Signs of Imbalance
When something is wrong with your vagina, it’s usually easy to tell — it’s uncomfortable! You might assume that an infection is the culprit, but that’s not always true: your vaginal pH is important, too.
You might remember pH from chemistry class — it’s a measurement of how acidic or basic a substance is. Typically, changes in estrogen levels, infections, and changes in your vaginal microbiome lead to an unbalanced vaginal pH.
We know there’s a lot to know when it comes to your sexual health, so we’ve gathered some important information on factors that can change your vaginal pH balance, as well as strategies to help rebalance your internal environment when needed — plus what not to do.
Normal Vaginal pH Levels
The body has a remarkable ability to maintain itself in the correct pH range, and that includes your vagina. The typical pH level in your vagina is between 3.6 to 4.5, which is a slightly acidic environment.
Although your vaginal pH changes throughout the month ever so slightly (becoming lowest during high-estrogen periods of your monthly cycle), there are two periods of peak estrogen — during ovulation, and again at the end of menstruation. A woman’s vaginal pH also changes during breastfeeding and post-menopause.
Signs & Symptoms of Vaginal pH Imbalance
Microorganisms in the vagina, such as beneficial bacteria (particularly Lactobacillus) help keep the pH balanced.
If your vaginal chemistry becomes unbalanced, the cause is usually an invading organism (bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other pathogens), an unbalanced vaginal microbiome, pregnancy, or using feminine hygiene products, such as douches. A diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates can also cause a proliferation of yeast, which can change the pH.
How do you know if your pH is off? Vaginal symptoms of a pH imbalance include:
Itching
Redness
Burning, including during sex or urination
Unusual vaginal discharge (watery, foamy, or chunky)
Unpleasant vaginal odor (fishy)
There are vaginal pH tests that you can buy at your local pharmacy to check yours in only a few seconds using a special strip. Alternatively, your healthcare provider can test your pH in their office.
How to Balance Vaginal pH
Generally, prevention is the best medicine when it comes to your vaginal health. The following natural remedies can help restore vaginal pH and health to the vaginal ecosystem.
Probiotic Supplements
Many people think of probiotics as gut supplements, but they also play an important role in your vaginal health. Probiotics boost the number of beneficial microbes present in the vagina, and help protect your body against harmful organisms.
More than 50 species of beneficial microbes live in the vagina, most commonly Lactobacilli.
Lactobacilli keep the vaginal pH around 4.5 by releasing lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide, which some experts believe protects against harmful organisms.
Several studies have shown that Lactobacillus species deter organisms, including those that cause bacterial vaginosis, (BV) a condition involving bacterial overgrowth that may throw off your pH balance.
Orally consumed probiotics migrate to the vagina after being excreted through the rectum, so you do not need to use vaginal suppositories. If you’re not sure which supplement to pick, check out our article on how to choose the best probiotic.
Yogurt & Probiotic Foods
Cultured yogurt contains beneficial bacteria that are similar to those found in probiotic supplements, but be sure to choose either raw or organic varieties. Raw and organic non-dairy kefir is another excellent probiotic food.
Did you know that yogurt is effective at preventing UTIs?
When 120 children were given Lactobacillus acidophilus, the most common species found in yogurt, it was as effective as a commonly prescribed medication at preventing recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs).
This suggests probiotics may have a prophylactic effect — deterring harmful organisms and keeping your vaginal ecosystem healthy.
Although research has not looked at whether probiotic foods alter pH imbalances, presumably the research on probiotic supplements — which does show a relationship — extends to foods such as yogurt; however, you may not get high enough levels from food alone.
If you do try yogurt, choose a natural plant-based, cultured variety, such as one made from coconut or almond milk — and avoid sugar-sweetened ones. You can even make your own probiotic yogurt!
Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
Organic raw apple cider vinegar (ACV) has antibacterial properties, which allows it to deter bad microbes that can interfere with normal vaginal pH. ACV also contains probiotics that promote the growth of healthy microbes.
Check this! Apple cider vinegar is perfect for warding off infectious microbes.
Lab research shows that ACV is effective against several infectious microbes. While it can deter Candida, a major culprit behind fungal infections that upset the vaginal pH, ACV was actually found to be more effective against other harmful organisms such as E. coli.
One home remedy for vaginal infections involves using a tampon soaked in vinegar or douching with vinegar to lower vaginal pH. While using a vinegar-soaked tampon may help and should not cause harm, avoid douching as it upsets the vaginal ecosystem. You can also add a few tablespoons of ACV to a warm bath.
While these ideas can temporarily help with pH, keep in mind that your vagina will naturally restore itself once you find and address the cause of any imbalance.
Eliminate Feminine Hygiene Cleaning Products
Be wary of feminine hygiene products that are scented or claim to clean your pelvic area.
It is very important that you don’t douche or otherwise “deep clean” the vagina, whether with baking soda, vinegar, or anything else. Douching actually removes good bacteria that maintain balance. Douching, wipes, and sprays not only introduce chemicals down there, but they can also interfere with your natural vaginal pH and health.
Your body cleans itself naturally when you maintain good health, and the vagina is no exception.
As evidence that the vagina has its own self-balancing mechanisms, consider this study: when researchers tested a gel that claimed to balance pH, they found that it did not change vaginal acidity.
Use 100% Organic Cotton Menstrual Products
Tampons are reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to ensure that they don’t promote the growth of harmful bacteria and are generally safe to use.
Synthetic tampons can throw off the balance of good and bad bacteria!
While the vaginal ecosystem is very resilient, synthetic-fiber tampons can cause concerns.
More absorbent than cotton, synthetic fibers can concentrate toxins more and throw off the balance of good and bad bacteria, which could contribute to imbalanced pH.
We recommend that you use 100 percent cotton tampons and pads for the best vaginal and overall health.
Consume Less Sugar & Starch, Eat a Plant-Based Diet
Sugar and simple starches promote an overgrowth of yeast (such as Candida albicans) and can contribute to infections. Furthermore, a diet rich in sugars and starches can lead to more sugar molecules in the vagina, prompting harmful organisms — especially yeast — to grow.
Wow! Did you know that simple starches and sugar can create an overgrowth of yeast?
Researchers think this is one of the reasons for high rates of yeast infections in people with poorly controlled diabetes. You should eat a plant-based diet to promote overall health. Limit how much starch you consume at each meal by dividing it into several meals. This helps to control sharp elevations in blood sugar. And make sure you consume enough fluids throughout the day!
Use Natural Lubricants
Some lubricants contain oil-based compounds that may damage vaginal cells when used in the vaginal canal (not when taken orally). Vaginal glycerol use allows bad bacteria, viruses, and yeast to enter the body — increasing the rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and infections.
Instead, choose a water-based lubricant that does not alter your vaginal pH or find ways to increase your body’s natural lubricants.
Causes of Vaginal pH Imbalance
To effectively manage imbalanced pH, it is important to know the cause of the concern.
Douching
Douching removes good bacteria and is not recommended by doctors — or us. It disrupts the pH balance in the vaginal canal.
Although it may seem like you are cleaning out the concern, douching can actually make things worse.
