Vaginal pH: What is it telling you?

Having pelvic discomfort? It may be time to assess your vaginal pH.

A vagina, in order to function optimally needs a well balanced environment. Maintaining your vaginal pH, interestingly the same level as ketchup, is one way to achieve this. 

What is Vaginal pH?

pH is a scale used to measure how acidic or basic something is. In the human body, pH is key to ensuring and maintaining the proper chemical reactions and processes. In the vagina specifically the pH should be between 3.8-4.4. At this range, the proper healthy and essential bacteria can thrive, and infections like yeast and bacterial vaginosis won’t.

What does it mean if my pH is off?

If you take a test, and you find that your pH is out of range it is not a conclusive indication of anything. The test can help you indicate if your pH is trending off range, which makes you more susceptible to getting various infections and the symptoms that come along with it. An elevated or low pH, however, could indicate that you have an infection, which if you are having discharge, smelly odor, pain with urination or any other indications of infection you should see a doctor. If you haven’t acquired an infection yet, there are ways to help stabilize your pH before you do.

How can I help keep a proper vaginal pH?

If you find that your vaginal pH is not where it should be, there are several lifestyle adjustments you can make until it does.

1. Don’t have unprotected sex.
   • Semen will change your pH
2. Limit processed sugar
   • Excess processed sugar affects your whole body, especially your vaginal flora- therefore your pH
3. Stick to cotton undergarments, limit the use of thongs
   • Vaginal discharge and moisture is normal and needs to be able to leave your system in order to maintain your pH. Cotton undergarments that are not thongs are the best way to do so.

We Can Help!

If you have checked with your doctor, and you do not have an active infection, but still find yourself with pelvic discomfort, a pelvic floor therapist may help. Come visit us to find out how. Body Harmony Physical Therapy offers one on one physical therapy, both for pelvic floor and orthopedic concerns. Our treatments are for up to one hour in a private treatment room. We offer a quick call back option for potential patients who have questions or concerns related to physical therapy.

References

1. Amabebe, E., & Anumba, D. (2018). The Vaginal Microenvironment: The Physiologic Role of Lactobacilli. Frontiers in medicine, 5, 181. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2018.00181
2. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/home-use-tests/vaginal-ph
3. Hemalatha, R., Ramalaxmi, B. A., Swetha, E., Balakrishna, N., & Mastromarino, P. (2013). Evaluation of vaginal pH for detection of bacterial vaginosis. The Indian journal of medical research, 138(3), 354–359.