Vaginal pH plays an important role in your overall vaginal health, but it’s not something many people talk about.
Your vagina has its own ecosystem of bacteria that helps protect against infections. When your vaginal pH balance is off, it can lead to symptoms like odor, irritation or infection.
Understanding what’s normal and what can disrupt your vaginal pH can help you keep it balanced and healthy.
Amy Snell, a women’s health nurse practitioner with Banner Health, is here to shed some light on this important topic and what to do if there’s ever a problem.
What is vaginal pH and what is normal?
Vaginal pH measures how acidic or alkaline your vaginal environment is on a scale of 0 to 14. For reference, a pH of 7 is neutral. Below 7 is more acidic, and anything above 7 is more basic (alkaline).
“A healthy level of vaginal pH for a person in reproductive years is 4.0 to 4.5 acidic and can be higher than 4.5 after menopause,” Snell said.
Like Goldilocks and her porridge, we want vaginal pH to be just right. The normal pH level of a healthy vagina is a somewhat acidic environment, which helps prevent more harmful microorganisms such as E. coli, strep, yeast and others from growing.
Things that can throw your vaginal pH off balance
Like gut health, maintaining the perfect pH balance isn’t always easy. Many things can disrupt the delicate balance of your vagina’s pH, causing it to change.
Infections
When your vaginal pH balance is off, it can increase your risk of vaginal infections like yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis (BV), and may also provide less protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). BV is the most common vaginal infection and occurs when unhealthy bacteria take over the vaginal flora (good bacteria).
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are great at getting rid of unwanted bacteria, but they can also kill off good bacteria. Their use should be minimized when possible.
Douching
The vagina is self-cleaning and does not need douching or special cleansing products. Products like douches and vaginal sprays flush away both bad and good bacteria.
“Many people think that vaginal discharge and episodes of vaginitis are due to poor hygiene, so they overcorrect with soaps and douching products,” Snell said. “Varying levels of discharge are normal and don’t always indicate an infection. If infection has been ruled out, then it is important to let your vulva and vagina just be.”
Hormonal changes
From menstrual cycles to pregnancy to menopause, your body goes through hormonal changes. These changes can throw things off balance, and it’s not unusual to experience episodes of vaginitis related to these changes.
Sexual activity
Sexual activity can affect your vaginal pH. Both semen (a basic or alkaline substance) and lubricants can upset your vaginal pH balance. To lower your risk, consider using condoms.
“If you struggle with recurrent BV or yeast infections, consider water or silicone-based lubricants that are as close to a pH of 4.5 and have an osmolality (the concentration of dissolved particles in fluid) of less than 1,200 mOsm/kg. The closer to 380, the better,” Snell said. “This information isn’t typically found on the label, but there are websites that have tables listing the pH and osmolality.”
Snell said some commercial products, such as Good Clean Love, meet these criteria.
Another option is to use coconut oil; however, oils can break down latex condoms and increase your risk for STIs and unintended pregnancies, so it’s better to use a water-based lube when using condoms.
Signs your vaginal pH balance is off
Symptoms of an unbalanced vaginal pH can vary but often include changes in discharge, odor or irritation.
Common symptoms include:
- A change in the odor of your vaginal discharge, like a fishy smell
- Unusual thick, white discharge
- An itching, burning feeling in and around your vagina
- A burning feeling when you pee
See your health care provider if you experience any of these symptoms or notice ongoing changes in your vaginal health.
How to maintain a healthy vaginal pH balance
Your vagina is a complex organ with a unique microbiome all its own, but here are steps you can take to help maintain a healthy vaginal pH:
- Skip the soap: Remember, your vagina cleans itself. It doesn’t need fancy soaps or douches. Just use warm water when you shower and let your body do its thing. If you do choose to use soap, make it a mild facial cleanser.
- Cotton is cool: Wear 100% cotton underwear. Avoid thongs and tight-fitting clothes. Cotton helps keep the area dry and allows airflow, which helps prevent infections. Consider 100% cotton menstrual pads, tampons and period underwear.
- Change after you swim or workout: Do not sit or remain in wet bathing suits or damp clothes for long periods of time. Wetness can create a cozy home for bad organisms to grow.
- Be kind to your vagina: Avoid using scented products or harsh chemicals around your vagina. Chemicals found in laundry detergents, fabric softeners, deodorant soaps and toilet tissue can contain chemicals that might irritate your vulva and vagina.
- Practice safe sex: Use condoms to protect your vagina from alkaline semen.
- Eat a balanced diet: Eating right and staying hydrated isn’t just good for your gut. It supports vaginal health, too.
“There are several foods that are thought to be high in active cultures (good bacteria) that are good for you,” Snell said. “These foods include Greek yogurt, kombucha, kefir, kimchi, miso, sauerkraut, fermented pickles (brined in salt water), beet kvass, cottage cheese, tempeh and green olives.”
Frequently asked questions about vaginal pH
What is a normal vaginal pH?
For most people of reproductive age, a normal vaginal pH is between 4.0 and 4.5.
What happens if vaginal pH is off?
An unbalanced vaginal pH can lead to symptoms like odor, unusual discharge, irritation or infections such as BV or yeast infections.
Can sex affect vaginal pH?
Yes. Semen is more alkaline and can temporarily change vaginal pH levels.
Do probiotics help vaginal pH?
Some probiotic-rich foods may support overall microbiome health, but results can vary.
Takeaway
Vaginal pH balance plays an important role in preventing infections and maintaining overall vaginal health. Your vagina has its own delicate ecosystem that needs care and attention. Be mindful of the things that can throw off your vaginal pH and take steps to maintain a healthy balance. If you think something is off, see your health care provider or a Banner Health specialist who can evaluate your symptoms and recommend next steps or any tests you may need.
Additional Related Articles:
- Yeast Infection Symptoms or Something Else? Four Conditions to Consider
- Should I Tell My Doctor About My Sexual History?
- You Don’t Have to Suffer with Vaginal Dryness. Here’s What Can Help
Product information in this article is provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only; it does not constitute an endorsement or an approval by Banner Health of any of the products, services or opinions of the corporation or organization or individual.
