Why we look at vaginal pH

What is pH?
pH is a scale to measure how acidic or basic a substance is.
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Vaginal pH
A healthy vaginal pH typically ranges from 3.8 to 4.5, which supports a balanced vaginal microbiome. This acidity helps maintain healthy vaginal flora and prevents the growth of harmful pathogens.
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Factors Affecting pH
Hormonal Changes
‍Ovulation: Vaginal pH may temporarily increase (above 4) to create a more sperm-friendly environment, as an acidic pH is generally hostile to sperm survival.
Menopause: A drop in estrogen levels reduces lactic acid production, often causing an elevated vaginal pH. Tracking pH daily may help detect menopause onset earlier.
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‍Hormonal Conditions
‍PCOS: Can cause hormonal imbalances, resulting in an elevated vaginal pH (4.5–5.5).
Endometriosis: Can cause hormonal imbalances, resulting in an elevated vaginal pH (4.5–5.5).
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‍Other Factors
‍Stress: Cortisol is a hormone related to stress. High levels of stress can negatively impact vaginal pH.
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Diet: A balanced diet helps maintain a healthy vaginal pH. Nutritional deficiencies or dietary imbalances can negatively impact vaginal health.
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Clothing: Tight or non-breathable clothing may trap sweat, urine, or blood near the vaginal area, potentially disrupting pH.
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Menstrual Blood: The presence of blood during menstruation can raise vaginal pH temporarily, as menstrual blood has a higher pH than the vaginal environment.
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Bacterial Imbalances and Infections: Elevated pH (above 4.5) can increase the risk of infections, such as bacterial vaginosis (BV), urinary tract infections (UTIs), sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and vaginitis. At higher pH levels (6–7), the environment becomes more favorable for harmful bacterial growth.