Why Vaginal pH is Important!

Why vaginal pH is important: the vaginal is naturally slightly acidic (ranges from 3.8-5 in menstruating women) thanks to the presence of Lactobacillus which helps prevent infection from bacteria. If pH is disrupted and increased (becoming more alkaline) then this leaves you open to infections like bacterial vaginosis, or yeast infections.

How pH can be disrupted:

1. Internal factors: mostly related to hormonal changes, studies show increased vaginal pH suggestive of perimenopause and menopause. Because of this, measuring vaginal pH can also help determine efficacy of treatment with vaginal estrogen.
2. External factors:
• Lubricants and care products that are not pH balanced
• look for one that is water based AND pH balanced (I like Coconu’s water based lubricant, click here to view use CAROLINEP for discount
• Because everyone is different, some people tolerate oil based lubes while others can’t, it's often about learning your own microbiome!
• Soaps: soap has a pH of 9-10; no need to wash inside EVER and for the outside only use warm water. If you feel you need more, opt for a pH balanced wash externally.
• Menstrual blood: pH 7.3-8.3; while this is naturally occurring if you already have a disrupted pH or find you are sensitive, you may want to consider your menstrual care products. Opt for a cup or a disc over a tampon which not only soaks up menstrual blood but also the good bacteria.
• Semen: pH 7.2-8.0 this typically corrects itself after a short time but if you are temporarily working on improving your vaginal pH consider the influence of this, where condoms can help until you get into a more normal level.

I suspect my pH is off, how could I know?

• Try these vaginal pH test strips (click here), simply insert and read the results within a few seconds. Remember, pH levels can be anywhere from 3.8-5.

So my pH is altered, now what?

1. Stop any external influences that you can control that alter your PH: stop use of feminine products, no douching, use condoms, consider a menstrual cup.
2. Try probiotics with different strains of Lactobacillus to build back your good bacteria, (click here)
3. Allow your vagina to BREATHE: change damp clothing and wear breathable underwear
4. Consider the hormonal influence of decreased estrogen in perimenopause and menopause and consult with your doctor.
   Give time to see improvement with the above changes. If unsuccessful and suspecting BV or yeast:
5. Can consider trying a boric acid suppository (aka for vaginal use only) which has been shown to improve BV and yeast infections without the side effects of an antibiotic. Make sure to only use pharmaceutical grade. I’m linking to Intimate Rose Boric Acid suppository and an informative blog on the topic in depth.
   Boric Acid for Yeast Infection: What We Know Intimate Rose Code: Caroline4

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Cheering you on ♥️
- Caroline Packard, DPT