pH is a numerical measure of the hydrogen ion concentration in an aqueous solution. Vaginal pH values generally vary between 3.8 and 4.5. For women who are in their reproductive period (in other words, menstruating on a regular basis), it’s common for vaginal pH to be equal to or less than 4.5. But the pH value is typically more than 4.5 for girls before they start menstruating and for women after menopause (in other words, when they are not in their reproductive period). Many studies have observed that the acidity of vaginal pH protects against the formation of vaginitis (vaginal inflammation).
Why Is The Ph Of The Vagina Acidic?
The short answer: vaginal lactobacilli and high glycogen levels. Lactobacilli are a type of bacteria that protect the vaginal flora and prevent infection. The lactic acid produced by the lactobacilli has a highly germicidal effect that helps prevent infection. Glycogens and the catabolism products of glycogen are the energy source of lactobacilli, with high glycogen levels helping them grow and multiply. Compared to other mammals, human vaginal cells contain a much higher proportion of glycogen. This is thought to be due to our regular consumption of starch through our diets.
Some situations can lead to a disturbance in vaginal pH balance. The possible reasons for a disturbance in this balance include [3]:
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Vaginal infection (vaginitis)
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Unprotected sex
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Vaginal douche
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Aging
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Changes in the menstrual cycle
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Antibiotic use
How To Balance Vaginal pH Naturally?
There are many methods to naturally balance your vaginal pH. These include:
1. Reducing stress
Just like it does with any other part of the body, stress affects your vaginal health. Cortisol levels rise in response to stress, which can throw off the vaginal acid-base balance. As we may not be able to control all sources of stress, it is important to focus on proactively managing these triggers.
Read more: How To Reduce Stress?
2. Vulva and vagina cleaning
It’s important to take care when cleaning the vulva and vagina. When you’re taking a shower, make sure to only wash it using a little water, and to not use cleaners containing perfume for cleaning this area.
3. Use of underwear
It’s important to change your underwear regularly to maintain a balanced vaginal pH. Generally speaking, cotton underwear is better for vaginal health. It’s also worth using hypoallergenic detergents to wash your underwear.
4. Protection during sex
Using a condom during sex can help reduce the effects of semen on the vaginal flora, helping you balance your vaginal pH.
5. Reduce or quit smoking
A number of reliable studies conducted in 2014 and 2018 showed the effect of smoking on the formation of bacterial vaginosis. If you’re a smoker, then it’s worth thinking about quitting to maintain a healthy pH in the vagina.
6. Using boric acid suppositories
Although more clinical studies are needed, boric acid has been used for over 100 years to prevent bacterial vaginosis by helping promote the acid balance of your vagina. Try it out if you haven’t already.
7. Increasing your Lactobacillus intake
You can use probiotics for this, or you can increase the production of lactobacilli in your vagina by eating more yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi.
8. Garlic tablets
Garlic contains a large number of allicin compounds that can kill bacteria. In a study conducted with 120 women in 2014, garlic consumption proved to be very effective in treating vaginal infections caused by bacteria or fungi. However, it should be noted that garlic can have other side effects on your digestion. That’s why people with bleeding concerns and people who use blood thinners should not consume high doses of garlic tablets.
With the help of these methods, you can balance your vaginal pH before resorting to the use of antibiotics. But as always, don’t forget to consult your doctor if you think you are developing a serious case of an unbalanced vaginal pH.
