The vaginal pH level is something most women only became aware of once they get bacterial vaginosis (BV) or other similar infections.

We believe that every woman should know what a healthy and balanced pH level is and how it can help you!

pH measures how acidic or basic (alkaline) something is. The range goes from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. For example, water, which is not acidic at all, usually has a pH level of 6.5 – 8.5, while apple cider vinegar (very acidic) has a pH level of 2-3. Soapy water or bleach is on the other end, very basic, with a pH of 13-14.

A healthy vaginal pH level is anywhere between 3.5 – 4.5 and it fluctuates depending on your age, time of your cycle, diet and more. This healthy vaginal pH level will help you keep common infections like bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and UTIs away. 

You’re probably asking yourself how your pH level affects your health? Here’s how your vagina works!

The vagina has many different types of bacteria in it. Some are good, some are bad, but they all live in harmony thanks to a healthy pH level. The acidity level of the vagina ensures that there is no overgrowth of either good or bad bacteria (overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina is what causes infections).

So, how sensitive is your pH?!

Well, that is very individual and depends on your genes, race, hygiene, diet and so much more. Many things can cause an imbalance of your pH level which allows overgrowth of bacteria, causing a BV infection.

Now that we understand how a healthy pH level protects us, here are some of the things that can create an abnormal and high pH level:

1) Douching – This is the most well-known reason for an abnormal pH level. Your vagina is self-cleaning, let it do its job, and do not interrupt! Douching could harm your healthy and normal bacteria and knock your vagina pH level off balance.

2) Period – Menstrual blood can increase the pH level, especially when it’s absorbed into a tampon and stays stagnant for a number of hours.

3) Unprotected Sex – Semen is alkaline and can cause your pH level to rise. Interestingly, one guy’s semen can cause BV infections while a different guy could be perfectly fine with your vagina!

4) Lube – Many lubricants contain glycerin (which could turn into sugar in your vagina) or unhealthy, and even synthetic ingredients that we can’t even pronounce. These lubes can cause your pH level to go off balance. It’s such a small thing, but it could make all the difference when you’re dealing with recurring BV. Many condoms are also lubricated with mysterious ingredients, so make sure to purchase or at least try a lubricant free condom. Try to use natural or organic lubricants (such as coconut oil) instead of processed or synthetic ones. (Although, please note that some oils and latex condoms may not offer the same level of protection. Please do your own research regarding oils and latex condoms first!)

5) Clothes – Think about it – it’s summer, you’re wearing your favorite tight leggings and thong, you’re driving to work, after work you’re going to your local bar for happy hour and then to the grocery store. It’s hot and humid outside and you’ve been sweating during the day. You finally get home and started making some food. You’re taking a shower right before bed. You’ve been wearing the same clothes all day long, sweat and humidity has collected in your vagina. Humidity and sweat is the perfect environment for bacteria to grow. The best solution is to wear 95% cotton underwear and light breathable clothes. Change your clothes right after a workout and do your best to air the area out as much as you can. Let her breathe! =)

6) Diet – Basically, the food you’re eating will end up affecting different parts of your body. Fatty, unhealthy food will convert into excess fat, probiotics will help your digestion, vitamins from vegetables will be absorbed into your cells and strengthen your immune system, etc. Try to cut down on sugar, processed foods, and caffeine. Start eating more vegetables, fruits, protein, and healthy fats. Try cooking for yourself and discover new recipes! The introduction of vitamins, probiotics and organic ingredients will help your body fight off infections, including BV!

7) Tampons– Ok, so the issue with tampons is that your period blood could negatively affect your vagina pH level. Letting that blood stay in place for hours could really start to affect your pH. Fresh stagnant blood creates the perfect environment for germs and bacteria to multiply and could lead to an infection. More than that, tampons may absorb healthy discharge or healthy bacteria that are responsible for keeping the pH level low and destroying the balance of your vagina that way. So what’s the solution? Menstrual cup and period underwear! The cups are made to collect/catch blood and do not absorb anything, the underwear only absorb blood that comes out and thanks to their advanced technology, you won't smell a thing! Here’s the menstrual cup that we recommend, the loop at the end makes it super easy to take out.

8) Laundry Detergent – Many detergents contain chemicals that stay on your clothes, specifically, your underwear, and could cause a pH imbalance. Try using a natural or organic detergent or wash your underwear with no detergent at all (just super hot water).

9) Antibiotics – The purpose of antibiotics is to kill ALL of the bacteria – good and bad. This can hurt your pH level! During and even after taking any antibiotics, it’s a good idea to take probiotics to restore the healthy balance of bacteria in your body.

10) Last but not least, Ovulating – pH of 4 or below is unfriendly to sperms as they cannot survive in the vagina for more than a few hours, the acidity kills them. Our body’s response is to release cervical mucus a few days prior to ovulation that increases our pH level. Everyone’s cervical fluids are different, but the pH level during ovulation could be as high as 7. After the fertile window that lasts a few days, the pH level should go back to normal. Sometimes, our body simply cannot bring the pH level down to its normal acidity level which could cause BV.

How can we track our pH level?

There are many products on the market that claim they give you a correct estimate of your pH level. We tested a few of them – some worked better than others.  This our top pick! Each package has 40 tests so you can get a new one every month or two. We recommend checking your pH level every time you feel “off” and at least once a week. Try to track your pH as best as you can and follow when it goes up and when it's normal.

We encourage you to start testing your pH level and try finding patterns that could alert you about habits that could increase it!