What is a healthy vaginal environment?
In a healthy vaginal flora, both good and bad bacteria coexist in a state of natural balance. This balance is extremely fragile and imbalance could occur if the vaginal pH level is not as acidic. The ideal pH levels should be between 3.8 and 4.5. If the vagina is not acidic enough, usually caused due to a shortage of lactobacilli, then fungi and ‘bad’ bacteria can increase by reproducing more than they usually would.

What are the factors that can disrupt the pH levels?
Antibiotics: Taking antibiotics could cause the removal of good bacteria that help keep things working smoothly.
Periods: When women menstruate, the pH levels fluctuate. Menstrual hygiene products that absorb rather than collect menses, such as tampons, which hold the blood inside the vagina for longer than intended, tend to disrupt the pH and encourage bacterial or growth of yeast.
Wet clothing: Bacteria and yeast thrive in warm, wet environments, which is detrimental for maintaining a healthy pH level.
Douching or deodorising: The word ‘douche’ is French for ‘wash’ or ‘soak’. It is a method to wash out the vagina, usually with a mixture of water and vinegar.
Pregnancy: Vaginal infections are common during pregnancy, due to hormonal changes that alter one’s pH-balance.

What are the symptoms of an unhealthy vaginal environment? What are the causes and what are the treatment modalities?
Symptoms include a foul or fishy smell, unusual coloured discharge like white, grey, or green, vaginal itching and burning when urinating. There are various factors that affect the pH, including endogenous factors like humidity, sweat, vaginal discharge, menstruation, urine and faecal contamination, anatomical folding, genetics, and age, and exogenous factors like soap, detergents, cosmetic products, lubricants and spermicides, occlusion with tight clothing or sanitary pads, shaving, and depilation products. It is necessary to avoid these factors. 
While cleansing intimate area, it is important to select an intimate wash that is free from harsh chemicals and contains lactic acid.

What are the natural ways to maintain intimate hygiene?
Gentle vulvar cleansing is desirable and evidence suggests that it is an important aspect of female intimate hygiene and overall vulvovaginal health. Because of risks associated with internal washing, external feminine washes are considered more appropriate, particularly those containing lactic acid, with an acidic pH that augments skin homeostasis and may serve as a helpful adjunct therapy with vaginal infections or taking antibiotics. In addition to helping one reach the daily levels of calcium and vitamin D, yoghurt should be consumed since it is a plentiful source of the beneficial bacterial species of Lactobacillus.