The importance of vaginal pH

What is pH?

The level of acidity or alkalinity is measured by determining the pH level. Pure water has a pH level of 7 and is neutral pH. Levels below pH 7 are acidic and levels above 7 are alkaline. 

Why is the pH of the vagina important?

The vaginal environment contains many micro organisms or flora living in balance. Lactobacillus is vaginal flora and plays an important role in female health. It produces lactic acid and keeps the vaginal environment slightly acidic (normally lower than pH 4.5). The acidity of the vagina helps control bacteria and prevents the overgrowth of infection-causing types of bacteria which prefer a higher pH. This provides an effective natural protection for the vagina against infection and irritation as the majority of harmful micro-organisms cannot survive at a low pH. A yeast infection usually does not cause an increase in vaginal pH. Many factors such as washing with an alkaline soap, sexual intercourse, the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, antibiotics, menopause and stress can increase the vaginal pH, disrupt the natural balance and may cause vaginal symptoms.

How do I know what my vaginal pH is?

Measuring vaginal pH is one of the tests your doctor may perform but you can measure your own pH levels conveniently at home with a vaginal pH tester called VagiTest. Any woman who has symptoms of vaginal discharge, odour or itching should use VagiTest to determine whether the symptoms may be due to pH imbalance. VagiTest can help determine whether vaginal discharge is due to a disruption of the natural pH balance. A yeast infection can survive in low pH and usually does not cause an increase in pH.

What could the result of the pH test mean?

If you have symptoms and the pH is above the normal range, a treatment to regulate the pH such as VagiCare, a product available at your pharmacy, may be used. VagiCare is clinically proven to regulate and maintain the natural pH balance of the vagina. It promotes lactobacillus and helps protect the vagina from the overgrowth of other micro-organisms and helps relieve the symptoms of high pH. If the symptoms do not improve after regulating the vaginal pH you should consult your doctor.