VAGINAL PH
pH is used to determine acidity vs. alkalinity. It is measured on a scale of 0-14, with lower numbers indicating that a substance or environment is more acidic and higher numbers indicating that it is more alkaline.
The vagina has its own pH level which must be balanced to maintain vaginal health. Ideally, this pH level should be slightly acidic, measuring around 3.5 to 4.5. When pH stays within this healthy range, beneficial bacteria are able to thrive and prevent infection. Some yeast cells are also present, creating a delicate balance which needs to be maintained.
When the pH level is disrupted, more non-beneficial (pathogenic) bacteria and yeast cells are able to develop. As a result, the vagina becomes more susceptible to infection and odor. When diagnosing issues like bacterial vaginosis (BV) infections, yeast infections, and urinary tract infections (UTIs), doctors often check for elevated pH and determine a course of treatment to help restore a healthy balance.
A number of factors may cause vaginal pH levels to rise, including feminine washes (pH of 5.5+), menstrual blood (pH of 7.4), and semen (pH of 7.1 to 8). Even normal hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle can potentially elevate vaginal pH. Taking probiotics can help to keep vaginal pH balanced. This reduces the risk of developing issues like feminine odor and vaginal infections.
America’s Women’s Health Expert, three-time recipient of the Top OB/GYNs Award and the prestigious Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award. Dedicated for more than twenty years to science and innovation, Dr. Monte has managed thousands of deliveries.
