So let’s dive into what a healthy vaginal pH is and what can mess with it.
What is a healthy vaginal pH?
The term pH is used to describe how acidic or basic something is.
The pH scale is between 0 and 14.
For example, tomato juice has a pH of 4.
When it comes to vaginal health, we want a more acidic pH.
Anormal vaginal pH is between 3.8 and 4.51.
What affects vaginal pH?
The most important determinant of our vaginal pH is ourvaginal microbiome2.
The most important group of healthful bacteria in our vaginal area is theLactobacillusspecies.
TheLactobacillusbacteria in the vaginal area secrete lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide, which create a more acidic pH.
What can you do to maintain a healthy vaginal pH?
Don’t douche.The vagina cleans itself naturally.
In general, change your tampon every four to six hours.
While antibiotics are important, in some cases, they are actually unnecessary.
Check with your doctor and see to it an antibiotic is necessary before you take one.
Does lubricant negatively affect your vaginal pH and bacteria?
In short: It depends.
There is definitely a need for more options and good research in this area.
Can diet help?
What does this mean?
These include unsweetened yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, and miso.
Should I take a probiotic for my vaginal microbiome?
Look for one that is rich inLactobacillus.
I often recommend formulations that containLactobacillus reuteriandLactobacillus rhamnosus.
These strains of good bacteria have been shown tosupport vaginal health6.
