The rise in vaginal pH can increase the likelihood of vaginal infection.
Vaginal fluid acidity plays an important role in the maintenance of vaginal health. A women's normal vaginal fluid pH ranges between 3.8 and 4.5 which means the vagina is acidic, for which its acidity has been shown to be bactericidal. 1
Hormone levels play an active role in balancing vaginal pH. Changing hormonal levels (during pregnancy, menopause and menstrual cycles), can influence the vaginal pH balance. At menopausal stage, estrogen levels decrease, which leads to the loss of vagina elasticity as well as thinning of the vaginal wall. It also leads to decrease in vaginal secretions and alters normal vaginal pH and vaginal flora. 1,2
Other factors that may lead to vaginal Infection
Douching can change the necessary balance of vaginal flora that help to protect a woman from infection. Douching will only mask the vaginal odor for a short time and will make the problem worse. Douching can cause an overgrowth of harmful bacteria or yeast. If the infection exists, douching can push the harmful bacteria up into the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries and may lead to pelvic inflammatory disease.3
Use of tampons that absorb menstrual fluid for an extended period of time as well as its material may also lead to vaginal infection. Chemicals present in some tampons may also affect vaginal pH levels. Some women regularly experience vaginal infections following their periods for this reason. 2
Scented tampons, pads, powders and feminine deodorant vaginal sprays may also increase the chance of getting vaginal infection. 4
An elevated pH could occur for other reasons and a doctor should be consulted for further testing and treatment.
Mechanism of Action
Hylafem’s active ingredient, Boricum Acidum 2X in a Probiotic Blend base is an alternative homeopathic prescription remedy specially formulated to treat and relieve the symptoms of vaginal infections such as vaginal foul odor, burning, itching and irritation by restoring the normal vaginal acidity. It is a chemical substance with mild antiseptic, antifungal, and antiviral properties. A blend of lactic acid bacteria, Lactobacillus casei KE-99 and Lactobacillus gasseri JPS, and anti-oxidants - Vitamin C and E are added to the inactive base to help keep a healthy and balanced vaginal flora. Hylafem ingredients are delivered in a quick-dissolving vegetable capsule.
Boricum Acidum (Boric acid) has fungistatic properties, but the exact mechanism of action is unknown. It is postulated that the fungistatic effects of Boric Acid may be the result of its inherent properties as a weak acid. The acid penetrates the cell wall and disrupts the cell membrane of fungus and other pathogens by inhibiting the ergosterol synthesis.5
Delivering Boricum Acidum 2X in a Probiotic base, Lactic Acid Bacteria such as Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus gasseri, which are considered natural parts of the vaginal flora, effectively protects the vagina against pathogens by producing antimicrobials such as hydrogen peroxide, bacteriocins, and weak organic acids like acetic and lactic acid. Lactobacillus spp. ferment glycogen secreted by vaginal epithelial cells into lactic acid, and colonization by these microorganisms correlates to the low pH in the vagina. The acidic environment protects the vagina against overgrowth of pathogens. Low vaginal pH is also beneficial for other antimicrobials; hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is stable in this condition and bacteriocins are highly active. An increase of the vaginal pH leads to the decrease of the lactobacilli-associated antimicrobial activity. 6