let’s start with this: Your vagina “is natural self-cleaningThis means it does not need to be washed or rinsed to be “fresh”. ”
That's the conclusion of Karen Adams, an ob-gyn and clinical professor within the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Stanford University School of Medicine.
However, in accordance with Heather Irobunda, MD, an ob-gyn at NYC Health + Hospitals, there's a standard misconception that vaginas have to smell and taste fancy to point they're healthy. “People have an expectation that their vagina should smell like roses, chocolate or orange crescent,” Irobunda said. “The vagina should smell like a vagina.”
Despite this, vaginal health gummies are trending on TikTok and Instagram, with celebrities and influencers touting the supplements' effectiveness vagina in optimal form by improving its pH balance, taste, smell and freshness. Because these products are sold at major U.S. retailers like Amazon, Target, and Ulta Beauty, experts like Adams and Irobunda have opposing views on how secure, effective, and vital these sweet supplements are to get your vagina stepping into the “cheapest state.” – a controversial term in itself.
The vaginal biome or vaginal flora is stuffed with microorganisms that shape how your vagina functions. A healthy vagina has one pH balance of around 4.0. The pH scale measures the acidity of a substance. It ranges from 0 to 14, with 0 being essentially the most acidic, 7 being neutral and 14 being essentially the most basic. For example, battery acid has a pH of 0, water has a pH of seven, and drain cleaner has a pH of 14.
The vagina organically produces probiotics, or “healthy bacteria,” equivalent to: Lactobacillustogether with small amounts of YeastAdams said.
The vagina also comprises “bad bacteria” that may disrupt your pH balance nearly as good bacteria grow out. If this happens, it known as an infection bacterial vaginosis (BV) can occur and cause a change within the natural taste and smell of your vagina.
Many vaginal health gummies that aren’t FDA-approved as dietary supplements contain good bacteria. Lemme Purr, Kourtney Kardashian Barker's vaginal gummies, comprises Bacillus coagulansor SNZ 1969. It is a clinically studied probiotic that doesn’t occur naturally in your body and has been proven to make its way out of your highly acidic stomach to your vagina. “SNZ 1969 is a powerful, standalone strain for supporting the vaginal biome, particularly preventing the overgrowth of harmful bacteria, including those that lead to bacterial vaginosis,” says Leona Fox, certified functional medicine nutritionist and consultant to Lemme Purr.
Lemme Purr can be sold in capsules containing SNZ 1969 in addition to three kinds of it Lactobacillus Tribes. “Four key strains in Lemme Purr promote the balance of vaginal bacteria and promote optimal pH levels for a healthy vaginal environment,” Fox said. “This, in turn, helps maintain normal vaginal taste and smell.”
But again, some experts emphasize that the vagina doesn’t need any additional products to operate properly.
There's also the age-old myth that eating pineapple can increase the taste of your vagina, which is fake, Adams said. But there are foods with natural probiotics that may increase the number of excellent bacteria to your vagina, Irobunda said. These include sauerkraut, yogurt, kimchi and others Fermented foods.
An essential note: If you notice that your vagina smells”fishyOr you notice green or gray, watery discharge, which is a telltale sign of bacterial vaginosis. Don’t reach for vaginal health gummies. Instead, consult your doctor immediately as these types of vaginal infections require special treatment and antibiotics from a licensed doctor.
Other tips for a naturally healthy vagina include removing your underwear before bed (let your vagina breathe!) and using only water to clean your vulva and the inside of your vagina, Irobunda said. If you decide to use soap, make sure it is fragrance-free. Increasing your water intake can also be helpful. “Hydration is crucial because people actually see differences in their character vaginal dischargesaid Irobunda.
Above all, always try to differentiate between uncertainty about the natural state of your vagina and a serious vaginal infection. “I'm particularly concerned that young women – teenagers – might buy into the concept that their vaginas 'stinks' or 'tastes bad,'” Adams said. “This is completely harmful to young women! Our vagina is normal and ideal the way in which it’s.”