Your vaginal pH is probably not something you’ve thought much about unless you’ve experienced a problem with it, or are struggling with infertility. pH is the balance between acidity and alkalinity in an environment, in this case the vagina. This delicate system usually works without the need for intervention, but can lose its balance. Let me share about the different types of pH problems to watch for and offer natural ways to overcome them, as well as the importance of having balanced vaginal pH.
The Importance of Fluctuating pH
The pH of the vagina is generally self-regulating. It ranges from 3.8-4.5 (slightly acidic) for most of the menstrual cycle. The acidic pH of the vagina serves an important role in your health, creating a natural barrier to infections like bacterial vaginosis (BV) and yeast overgrowth (Candida). However, vaginal pH needs to fluctuate to accommodate natural fertility.
The acidic pH of the vagina that fights bacteria and excess yeast can weaken and even kill sperm. It is during ovulation that surges in luteinizing hormone (LH) and an increase in cervical mucus cause pH to move into the 7 plus range, or more alkaline. This increase in cervical mucus and shift to a more alkaline pH allows sperm a chance to survive for up to 48 hours inside the female reproductive system. There, they can safely travel through the vagina and cervix into the fallopian tubes for conception.
What if Vaginal pH is too Alkaline?
A pH that is too alkaline decreases healthy vaginal flora and sets up an environment where infections like BV and Candida can flourish. BV in particular increases risk of other problems like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), chlamydia, and complications during pregnancy.
Signs of a vaginal pH imbalance to look for include:
- thick or runny discharge
- changes in vaginal odor
- frequent vaginal infections
- itchiness or burning in vaginal area
Major Causes of Overly Acidic Vaginal pH
1. Dietary imbalance: If your diet is too high in acid-forming foods, your natural regulatory systems can’t maintain balance. Too many fried foods, fast foods, processed foods and sugars are usually the culprit. Tobacco, caffeine and alcohol also throw off pH balance. Eating more fresh fruits and vegetables is the first step to re-alkalizing the body. Having a green superfood drink daily like FertiliGreens can make a big difference.
2. Dehydration: Drinking plenty of water is extremely important for vaginal pH. A dehydrated body is an overly acidic body. The mucus membranes in the vagina require fluids to be supported and healthy. Without enough water, the cervical mucus that balances pH and supports fertility becomes too low. Drink plenty of water (at least 8 glasses) every day even if you’re not thirsty.
Other factors:
- arthritis, diabetes or borderline diabetes
- aging – natural enzyme systems become less efficient as we age
- high stress, obesity, and exposure to toxins
- use of topical lubricants – many affect vaginal pH and are not sperm friendly (consider a natural, sperm-friendly lubricant like Emerita Natural Lubricant instead)
- Cytolytic vaginosis (rare), which is an overgrowth of lactobacilli bacteria (if concerned, check with your physician to determine this)
Major Causes of Over Alkaline Vaginal pH
1. Lack of friendly microflora: Microflora like Lactobacillus naturally colonize in the vagina and produce lactic acid- a natural acidifying agent that and inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria and yeast. While a helpful emergency measure for infections, antibiotics not only kill bad bacteria, but also healthy bacteria (microflora that keep pH balanced). If you’ve recently completed a course of antibiotics, supplementing with prebiotics or probiotics short term can restore pH balance. Eating more cultured foods like yogurt, kefir and raw sauerkraut can help too.
2. Reactions to sperm: Because sperm are naturally alkaline, their presence in the vagina can cause disruptions in pH. This is obvious for women who experience an odor change, inflammation or irritation after sex with their partners. If this sounds like you, immune support and systemic enzymes have the potential to provide relief.
3. Low estrogen levels: If estrogen is too low, pH levels rise and vaginal tissues become thin and irritated. Phytoestrogens like red clover and royal jelly can be helpful for this problem.
Is Your Vaginal pH Impacting your Fertility?
You can check your pH by purchasing at-home vaginal pH test kit from a pharmacy. Simply apply the test strip to the wall of the vagina for a few seconds or as directed. A chart should be included to tell you what your vaginal pH is.
Having balanced vaginal pH is a critical part of your fertility health. Start by following a healthy Fertility Diet. In addition, avoid the lifestyle factors mentioned in this article that disrupt vaginal pH. For women prone to pH issues, daily use of prebiotics and probiotics are a good choice to support a healthy vaginal environment.
Too learn more about related subjects covered in this article, please visit the following links:
How Yeast Infections & Candida Affects Fertility
Support Hormone Balance Naturally with 3 Simple Tips
Fertility Health Tip: Probiotics and Prebiotics
Clearing up the Confusion on Phytoestrogens
- Miller, C. (2014, Feb). Could a vaginal pH imbalance be preventing you from getting pregnant. Retrieved from: http://blog.kindara.com/blog/do-you-have-a-vaginal-ph-imbalance
- How your body’s pH levels Can Affect Fertility (2016). The Storkotc. Retrieved from: http://www.storkotc.com/how-your-bodys-ph-levels-can-affect-fertility/
- Daniel, S. (2016). How pH can alter your fertility. Everyday Family. Retrieved from: http://www.everydayfamily.com/how-ph-can-alter-your-fertility/
- Berman, L. (2013) Foods that make your vagina feel good. Every Day Health. Retrieved from: http://www.everydayhealth.com/sexual-health/dr-laura-berman-foods-for-vaginal-health.aspx
- Is your vagina acid or alkaline? (2016) Mulit-gyn.com. Retrieved from: http://www.multi-gyn.com/general/vaginal-ph-is-your-vagina-acid-or-alkaline/
- Kiefer, D. (2008, March). Warding off chronic yeast and bacterial infections. Life Extension magazine. Retrieved from: http://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2008/3/warding-off-chronic-yeast-and-bacterial-infections/page-01
- Rai, Y., Suresh, A., Rajesh, A. & Bhat, R.M. (2009, Jan-June) Indian Journal of Sexually Transmitted Disease. Retrieved from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3168042/
Sarah has worked in the field of natural foods and herbalism for over 20 years. She’s a published author, Certified Herbalist, and health and wellness consultant. Sarah Graduated from the Professional Herbal Studies from the East West School of Herbology, and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English. Working with women on their journey to wellness is her passion and she loves to share what she has been blessed to learn from naturopaths and other herbalists over the years.
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