8 Signs Your Vaginal pH Is Out of Balance

For many of us, talking about vaginal health can feel uncomfortable or even shameful, but it’s time we changed that.

Indeed, vaginal health is a crucial part of our sexual and overall well-being, and it needs to be cared for just like any other part of our bodies.

Central to vaginal health is its pH, or acidity level. A balanced vaginal pH helps protect us from infections, irritation, and discomfort. When it's off, you may experience symptoms that can be confusing and frustrating.

If you’ve never heard of vaginal pH before, read this resource first.

By learning the signs of an imbalanced vaginal pH, you can take control of your health, address the problem early on, and avoid any further issues or complications. Here are eight common signs to watch for.

1. Unusual Vaginal Odor

A strong, fishy, or unusual odor can be a sign that your vaginal pH is off. This happens when an overgrowth of bacteria disrupts the normal balance of your vaginal microbiome and is often associated with conditions like bacterial vaginosis.

2. Excessive Discharge

While vaginal discharge is normal, a noticeable change in its volume, texture, or color (like gray, green, or yellow) could indicate a pH imbalance. Discharge associated with this might also have an unpleasant smell.

3. Itching or Irritation

Persistent itching or a burning sensation in the vulva and around the vaginal area is a common sign of pH imbalance. This can occur when the natural protective barrier is disrupted, leading to irritation or even infection.

4. Burning During Urination

A burning sensation when you urinate could point to a pH imbalance or an infection, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI) or bacterial vaginosis.

5. Recurring Infections

Frequent yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis can be the result of an imbalanced vaginal pH. A healthy vaginal environment helps prevent these infections by supporting the growth of good bacteria and keeping harmful ones in check.

6. Dryness

If you’re experiencing unusual vaginal dryness, even outside of menopause or hormonal changes, it could be linked to an imbalanced pH. This can lead to discomfort during sex or other daily activities.

7. Unexplained Pain During Sex

Pain or discomfort during sex can sometimes be traced back to a pH imbalance. Dryness or inflammation caused by disrupted vaginal flora may be the culprit.

8. Spotting or Light Bleeding

Light bleeding or spotting not associated with your period could be another sign of pH imbalance, especially if it’s accompanied by other symptoms like odor or irritation.

So, What Causes Vaginal pH Imbalance?

Several factors can disrupt your vaginal pH, including:

• Scented products: Soaps, sprays, or douches can upset the delicate balance of bacteria in your vagina.
• Antibiotics: These medications can kill off good bacteria that help maintain a healthy pH.
• Unprotected sex: Semen has a higher pH, which can temporarily disrupt your natural vaginal microbiome.
• Hormonal changes: Menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause can all affect vaginal pH.
• Poor hygiene: Wearing tight, synthetic underwear or not changing out of wet clothes quickly can create a breeding ground for unwanted bacteria.

Okay, How Do I Restore the Balance of Vaginal pH?

• Switch to unscented, pH-friendly, and gentle products and lubes.

 

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• Opt for cotton underwear to keep the area dry and reduce bacterial growth.
• Use condoms to reduce the risk of infections and always urinate after sex.
• Drink enough water to help flush out toxins and support overall vaginal health.
• Incorporate probiotic-rich foods into your diet, like yogurt, kimchi, or miso, or use supplements to help restore good bacteria and a healthy microbiome.

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