How to balance your vaginal pH

What’s a vaginal pH?

The last time I heard anything about pH was probably eleventh grade chemistry class. Vaginal pH is important despite the lack of conversation around it. Basically, a healthy pH= a healthy vagina. Typically, a pH above 7 is basic while a pH below 7 is acidic—so your vagina wants to be right in the middle between 3.8- 4.5. These levels can change throughout crucial life events such as getting your period for the first time and also getting into menopause. Besides those instances that you can’t control, you want to make sure you hit that sweet spot to keep your cookie happy.

Why is it important to keep your levels right?

Bacterial, fungal and yeast infections THRIVE in a high pH environment. A bacteria known as Lactobacilli hangs out in the vagina and secretes hydrogen and lactic acid which gives the vagina its acidic pH level. When the acidity increases, that’s when you know things might be a little funky down there.

What factors cause a funky pH fluctuation?

The most typical culprits are yeast infections, bacterial vaginitis and any other overgrowth of bacteria and fungus occurring in your vagina. It can even be thrown off when you’re on your period since blood has a higher pH than your normal level. Another fun one: semen. Because semen is super basic (pun intended) it may increase the pH but only temporarily.

How to get those levels right:

Aside from eating well and drinking plenty of water, probiotics are key. Lovewellness has a great selection and we also love Physician’s Choice 60 Billion Probiotic. If you douche or use pH balancing products, get rid of them— they will only fuck up your pH more. All you need is some good ol’ Dove or any other gentle cleanser. If you feel like your pH is still off after making these adjustments, you can check it out and get the exact level with an at home test kit like this one.