Is Your Vaginal pH Normal

I know you all have probably heard about vaginal pH, but the question is do you really know what vaginal pH means? Yes, this is small health concern for many women who have no idea how pH affects their vagina. So, pH levels measure how acidic or non-acidic (alkaline) a substance is. Levels of pH  are measured on a scale 0 to 10, with 0 being the highest acidity and 10 representing the lowest.  A normal pH level for a vagina is between 3.5 and 4.5. When pH levels rise, that means acidity has dropped and so has healthy, protective bacteria that the vagina naturally produces.

Studies show that vaginal issues often occur when vaginal pH is unbalanced. By maintaining a healthy vaginal pH, you can help reduce your risk of vaginal issues, like yeast infections.

Here are a few everyday things that can elevate your vaginal pH. You can alter your habits to show love to your vagina and keep it pH balanced.

1.    Douching: Yes, I know… Somebody’s great-grandmother, grandma, momma, auntie, or 22nd cousin down the line told you that you should douche after your menstrual cycle to get that awful smell away, but no. Just let your vagina clean itself. It is acidic for a reason, and no, it’s not supposed to smell like a lotus flower bomb (no matter what Wale tells you).

2.    Tampons:  I know you don’t want to wear a bulky pad (that can potentially show through those skinny jeans). But, just think about becoming friends with pads (at least every other month).  I know y’all are probably saying there are organic tampons out, but anytime you stick something up there, you are messing with your pH levels.

3.    Sex: Some of you are probably saying” I am not giving up sex,” but it’s not about giving up sex; it’s about being safe when you are having sex. If you are having lots of sex or sex with new partners, that can increase your chances of a yeast infection. Your partners introduce foreign bacteria into your vagina, which can alter your pH levels. Semen has a pH of 7.1 to 8. Use condoms. I repeat: use condoms. This helps reduce the risk of introducing bacteria into the vagina. 

4.    Period:  The one thing many of us cringe about once a month, but love to see at the same time. Yes, our period. Your menstrual cycles produce blood and blood has a very high pH level (7.4). This is why some women are more prone to yeast infection just before or after their cycle.

5.    Menopause: To my wiser women who are going through menopause or other hormonal changes, make sure your vagina is getting adequate estrogen to maintain a healthy pH level.  hose levels contribute to several issues like vaginal dryness and an increased risk of yeast infections. Many women take estrogen supplements during menopause.

Felicia Bowman is currently the HIV Health Educator/ Sexual Health Educator for Fan Free Clinic. Felicia has a Bachelor of Science in Community Health Education with a minor in Social Welfare. You can find more of Felicia’s work on http://www.speakglamher.com