I see people every day that are worried about vaginal irritation/odor/discharge. These people may have yeast infections or an increase in bacteria. Often times we can treat those things with the appropriate medications, only to have the same symptoms return or other ones emerge to take their place. When the vagina keeps getting infections, discharge, or irritation it is often a PH problem. The vagina likes to be very acidic, like vinegar. Blood (from menstruation) and semen (from sex) both increase the PH in the vagina and can change bacteria in the vagina. Maintaining the pH balance of the vagina is essential to keeping the vagina smelling and feeling healthy. A normal vaginal pH is usually less than 4.5.
In the vagina, a change in pH may cause infections as it can allow bacteria and yeast to thrive and once you get one of these infections, you can get rid of it with appropriate medications, but if the PH is still elevated, those infections can easily return one after another. This is incredibly frustrating, but hopefully, I can offer some suggestions to eliminate the problem.
Are bacteria normal in the vagina?
Yes, the vagina has many good bacteria. Lactobacilli bacteria are healthy vaginal bacteria and secrete lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide, which give the vagina its acidic pH level.
Bacterial vaginosis is an increase in bacteria that normally live around the vagina, but not in it. These bacteria can overpopulate the vagina. This occurs when some types of bacteria multiply and increase the vaginal pH levels and kill the good bacteria. A person with bacterial vaginosis may experience itching, burning, pain, discharge and/or odor.
Other vaginal infections The presence of infections may also increase the vaginal pH. Examples include trichomonas vaginalis, yeast and group Streptococcus (GBS), and e. coli. Sometimes we get rid of one of these infections, only to find another take its place. This is when its time to start thinking about pH.
What can I do to treat the problem on my own?
Washing or cleaning the vagina using particular solutions, such as those containing vinegar, soaps, lubricants, oils or water can help or make things worse. Some solutions claim to reduce vaginal odor, but may make the problem worse because they wash out good bacteria, which affects the vaginal balance and can make some more prone to other infections. If you use any product in the vagina make sure it is “pH balanced” FOR the vagina. This product should have a pH of 4.5 or lower.
If a person’s vaginal pH levels are routinely high without any symptoms of an infection, they can take several steps at home to reduce their pH levels. These include: Avoiding soaps and washes, but use moisturizers and lubricants: Soaps typically have a high pH, and using them to clean the vaginal area may increase vaginal pH. It is best to use warm water and a gentle cleanser to clean the vulva but to refrain from using soap inside the vagina. Moisturizers that are made for the vagina and are pH balanced, may help neutralize alkaline products.
Probiotics? Oral probiotics have not been shown to help with vaginal bacteria. Yogurt in the vagina has not been shown to help with vaginal bacteria. There are vaginal probiotics that you put in the vagina. These products have not been studied well, but you could give them a try. Natural remedies do help some people.
Changing tampons regularly. Leaving a tampon in for too long can increase the vaginal pH because the pH of blood is slightly basic. Changing tampons frequently also reduces the risk of bacterial infections, including toxic shock syndrome (TSS).
Using barrier protection during sex. Using barrier protection, such as condoms or dental dams, not only helps to prevent pregnancy and STIs but can prevent semen and other fluids from affecting pH levels in the vagina.
Apple cider vinegar. Tampons allowed to absorb some Apple Cider vinegar may help. Vinegar has a pH of 4.5, so it may help make the vagina a more welcoming place for those good bacteria. Tampons may also help clear semen, and blood out of the vagina.
Summary
Understanding normal vaginal pH can help you avoid irritating bacteria infections. If you seem to have a vaginal odor, itching, discharge that comes and goes, especially if it comes and goes around the time of your menstrual cycle or after sex, it is very likely it is a pH problem. Try some over the counter pH correctors or apple cider vinegar. This may solve the problem. Even if you correct the pH, remember that you may need yeast medication or an antibiotic to help get rid of the bad bacteria. It is important to see a doctor to rule out sexually transmitted infections as they can cause long term problems if not identified quickly. 