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<title>Vaginal pH balance: Normal levels and natural remedies</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322537"/><meta name="description" content="While vaginal pH levels tend to change over a person’s lifetime, normal levels are usually below 4.5. A high pH may indicate a bacterial infection or another condition. The presence of menstrual blood and semen can also raise the pH. Here, we cover the symptoms of an unbalanced pH, at-home tests, and natural remedies."/><meta name="k1" content="otherwomenshealth"/><meta name="k2" content="femalehealth"/><meta name="ROBOTS" content="NOODP"/><meta name="sailthru.image.thumb" content="https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/07/Stocksy_txp2ca73746QmD300_Medium_1490076_thumb-732x549.jpg"/><meta name="sailthru.tags" content="cat_infectious_diseases,cat_womens_health,cat_complementary_medicine,k1_otherwomenshealth,k2_femalehealth"/><meta name="article:published_time" content="2018-07-20T17:00:00.000Z"/><meta name="article:author" content="Rachel Nall, MSN, CRNA"/><meta property="og:title" content="Vaginal pH balance: Normal levels and natural remedies"/><meta property="og:description" content="While vaginal pH levels tend to change over a person’s lifetime, normal levels are usually below 4.5. A high pH may indicate a bacterial infection or another condition. The presence of menstrual blood and semen can also raise the pH. Here, we cover the symptoms of an unbalanced pH, at-home tests, and natural remedies."/><meta property="og:type" content="article"/><meta property="og:url" content="https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322537"/><meta name="twitter:title" content="Vaginal pH balance: Normal levels and natural remedies"/><meta name="twitter:description" content="While vaginal pH levels tend to change over a person’s lifetime, normal levels are usually below 4.5. A high pH may indicate a bacterial infection or another condition. The presence of menstrual blood and semen can also raise the pH. Here, we cover the symptoms of an unbalanced pH, at-home tests, and natural remedies."/><meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/><meta name="twitter:image" content="https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815im_/https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/07/Stocksy_txp2ca73746QmD300_Medium_1490076_thumb-732x549.jpg"/><meta name="kmeta" content="vaginalhealth"/><meta property="og:image" content="https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815im_/https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/07/Stocksy_txp2ca73746QmD300_Medium_1490076_thumb.jpg"/><meta property="og:image:width" content="732"/><meta property="og:image:height" content="549"/><meta property="og:image" content="https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815im_/https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/07/Stocksy_txp2ca73746QmD300_Medium_1490076_thumb.jpg"/><meta property="og:image:width" content="732"/><meta property="og:image:height" content="549"/>
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Here, learn why is happens and how to alleviate it."],"link":"/articles/321615","imageAlt":"What are the possible causes of vaginal dryness?","thumbnail":"https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/01/GettyImages-1128918298_thumb-732x549.jpg","medicallyReviewedBy":{"reviewerName":"Carolyn Kay, M.D.","reviewerImage":{"path":"https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Carolyn-Kay-New-Headshot-500x500-Bio.png","width":200,"height":200,"altText":""},"specialties":[]},"isNutrition":false,"authors":[],"reviewedByHeader":"Medically reviewed by"},{"title":["How to get rid of bacterial vaginosis at home"],"text":["What is bacterial vaginosis, and do home remedies really work? 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Her work has been published in dozens of publications and websites. She lives with her husband, daughter, six tortoises, a dog, and 500 orchids. 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Her work has appeared in a variety of outlets like the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Huffington Post, Fox News, Salon, The Sydney Morning Herald, Escape, and Theravive. When she’s not writing stories, you’ll find her in her yellow armchair, planning her next trip. Connect with her on Twitter.</p>\n"},"avatar":{"title":"","width":200,"height":200,"src":"https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/200x200_Elizabeth_Pratt.png"}}],"reviewedByHeader":"Medically reviewed by"},{"title":["Sunlight exposure linked to improved fertility outcomes, study finds"],"text":["A recent study suggests that moderate exposure to solar radiation during autumn and spring may improve ovarian reserve in women ages 30–40. More…"],"link":"/articles/sun-exposure-may-improve-female-fertility","imageAlt":"Sunlight exposure linked to improved fertility outcomes, study finds","thumbnail":"https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/sunglasses-sand-plant-732x549-thumbnail.jpg","isNutrition":false,"authors":[{"id":5319,"name":{"display":"Jessica Freeborn","first":"Jessica","last":"Freeborn"},"userLogin":"jnorris","links":{"website":"","facebook":"","linkedin":"","twitter":"","instagram":"","tiktok":""},"link":"/authors/jessica-freeborn","type":{"value":"author","label":"Author"},"nid":"","specialties":[],"guestTitle":"","bio":{"text":"<p data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\">Jessica Freeborn is a freelance health and wellness writer based in Western New York. Her background in nursing has allowed her to apply her medical knowledge and experience to a wide range of writing projects. 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class="css-63ogg1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Rachel Nall, MSN, CRNA</a></span></span></span></span> — <a class="css-63ogg1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span> Updated on January 5, 2023</span></a></div></section></div><div><nav id="tab-bar-0" data-testid="tab-bar" class="css-11tsida"><ul class="css-17ztj4b"><li class="css-t753mo"><a href="#typical-vaginal-p-h-level" class="css-1o3bp5d">Typical vaginal pH level</a></li><li class="css-t753mo"><a href="#what-causes-unbalanced-vaginal-p-h" class="css-1o3bp5d">What causes unbalanced vaginal pH??</a></li><li class="css-t753mo"><a href="#how-to-maintain-vaginal-p-h-balance" class="css-1o3bp5d">How to maintain vaginal pH balance</a></li><li class="css-t753mo"><a href="#summary" class="css-1o3bp5d">Summary</a></li></ul></nav><article class="article-body css-d2znx6 undefined"><div class="css-1u22pos"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><p class="css-dmtxcr">The normal pH level of the vagina is between 3.8 and 5. Infections, douching, and the presence of menstrual blood are some of the factors that can change the balance.</p></div><p>Maintaining the pH balance of the vagina is essential to keeping it healthy. Doctors can take a vaginal pH measurement to determine how acidic the vaginal environment is. It is also possible to test this at home.</p><div data-preamp="serena-chatbot"></div><p>In the vagina, a high pH may cause infections as it can allow bacteria and yeast to thrive.</p><p>In this article, learn more about normal vaginal pH levels, how to test them at home, and what to do to restore vaginal pH balance.</p><div class="css-20w1gi"><aside class="css-0 css-0" data-testid="sticky-inline-ad" data-sticky="false"><div><div data-empty="true" class="css-1sq15os"><div class="css-1hjaa0k"><span class="css-zya54r"></span></div><div id="inline2__slot" data-adbridg-ad-class="inline2__slot" data-ad="true" class=" css-1t05dkn"></div></div></div></aside></div></div><div class="css-0"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><h2><div><a class="chartbeat-section" name="typical-vaginal-p-h-level">Typical vaginal pH level</a></div></h2></div><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><figure class="css-yhe8zq"><span class="css-rwmw5v"><span class="css-mjp0j9"><picture class="css-16pk1is"><source srcset="//web.archive.org/web/20240423104815im_/https://i0.wp.com/post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/07/Stocksy_txp2ca73746QmD300_Medium_1490076_header-1024x575.jpg?w=1575 750w" media="(min-width: 1190px)"/><source srcset="//web.archive.org/web/20240423104815im_/https://i0.wp.com/post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/07/Stocksy_txp2ca73746QmD300_Medium_1490076_header-1024x575.jpg?w=1575 750w" media="(min-width: 990px)"/><source srcset="//web.archive.org/web/20240423104815im_/https://i0.wp.com/post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/07/Stocksy_txp2ca73746QmD300_Medium_1490076_header-1024x575.jpg?w=1845 879w" media="(min-width: 768px)"/><img src="//web.archive.org/web/20240423104815im_/https://i0.wp.com/post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/07/Stocksy_txp2ca73746QmD300_Medium_1490076_header-1024x575.jpg?w=1155&amp;h=1528" alt="" class="css-1jytyml"/></picture></span><hl-share-overlay class="css-18moxll"><a class="icon-hl-pinterest css-1vttpbp" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" data-event="Any Page|Image Pinterest Click|Icon Clicked" data-element-event="OPEN|CONTENTBLOCK|Any Page|Article Body|BUTTON|Image Widget Pinterest Click|" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.medicalnewstoday.com%2Farticles%2F322537&amp;media=https%3A%2F%2Fpost.medicalnewstoday.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fsites%2F3%2F2018%2F07%2FStocksy_txp2ca73746QmD300_Medium_1490076_header-1024x575.jpg&amp;description=Vaginal%20pH%20balance%3A%20Normal%20levels%20and%20natural%20remedies" title="Share on Pinterest" data-pin-custom="true" data-share-url="https://post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/07/Stocksy_txp2ca73746QmD300_Medium_1490076_header-1024x575.jpg"><span class="css-8yl26h">Share on Pinterest</span></a></hl-share-overlay></span><figcaption class="css-1ujcy5k">Clique Images/Stocksy</figcaption></figure></div><p>A normal vaginal pH is between <hl-trusted-source source="PubMed Central" rationale="Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8618584/#:~:text=The%20naturally%20neutral%20pH%20is,from%20pathogenic%20organisms%20%5B4%5D." target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="content-link css-185ckoq">3.8 and 5</a></hl-trusted-source>. A pH level within this range can help to keep bacterial and fungal infections at bay.</p><p>This range is moderately acidic. </p><p>What is considered a “normal” vaginal pH level varies by age. A woman of reproductive age would have a normal vaginal pH between <hl-trusted-source source="PubMed Central" rationale="Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8618584/#:~:text=The%20naturally%20neutral%20pH%20is,from%20pathogenic%20organisms%20%5B4%5D." target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="content-link css-185ckoq">4.0 to 4.5</a></hl-trusted-source>, while women who have yet to begin menstruating or who are postmenopausal may have a normal vaginal pH <hl-trusted-source source="PubMed Central" rationale="Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8618584/#:~:text=The%20naturally%20neutral%20pH%20is,from%20pathogenic%20organisms%20%5B4%5D." target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="content-link css-185ckoq">higher than 4.5</a></hl-trusted-source></p><p><em>Lactobacilli</em> bacteria live in the vagina and secrete lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide, which give the vagina its acidic pH level.</p><p>Vaginal pH is usually less than 4.5 during a woman’s reproductive years unless a condition or infection raises it.</p><span class="css-zya54r"></span></div><div class="css-0"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><h2><div><a class="chartbeat-section" name="what-causes-unbalanced-vaginal-p-h">What causes unbalanced vaginal pH?</a></div></h2></div><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><p>Several conditions and infections can affect the vaginal pH balance, usually by increasing pH levels.</p><p>Causes of changes in vaginal pH include the following:</p><h3>Bacterial vaginosis</h3><p><a class="content-link css-185ckoq keywords" title="What is bacterial vaginosis?" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/184622.php">Bacterial vaginosis</a> is a medical condition that occurs when too much bacteria is present in the vagina. This can cause an increase in vaginal pH levels.</p><p>A person with bacterial vaginosis may experience itching, burning, or pain in the vagina. They may also feel a burning sensation when urinating and notice a white or gray discharge.</p><h3>Douching</h3><p><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320998" class="content-link css-185ckoq">Douching</a> refers to washing or cleaning the vagina using particular solutions, such as those containing vinegar or baking soda.</p><p>These solutions claim to reduce vaginal odor, but, in fact, they may worsen the smell. This is because they wash out good bacteria, which affects the vaginal pH balance and can make someone more prone to infections.</p><h3>Menopause</h3><p>Vaginal pH levels can be an indication of <hl-trusted-source source="PubMed Central" rationale="Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8618584/#:~:text=The%20naturally%20neutral%20pH%20is,from%20pathogenic%20organisms%20%5B4%5D." target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="content-link css-185ckoq">menopausal status</a></hl-trusted-source>. Women who are postmenopausal may have a slightly higher vaginal pH than women of reproductive age. </p><p>Reduced <a class="content-link css-185ckoq keywords" title="Everything you need to know about estrogen" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/277177.php">estrogen</a> levels during menopause may affect a person’s vaginal pH.</p><h3>Other vaginal infections</h3><p>The presence of infections other than bacterial vaginosis may also increase the vaginal pH.</p><p>Examples include <em>Trichomonas vaginalis</em> and group B <em>Streptococcus</em> (GBS).</p><h3>Presence of menstrual blood</h3><p>Blood has a higher pH than the vaginal environment. When a person is menstruating, the presence of menstrual blood can increase vaginal pH levels.</p><h3>Presence of semen</h3><p>Semen is basic, which is the opposite of the vagina’s acidic environment. When semen enters the vagina, it may temporarily increase the pH.</p><h3>Taking antibiotics</h3><p>People use <a class="content-link css-185ckoq keywords" title="Antibiotics: All You Need To Know" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/10278.php">antibiotics</a> to kill harmful bacteria, but these medications can kill good bacteria as well. This will include bacteria in the vagina. If a person is taking antibiotics, their vaginal pH may be out of balance.</p><h3>Urinary tract infections (UTIs)</h3><p><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/189953" class="content-link css-185ckoq">UTIs</a> do not cause a higher vaginal pH, but having a high pH can increase a person’s risk of developing a UTI.</p><p>Reduced estrogen levels during perimenopause and menopause can put a person at risk of developing more frequent UTIs, as lower estrogen allows the vaginal pH to rise.</p><p>Doctors may prescribe estrogen treatments to lower the vaginal pH and to prevent further UTIs.</p><h3>Other conditions</h3><p><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2016.01936/full" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="content-link css-185ckoq">Researchers</a> have also linked higher vaginal pH with several other conditions, including <a class="content-link css-185ckoq keywords" title="Infertility in men and women" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/165748.php">infertility</a>, premature birth, and increased risks for <a class="content-link css-185ckoq keywords" title="What you need to know about STDs" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/246491.php">sexually transmitted infections</a> (STIs).</p></div><div class="css-0"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><h2><div><a class="chartbeat-section" name="how-to-maintain-vaginal-p-h-balance">How to maintain vaginal pH balance </a></div></h2></div><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><p>People can purchase <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/vaginal-ph-tests" class="content-link css-185ckoq">home-testing kits</a> that measure the pH balance of the vagina. These kits are available in some pharmacies and online. </p><p>At-home testing can reveal elevated pH levels, which could indicate the presence of an infection.</p><p>The test involves placing a strip of paper that measures pH against the wall of the vagina for a designated amount of time.</p><p>After removing the paper, a person can compare the resulting color to those on a chart in the kit. Each color corresponds to a pH value.</p><p>People should read all of the information that the test kit includes. This will include recommendations on the timing of the test, including not performing the test while menstruating or too soon after sex.</p><p>If a person’s vaginal pH levels are routinely high without any symptoms of an infection, they can take several steps at home to reduce their pH levels. These include:</p><ul><li><strong>Avoiding harsh soaps and douching</strong>. Soaps typically have a high pH, and using them to clean the vaginal area may increase vaginal pH. It is best to use warm water and a gentle cleanser to clean the vulva but to refrain from using soap inside the vagina. This will help to maintain the vaginal pH balance.</li><li><strong>Changing tampons regularly</strong>. Tampons should be changed every four to eight hours. This also helps reduces the risk of bacterial infections, including toxic shock syndrome (<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://www.healthline.com/health/toxic-shock-syndrome" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="content-link css-185ckoq">TSS</a>).</li><li><strong>Using barrier protection during sex</strong>. Using barrier protection, such as condoms or dental dams, not only helps to prevent pregnancy and STIs but can prevent semen and other fluids from affecting pH levels in the vagina.</li><li><strong>Avoiding scented feminine hygiene products. </strong>Sprays, bubble baths and scented pads or tampons can increase the risk of yeast infections which can impact the pH of the vagina. </li></ul><p>Doctors can also prescribe creams, such as estrogen cream, which may help to reduce the vagina’s pH levels.</p><span class="css-zya54r"></span></div><div class="css-0"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><h2><div><a class="chartbeat-section" name="summary">Summary</a></div></h2></div><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><p>Keeping vaginal pH levels in balance can help to reduce infections and prevent complications.</p><p>Doctors rarely rely just on measurements of vaginal pH to diagnose medical conditions, such as yeast infections, or to determine whether or not someone is approaching menopause. However, vaginal pH tests can help to confirm a suspected diagnosis.</p><p>People can take steps, such as using probiotic supplements and not douching, to help keep their vaginal pH levels balanced.</p></div></article><span class="css-zya54r"></span></div><p class="css-1kir5of"><span> Last medically reviewed on  September 1, 2022</span></p><div class="css-5b5f7q"><ul><li itemprop="genre"><a class="css-185ckoq" data-event="Navigation|article tag click|Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/categories/infectious_diseases">Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses</a></li><li itemprop="genre"><a class="css-185ckoq" data-event="Navigation|article tag click|Women's Health / Gynecology" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/categories/womens_health">Women&#x27;s Health / Gynecology</a></li><li itemprop="genre"><a class="css-185ckoq" data-event="Navigation|article tag click|Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/categories/complementary_medicine">Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine</a></li></ul></div><div><div class="css-3gi0yn"><div class="css-1rqcb0a"><h3 id="bylineArticleTools">How we reviewed this article:</h3><div class="css-10qhqnn"><button type="button" class="css-1fd37wi"><div class="css-1yn1aa3"><span class="css-1prfhj6"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" fill="none" viewbox="0 0 20 20"><path fill="currentColor" fill-rule="evenodd" d="M0 10C0 4.477 4.477 0 10 0s10 4.477 10 10-4.477 10-10 10S0 15.523 0 10Zm18.5 0a8.5 8.5 0 1 0-17 0 8.5 8.5 0 0 0 17 0ZM10 4c-.823 0-1.5.677-1.5 1.518C8.5 6.323 9.177 7 10 7c.841 0 1.5-.677 1.5-1.482A1.5 1.5 0 0 0 10 4Zm0 4.5a1 1 0 0 1 1 1V15a1 1 0 1 1-2 0V9.5a1 1 0 0 1 1-1Z" clip-rule="evenodd"></path></svg></span><span>Sources</span></div></button></div><div class="css-rjmjeq"><div class="css-3sltps"><div id="article-resources" role="region" class="css-j247ue"><div>Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our<!-- --> <a class="css-185ckoq" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/process">editorial policy</a>.</div><ul class="css-1gxh91s"><li class="css-1r6llsa"><cite><span>Bacterial Vaginosis. (2022).</span><br/><a class="css-1gbyh2h" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/bacterial-vaginosis">https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/bacterial-vaginosis</a></cite></li><li class="css-1r6llsa"><cite><span>Douching. (2021).</span><br/><a class="css-1gbyh2h" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/douching">https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/douching</a></cite></li><li class="css-1r6llsa"><cite><span>Kim JM, Park YJ. (2017) Probiotics in the Prevention and Treatment of Postmenopausal Vaginal Infections: Review Article.</span><br/><a class="css-1gbyh2h" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://doi.org/10.6118/jmm.2017.23.3.139">https://doi.org/10.6118/jmm.2017.23.3.139</a></cite></li><li class="css-1r6llsa"><cite><span>Lin YP, Chen WC, Cheng CM, Shen CJ. (2021). Vaginal pH Value for Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment of Common Vaginitis.&nbsp;</span><br/><a class="css-1gbyh2h" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8618584/">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8618584/</a></cite></li><li class="css-1r6llsa"><cite><span>Miller, E. A., Beasley, D. E., Dunn, R. R., &amp; Archie, E. A. (2016). Lactobacilli dominance and vaginal pH: Why is the human vaginal microbiome unique?&nbsp;</span><br/><a class="css-1gbyh2h" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2016.01936/full">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2016.01936/full</a></cite></li><li class="css-1r6llsa"><cite><span>Preventing urinary tract infections: Frequently asked questions. (n.d.).&nbsp;</span><br/><a class="css-1gbyh2h" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://www.acog.org/-/media/Departments/Toolkits-for-Health-Care-Providers/UTI-Toolkit/Preventing-UTIs-PDF_1.pdf?dmc=1&amp;ts=20180716T1524393777">https://www.acog.org/-/media/Departments/Toolkits-for-Health-Care-Providers/UTI-Toolkit/Preventing-UTIs-PDF_1.pdf?dmc=1&amp;ts=20180716T1524393777</a></cite></li><li class="css-1r6llsa"><cite><span>The facts on tampons - and how to use them safely. (2020).</span><br/><a class="css-1gbyh2h" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/facts-tampons-and-how-use-them-safely">https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/facts-tampons-and-how-use-them-safely</a></cite></li><li class="css-1r6llsa"><cite><span><span class="content-title text-center">Vaginal pH. (2018). </span></span><br/><a class="css-1gbyh2h" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/InVitroDiagnostics/HomeUseTests/ucm126074.htm">https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/InVitroDiagnostics/HomeUseTests/ucm126074.htm</a></cite></li><li class="css-1r6llsa"><cite><span>Vaginal yeast infections. (2021).</span><br/><a class="css-1gbyh2h" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/vaginal-yeast-infections">https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/vaginal-yeast-infections</a></cite></li><li class="css-1r6llsa"><cite><span>Vulvovaginal health. (2022).</span><br/><a class="css-1gbyh2h" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Vulvovaginal-Health">https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Vulvovaginal-Health</a></cite></li></ul></div></div></div></div><div data-testid="share-tools" class="css-1pnjgaj"><p>Share this article</p><div class="css-1svc4lv"><div class="button-wrapper print"><a class="css-2h9vze print button icon icon-hl-print" target="_blank" title="Print this page"></a></div><div class="button-wrapper email"><a class="css-2h9vze email button icon icon-hl-email" target="_blank" title="Email this page"></a></div><div class="button-wrapper facebook"><a class="css-2h9vze facebook button icon icon-hl-facebook" 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class="css-h9jo37" data-dynamic-ads="true"><object type="text/html" data="about:blank" class="css-gji99s"></object></div></section></div></div></div><aside></aside><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><div><div id="read-next" class="css-128bpl6"><div class="css-m260rd"><div class="css-1h1rean"><div class="css-z468a2"><h3 class="css-1idufri">Related Coverage</h3></div><section class="css-82r5pg"></section></div></div><ul class="css-1l95nvm"><li class="css-1y0pb9y"><div class="css-m260rd"><div class="css-1h1rean"><div class="css-arlbvo"><div class="css-lm0pdr"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><figure class="css-6b9hi2"><a class="css-2h9vze" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/articles/189406;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|1" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|What’s to know about atrophic vaginitis?|rn0" 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href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/189406?utm_source=ReadNext" data-testid="text-link" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">After menopause, reduced estrogen levels can cause atrophic vaginitis, a condition where the vaginal walls become thin, dry, and inflamed. Learn more.</a></p><a class="css-1bruoom" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/articles/189406;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|1" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|What’s to know about atrophic vaginitis?|rn0" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/189406?utm_source=ReadNext">READ MORE<span class="css-145ofo8 icon-hl-arrow-right css-0"></span></a></div></div></div><section class="css-1n288wl"><div data-empty="true" class="css-vhteyv"><div class="css-1hjaa0k"><span class="css-zya54r"></span></div><div id="DCMR1__slot" data-adbridg-ad-class="DCMR1" data-ad="true" class=" css-prb4v6"></div></div></section></div></div></li><li class="css-1y0pb9y"><div class="css-m260rd"><div class="css-1h1rean"><div class="css-arlbvo"><span class="css-zya54r"></span></div><section class="css-1n288wl"><div data-empty="true" class="css-vhteyv"><div class="css-1hjaa0k"><span class="css-zya54r"></span></div><div id="DCMR1__slot" data-adbridg-ad-class="DCMR1" data-ad="true" class=" css-prb4v6"></div></div></section></div></div></li><li class="css-1y0pb9y"><div class="css-m260rd"><div class="css-1h1rean"><div class="css-arlbvo"><div class="css-lm0pdr"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><figure class="css-6b9hi2"><a class="css-2h9vze" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/articles/321615;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|2" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|What are the possible causes of vaginal dryness?|rn1" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321615?utm_source=ReadNext" data-testid="image-link" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><div class="css-79elbk"><span class="css-1hpxd9s"><span class="css-1767n2d"><lazy-image alt="What are the possible causes of vaginal dryness?" src="https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/01/GettyImages-1128918298_thumb-732x549.jpg" srcset="https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/01/GettyImages-1128918298_thumb-732x549.jpg 200w" classname="css-1lyqwde"></lazy-image></span></span><span class="css-1fb1nmp"><span class="css-a10gts"></span></span></div></a></figure><div class="css-1tmarpy"><a class="css-191ivnj" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/articles/321615;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|2" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|What are the possible causes of vaginal dryness?|rn1" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321615?utm_source=ReadNext" data-testid="title-link">What are the possible causes of vaginal dryness?</a><section data-testid="byline" class="css-4z1ts0"><div class="css-1pz7193"><div class="css-1edxg1f"><lazy-image alt="" src="//i0.wp.com/post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Carolyn-Kay-New-Headshot-500x500-Bio.png?w=73&amp;h=73"></lazy-image></div></div><div><span><span>Medically reviewed by <a class="css-63ogg1" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/reviewers">Carolyn Kay, M.D.</a></span></span></div></section><p class=""><a class="css-onvglr" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/articles/321615;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|2" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|What are the possible causes of vaginal dryness?|rn1" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321615?utm_source=ReadNext" data-testid="text-link" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Vaginal dryness is a common problem around menopause, but it can happen at any time. Here, learn why is happens and how to alleviate it.</a></p><a class="css-1bruoom" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/articles/321615;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|2" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|What are the possible causes of vaginal dryness?|rn1" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321615?utm_source=ReadNext">READ MORE<span class="css-145ofo8 icon-hl-arrow-right css-0"></span></a></div></div></div><section class="css-1n288wl"></section></div></div></li><li class="css-1y0pb9y"><div class="css-m260rd"><div class="css-1h1rean"><div class="css-arlbvo"><div class="css-lm0pdr"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><figure class="css-6b9hi2"><a class="css-2h9vze" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/articles/317562;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|3" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|How to get rid of bacterial vaginosis at home|rn2" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317562?utm_source=ReadNext" data-testid="image-link" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><div class="css-79elbk"><span class="css-1hpxd9s"><span class="css-1767n2d"><lazy-image alt="How to get rid of bacterial vaginosis at home" src="https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/12/BV_home_yogurt_thumb-732x549.jpg" srcset="https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/12/BV_home_yogurt_thumb-732x549.jpg 200w" classname="css-1lyqwde"></lazy-image></span></span><span class="css-1fb1nmp"><span class="css-a10gts"></span></span></div></a></figure><div class="css-1tmarpy"><a class="css-191ivnj" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/articles/317562;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|3" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|How to get rid of bacterial vaginosis at home|rn2" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317562?utm_source=ReadNext" data-testid="title-link">How to get rid of bacterial vaginosis at home</a><section data-testid="byline" class="css-4z1ts0"><div class="css-1pz7193"><div class="css-1edxg1f"><lazy-image alt="" src="//i0.wp.com/post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Dominique-Fontaine-500x500-Bio-1.png?w=73&amp;h=73"></lazy-image></div></div><div><span><span>Medically reviewed by <a class="css-63ogg1" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/reviewers">Dominique Fontaine, BSN, RN, HNB-BC, HWNC-BC</a></span></span></div></section><p class=""><a class="css-onvglr" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/articles/317562;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|3" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|How to get rid of bacterial vaginosis at home|rn2" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317562?utm_source=ReadNext" data-testid="text-link" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">What is bacterial vaginosis, and do home remedies really work? Learn more about the condition and various methods of prevention and treatment here.</a></p><a class="css-1bruoom" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/articles/317562;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|3" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|How to get rid of bacterial vaginosis at home|rn2" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317562?utm_source=ReadNext">READ MORE<span class="css-145ofo8 icon-hl-arrow-right css-0"></span></a></div></div></div><section class="css-1n288wl"><div data-empty="true" class="css-vhteyv"><div class="css-1hjaa0k"><span class="css-zya54r"></span></div><div id="DCMR2__slot" data-adbridg-ad-class="DCMR2" data-ad="true" class=" css-prb4v6"></div></div></section></div></div></li><li class="css-1y0pb9y"><div class="css-m260rd"><div class="css-1h1rean"><div class="css-arlbvo"><div class="css-lm0pdr"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><figure class="css-6b9hi2"><a class="css-2h9vze" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/articles/people-treated-by-female-doctors-tend-to-have-better-health-outcomes-study-finds;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|4" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|People treated by female doctors tend to have better health outcomes, study finds|rn3" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/people-treated-by-female-doctors-tend-to-have-better-health-outcomes-study-finds?utm_source=ReadNext" data-testid="image-link" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><div class="css-79elbk"><span class="css-1hpxd9s"><span class="css-1767n2d"><lazy-image alt="People treated by female doctors tend to have better health outcomes, study finds" src="https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/female-doctor-talking-patient-732x549-thumbnail.jpg" srcset="https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/04/female-doctor-talking-patient-732x549-thumbnail.jpg 200w" classname="css-1lyqwde"></lazy-image></span></span><span class="css-1fb1nmp"><span class="css-a10gts"></span></span></div></a></figure><div class="css-1tmarpy"><a class="css-191ivnj" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/articles/people-treated-by-female-doctors-tend-to-have-better-health-outcomes-study-finds;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|4" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|People treated by female doctors tend to have better health outcomes, study finds|rn3" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/people-treated-by-female-doctors-tend-to-have-better-health-outcomes-study-finds?utm_source=ReadNext" data-testid="title-link">People treated by female doctors tend to have better health outcomes, study finds</a><p class=""><a class="css-onvglr" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/articles/people-treated-by-female-doctors-tend-to-have-better-health-outcomes-study-finds;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|4" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|People treated by female doctors tend to have better health outcomes, study finds|rn3" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/people-treated-by-female-doctors-tend-to-have-better-health-outcomes-study-finds?utm_source=ReadNext" data-testid="text-link" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">Researchers say people treated by female doctors tend to have better health outcomes than people treated by male physicians. They say there are a…</a></p><a class="css-1bruoom" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/articles/people-treated-by-female-doctors-tend-to-have-better-health-outcomes-study-finds;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|4" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|People treated by female doctors tend to have better health outcomes, study finds|rn3" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/people-treated-by-female-doctors-tend-to-have-better-health-outcomes-study-finds?utm_source=ReadNext">READ MORE<span class="css-145ofo8 icon-hl-arrow-right css-0"></span></a></div></div></div><section class="css-1n288wl"></section></div></div></li><li class="css-1y0pb9y"><div class="css-m260rd"><div class="css-1h1rean"><div class="css-arlbvo"><div class="css-lm0pdr"><span style="font-size:0;line-height:0"></span><figure class="css-6b9hi2"><a class="css-2h9vze" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/articles/sun-exposure-may-improve-female-fertility;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|5" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|Sunlight exposure linked to improved fertility outcomes, study finds|rn4" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/sun-exposure-may-improve-female-fertility?utm_source=ReadNext" data-testid="image-link" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1"><div class="css-79elbk"><span class="css-1hpxd9s"><span class="css-1767n2d"><lazy-image alt="Sunlight exposure linked to improved fertility outcomes, study finds" src="https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/sunglasses-sand-plant-732x549-thumbnail.jpg" srcset="https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/sunglasses-sand-plant-732x549-thumbnail.jpg 200w" classname="css-1lyqwde"></lazy-image></span></span><span class="css-1fb1nmp"><span class="css-a10gts"></span></span></div></a></figure><div class="css-1tmarpy"><a class="css-191ivnj" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/articles/sun-exposure-may-improve-female-fertility;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|5" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|Sunlight exposure linked to improved fertility outcomes, study finds|rn4" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/sun-exposure-may-improve-female-fertility?utm_source=ReadNext" data-testid="title-link">Sunlight exposure linked to improved fertility outcomes, study finds</a><p class=""><a class="css-onvglr" data-event="engagement|bottom page content promo click|/articles/sun-exposure-may-improve-female-fertility;engagement|bottom page content promo click index|5" data-element-event="INTERNAL LINK|FOOTER|Any Page|Read This Next|LINK|Sunlight exposure linked to improved fertility outcomes, study finds|rn4" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/sun-exposure-may-improve-female-fertility?utm_source=ReadNext" data-testid="text-link" aria-hidden="true" tabindex="-1">A recent study suggests that moderate exposure to solar radiation during autumn and spring may improve ovarian reserve in women ages 30–40. 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</script><script src="https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815js_/https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js" async=""></script><script src="https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815js_/https://rvo-cohesion.medicalnewstoday.com/cohesion/cohesion-tpo.min.js?cDomain=medicalnewstoday.com" async=""></script><link href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://c.aps.amazon-adsystem.com/" rel="preconnect" crossorigin="true"/><script src="https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815js_/https://c.aps.amazon-adsystem.com/apstag.js" async=""></script><script>module={};__NEXT_DATA__={"buildId":"6241650a-c57d-4d69-964e-56d2c8157e37","props":{"ga":{"k1":"otherwomenshealth","k2":"femalehealth","kmeta":"vaginalhealth","contentType":"Tabbed Article","author":"Rachel Nall, MSN, CRNA","articleType":"regular","sponsoredProgramId":"","articleId":"mnt-2096038","mainContentCategoryTags":"","publishedDate":"2022-09-01","updatedDate":"2024-01-16","medReviewer":"Valinda Riggins Nwadike, MD, MPH","category":"Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses,Women's Health / Gynecology,Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine","subcategory":"","trackingTerms":"","ek1":"2644ced06fdefd90b58d757663ca51e356","ekmeta":"3f51c1dc73c8fe95b5826a6a6e,","contentForm":"Non-Head Term","type":"healthfeature"},"lang":"en","data":{"sideEffectsWidget":{},"livedExperience":{},"shareYourExperience":{},"drugSavingsData":null,"comments":[],"topComments":[],"id":"mnt-2096038","title":["Vaginal pH balance: Symptoms, remedies, and tests"],"articleHistory":{"2018-07-20":{"updateReason":[],"authors":"Rachel Nall, MSN, CRNA","editor":"Stephen Kelly","medicallyReviewedBy":"Holly Ernst"},"2023-01-05":{"updateReason":["The article received a minor update for site efficiency that didn’t change the substance of the content."],"authors":"Rachel Nall, MSN, CRNA","editor":"Elizabeth Pratt","copyEditor":"Copy Editors"},"2022-09-01":{"medicallyReviewedBy":"Valinda Riggins Nwadike, MD, MPH"}},"updateReason":["The article received a minor update for site efficiency that didn’t change the substance of the content."],"isFeature":false,"isPaidMedia":false,"isEditorialPaidMedia":false,"isTransactionalPaidMedia":false,"authors":[{"id":189,"name":{"display":"Rachel Nall, MSN, CRNA","first":"Rachel","last":"Nall, MSN, CRNA"},"link":"/authors/rachel-nall-msn-crna","type":{"value":"author","label":"Author"},"nid":"","specialties":[],"guestTitle":"","bio":{"text":"\u003cp\u003eRachel has been a freelance medical writer since 2004. She currently works as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist at a Level I trauma center. To keep up with Rachel, follow her on Instagram.\u003c/p\u003e\n"},"avatar":{"title":"","width":500,"height":500,"src":"https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/06/500x500_Rachel_Nall.png"},"bioBlurb":{"nodes":["Rachel has been a freelance medical writer since 2004. She currently works as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist at a Level I trauma center. To keep up…"]}}],"medicalReviewers":[{"id":158,"name":{"display":"Valinda Riggins Nwadike, MD, MPH","first":"Valinda","last":"Riggins Nwadike, MD, MPH"},"userLogin":"valinda10","links":{"website":"","facebook":"","linkedin":"","twitter":"","instagram":"","tiktok":""},"link":"/reviewers/valinda-riggins-nwadike-md-mph","type":{"value":"medical_reviewer","label":"Medical Advisor"},"nid":"155629","specialties":["OB/GYN",""],"guestTitle":"","bio":{"text":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"\u003eDr. Valinda Nwadike is an \u003c/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.abms.org/board-certification/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"\u003eABMS board certified\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"\u003e physician specializing in obstetrics and gynecology. She has over sixteen years of experience performing deliveries and gynecologic surgeries and currently works as a clinical instructor and supervises residents.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEducation\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"\u003eUniversity of Illinois College of Medicine, MD\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"\u003eColumbia University, MPH\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"\u003eJohns Hopkins University, BA\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCertifications\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"\u003eAmerican Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology \u0026#8211; Obstetrics and Gynecology\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n"},"avatar":{"title":"","width":200,"height":200,"src":"https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/12/valinda-riggins-nwadike.jpg"},"bioBlurb":{"nodes":["Dr. Valinda Nwadike is an ABMS board certified physician specializing in obstetrics and gynecology. She has over sixteen years of experience performing…"]}}],"editors":[{"role":"Editor","name":{"display":"Elizabeth Pratt"}}],"pinterestImage":{"path":"https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/07/Stocksy_txp2ca73746QmD300_Medium_1490076_thumb.jpg"},"hideFeedback":false,"isMedicare":false,"isBlog":false,"publishSource":"wordpress","isAmpSupported":false,"categories":[{"name":"Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses","slug":"infectious_diseases","link":"/categories/infectious_diseases","children":[]},{"name":"Women's Health / Gynecology","slug":"womens_health","link":"/categories/womens_health","primary":true,"children":[]},{"name":"Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine","slug":"complementary_medicine","link":"/categories/complementary_medicine","children":[]}],"language":{"en":"https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322537/","x-default":"https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322537/","current":"en"},"lang":"en","links":[],"colorScheme":"default","isContentSeries":false,"brandCTAs":[],"clusterUrls":[],"hideTabs":false,"tabs":[{"id":"_noHeaderPrefixedContent","title":null,"header":null,"body":[{"tagName":"div","source":"\u003cp class=\"css-dmtxcr\"\u003eThe normal pH level of the vagina is between 3.8 and 5. Infections, douching, and the presence of menstrual blood are some of the factors that can change the balance.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Maintaining the pH balance of the vagina is essential to keeping it healthy. Doctors can take a vaginal pH measurement to determine how acidic the vaginal environment is. It is also possible to test this at home."},{"tagName":"div","attributes":{"data-preamp":"serena-chatbot"},"source":""},{"tagName":"p","source":"In the vagina, a high pH may cause infections as it can allow bacteria and yeast to thrive."},{"tagName":"p","source":"In this article, learn more about normal vaginal pH levels, how to test them at home, and what to do to restore vaginal pH balance."}]},{"id":"typical-vaginal-p-h-level","title":"Typical vaginal pH level","isCollapsable":false,"header":["Typical vaginal pH level"],"body":[{"tagName":"div","source":"\u003cfigure class=\"css-yhe8zq\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"css-rwmw5v\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"css-mjp0j9\"\u003e\u003cpicture class=\"css-16pk1is\"\u003e\u003csource srcSet=\"//i0.wp.com/post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/07/Stocksy_txp2ca73746QmD300_Medium_1490076_header-1024x575.jpg?w=1575 750w\" media=\"(min-width: 1190px)\"/\u003e\u003csource srcSet=\"//i0.wp.com/post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/07/Stocksy_txp2ca73746QmD300_Medium_1490076_header-1024x575.jpg?w=1575 750w\" media=\"(min-width: 990px)\"/\u003e\u003csource srcSet=\"//i0.wp.com/post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/07/Stocksy_txp2ca73746QmD300_Medium_1490076_header-1024x575.jpg?w=1845 879w\" media=\"(min-width: 768px)\"/\u003e\u003cimg src=\"//i0.wp.com/post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/07/Stocksy_txp2ca73746QmD300_Medium_1490076_header-1024x575.jpg?w=1155\u0026h=1528\" alt=\"\" class=\"css-1jytyml\"/\u003e\u003c/picture\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003chl-share-overlay class=\"css-18moxll\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"icon-hl-pinterest css-1vttpbp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" data-event=\"Any Page|Image Pinterest Click|Icon Clicked\" data-element-event=\"OPEN|CONTENTBLOCK|Any Page|Article Body|BUTTON|Image Widget Pinterest Click|\" href=\"https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.medicalnewstoday.com%2Farticles%2F322537\u0026media=https%3A%2F%2Fpost.medicalnewstoday.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fsites%2F3%2F2018%2F07%2FStocksy_txp2ca73746QmD300_Medium_1490076_header-1024x575.jpg\u0026description=Vaginal%20pH%20balance%3A%20Normal%20levels%20and%20natural%20remedies\" title=\"Share on Pinterest\" data-pin-custom=\"true\" data-share-url=\"https://post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/07/Stocksy_txp2ca73746QmD300_Medium_1490076_header-1024x575.jpg\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"css-8yl26h\"\u003eShare on Pinterest\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/hl-share-overlay\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cfigcaption class=\"css-1ujcy5k\"\u003eClique Images/Stocksy\u003c/figcaption\u003e\u003c/figure\u003e"},{"tagName":"p","source":"A normal vaginal pH is between \u003chl-trusted-source source=\"PubMed Central\" rationale=\"Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8618584/#:~:text=The%20naturally%20neutral%20pH%20is,from%20pathogenic%20organisms%20%5B4%5D.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-185ckoq\"\u003e3.8 and 5\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/hl-trusted-source\u003e. A pH level within this range can help to keep bacterial and fungal infections at bay."},{"tagName":"p","source":"This range is moderately acidic. "},{"tagName":"p","source":"What is considered a “normal” vaginal pH level varies by age. A woman of reproductive age would have a normal vaginal pH between \u003chl-trusted-source source=\"PubMed Central\" rationale=\"Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8618584/#:~:text=The%20naturally%20neutral%20pH%20is,from%20pathogenic%20organisms%20%5B4%5D.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-185ckoq\"\u003e4.0 to 4.5\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/hl-trusted-source\u003e, while women who have yet to begin menstruating or who are postmenopausal may have a normal vaginal pH \u003chl-trusted-source source=\"PubMed Central\" rationale=\"Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8618584/#:~:text=The%20naturally%20neutral%20pH%20is,from%20pathogenic%20organisms%20%5B4%5D.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-185ckoq\"\u003ehigher than 4.5\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/hl-trusted-source\u003e"},{"tagName":"p","source":"\u003cem\u003eLactobacilli\u003c/em\u003e bacteria live in the vagina and secrete lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide, which give the vagina its acidic pH level."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Vaginal pH is usually less than 4.5 during a woman’s reproductive years unless a condition or infection raises it."}]},{"id":"what-causes-unbalanced-vaginal-p-h","title":"What causes unbalanced vaginal pH??","isCollapsable":false,"header":["What causes unbalanced vaginal pH?"],"body":[{"tagName":"p","source":"Several conditions and infections can affect the vaginal pH balance, usually by increasing pH levels."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Causes of changes in vaginal pH include the following:"},{"tagName":"h3","source":"Bacterial vaginosis"},{"tagName":"p","source":"\u003ca class=\"content-link css-185ckoq keywords\" title=\"What is bacterial vaginosis?\" href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/184622.php\"\u003eBacterial vaginosis\u003c/a\u003e is a medical condition that occurs when too much bacteria is present in the vagina. This can cause an increase in vaginal pH levels."},{"tagName":"p","source":"A person with bacterial vaginosis may experience itching, burning, or pain in the vagina. They may also feel a burning sensation when urinating and notice a white or gray discharge."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"Douching"},{"tagName":"p","source":"\u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320998\" class=\"content-link css-185ckoq\"\u003eDouching\u003c/a\u003e refers to washing or cleaning the vagina using particular solutions, such as those containing vinegar or baking soda."},{"tagName":"p","source":"These solutions claim to reduce vaginal odor, but, in fact, they may worsen the smell. This is because they wash out good bacteria, which affects the vaginal pH balance and can make someone more prone to infections."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"Menopause"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Vaginal pH levels can be an indication of \u003chl-trusted-source source=\"PubMed Central\" rationale=\"Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8618584/#:~:text=The%20naturally%20neutral%20pH%20is,from%20pathogenic%20organisms%20%5B4%5D.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-185ckoq\"\u003emenopausal status\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/hl-trusted-source\u003e. Women who are postmenopausal may have a slightly higher vaginal pH than women of reproductive age. "},{"tagName":"p","source":"Reduced \u003ca class=\"content-link css-185ckoq keywords\" title=\"Everything you need to know about estrogen\" href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/277177.php\"\u003eestrogen\u003c/a\u003e levels during menopause may affect a person’s vaginal pH."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"Other vaginal infections"},{"tagName":"p","source":"The presence of infections other than bacterial vaginosis may also increase the vaginal pH."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Examples include \u003cem\u003eTrichomonas vaginalis\u003c/em\u003e and group B \u003cem\u003eStreptococcus\u003c/em\u003e (GBS)."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"Presence of menstrual blood"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Blood has a higher pH than the vaginal environment. When a person is menstruating, the presence of menstrual blood can increase vaginal pH levels."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"Presence of semen"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Semen is basic, which is the opposite of the vagina’s acidic environment. When semen enters the vagina, it may temporarily increase the pH."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"Taking antibiotics"},{"tagName":"p","source":"People use \u003ca class=\"content-link css-185ckoq keywords\" title=\"Antibiotics: All You Need To Know\" href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/10278.php\"\u003eantibiotics\u003c/a\u003e to kill harmful bacteria, but these medications can kill good bacteria as well. This will include bacteria in the vagina. If a person is taking antibiotics, their vaginal pH may be out of balance."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"Urinary tract infections (UTIs)"},{"tagName":"p","source":"\u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/189953\" class=\"content-link css-185ckoq\"\u003eUTIs\u003c/a\u003e do not cause a higher vaginal pH, but having a high pH can increase a person’s risk of developing a UTI."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Reduced estrogen levels during perimenopause and menopause can put a person at risk of developing more frequent UTIs, as lower estrogen allows the vaginal pH to rise."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Doctors may prescribe estrogen treatments to lower the vaginal pH and to prevent further UTIs."},{"tagName":"h3","source":"Other conditions"},{"tagName":"p","source":"\u003ca href=\"https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2016.01936/full\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"content-link css-185ckoq\"\u003eResearchers\u003c/a\u003e have also linked higher vaginal pH with several other conditions, including \u003ca class=\"content-link css-185ckoq keywords\" title=\"Infertility in men and women\" href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/165748.php\"\u003einfertility\u003c/a\u003e, premature birth, and increased risks for \u003ca class=\"content-link css-185ckoq keywords\" title=\"What you need to know about STDs\" href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/246491.php\"\u003esexually transmitted infections\u003c/a\u003e (STIs)."}]},{"id":"how-to-maintain-vaginal-p-h-balance","title":"How to maintain vaginal pH balance","isCollapsable":false,"header":["How to maintain vaginal pH balance "],"body":[{"tagName":"p","source":"People can purchase \u003ca href=\"https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/vaginal-ph-tests\" class=\"content-link css-185ckoq\"\u003ehome-testing kits\u003c/a\u003e that measure the pH balance of the vagina. These kits are available in some pharmacies and online. "},{"tagName":"p","source":"At-home testing can reveal elevated pH levels, which could indicate the presence of an infection."},{"tagName":"p","source":"The test involves placing a strip of paper that measures pH against the wall of the vagina for a designated amount of time."},{"tagName":"p","source":"After removing the paper, a person can compare the resulting color to those on a chart in the kit. Each color corresponds to a pH value."},{"tagName":"p","source":"People should read all of the information that the test kit includes. This will include recommendations on the timing of the test, including not performing the test while menstruating or too soon after sex."},{"tagName":"p","source":"If a person’s vaginal pH levels are routinely high without any symptoms of an infection, they can take several steps at home to reduce their pH levels. These include:"},{"tagName":"ul","source":"\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvoiding harsh soaps and douching\u003c/strong\u003e. Soaps typically have a high pH, and using them to clean the vaginal area may increase vaginal pH. It is best to use warm water and a gentle cleanser to clean the vulva but to refrain from using soap inside the vagina. This will help to maintain the vaginal pH balance.\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChanging tampons regularly\u003c/strong\u003e. Tampons should be changed every four to eight hours. This also helps reduces the risk of bacterial infections, including toxic shock syndrome (\u003ca href=\"https://www.healthline.com/health/toxic-shock-syndrome\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" class=\"content-link css-185ckoq\"\u003eTSS\u003c/a\u003e).\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUsing barrier protection during sex\u003c/strong\u003e. Using barrier protection, such as condoms or dental dams, not only helps to prevent pregnancy and STIs but can prevent semen and other fluids from affecting pH levels in the vagina.\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvoiding scented feminine hygiene products. \u003c/strong\u003eSprays, bubble baths and scented pads or tampons can increase the risk of yeast infections which can impact the pH of the vagina. \u003c/li\u003e"},{"tagName":"p","source":"Doctors can also prescribe creams, such as estrogen cream, which may help to reduce the vagina’s pH levels."}]},{"id":"summary","title":"Summary","isCollapsable":false,"header":["Summary"],"body":[{"tagName":"p","source":"Keeping vaginal pH levels in balance can help to reduce infections and prevent complications."},{"tagName":"p","source":"Doctors rarely rely just on measurements of vaginal pH to diagnose medical conditions, such as yeast infections, or to determine whether or not someone is approaching menopause. However, vaginal pH tests can help to confirm a suspected diagnosis."},{"tagName":"p","source":"People can take steps, such as using probiotic supplements and not douching, to help keep their vaginal pH levels balanced."}]}],"hasAffiliateLinks":false,"affiliates":[],"propsFor":{"articleResources":[{"displayLink":"womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/bacterial-vaginosis ","link":"https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/bacterial-vaginosis","title":{"tagName":"span","source":"Bacterial Vaginosis. (2022)."}},{"displayLink":"womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/douching ","link":"https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/douching","title":{"tagName":"span","source":"Douching. (2021)."}},{"displayLink":"doi.org/10.6118/jmm.2017.23.3.139","link":"https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://doi.org/10.6118/jmm.2017.23.3.139","title":{"tagName":"span","source":"Kim JM, Park YJ. (2017) Probiotics in the Prevention and Treatment of Postmenopausal Vaginal Infections: Review Article."}},{"displayLink":"ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8618584/ ","link":"https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8618584/","title":{"tagName":"span","source":"Lin YP, Chen WC, Cheng CM, Shen CJ. (2021). Vaginal pH Value for Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment of Common Vaginitis.\u0026nbsp;"}},{"displayLink":"frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2016.01936/full","link":"https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2016.01936/full","title":{"tagName":"span","source":"Miller, E. A., Beasley, D. E., Dunn, R. R., \u0026amp; Archie, E. A. (2016). Lactobacilli dominance and vaginal pH: Why is the human vaginal microbiome unique?\u0026nbsp;"}},{"displayLink":"acog.org/-/media/Departments/Toolkits-for-Health-Care-Providers/UTI-Toolkit/Preventing-UTIs-PDF_1.pdf?dmc=1\u0026ts=20180716T1524393777","link":"https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://www.acog.org/-/media/Departments/Toolkits-for-Health-Care-Providers/UTI-Toolkit/Preventing-UTIs-PDF_1.pdf?dmc=1\u0026ts=20180716T1524393777","title":{"tagName":"span","source":"Preventing urinary tract infections: Frequently asked questions. (n.d.).\u0026nbsp;"}},{"displayLink":"fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/facts-tampons-and-how-use-them-safely ","link":"https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/facts-tampons-and-how-use-them-safely","title":{"tagName":"span","source":"The facts on tampons - and how to use them safely. (2020)."}},{"displayLink":"fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/InVitroDiagnostics/HomeUseTests/ucm126074.htm","link":"https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/InVitroDiagnostics/HomeUseTests/ucm126074.htm","title":{"tagName":"span","source":"\u003cspan class=\"content-title text-center\"\u003eVaginal pH. (2018). \u003c/span\u003e"}},{"displayLink":"womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/vaginal-yeast-infections ","link":"https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/vaginal-yeast-infections","title":{"tagName":"span","source":"Vaginal yeast infections. (2021)."}},{"displayLink":"acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Vulvovaginal-Health","link":"https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Vulvovaginal-Health","title":{"tagName":"span","source":"Vulvovaginal health. (2022)."}}],"byline":{"authors":[{"id":189,"name":{"display":"Rachel Nall, MSN, CRNA","first":"Rachel","last":"Nall, MSN, CRNA"},"link":"/authors/rachel-nall-msn-crna","type":{"value":"author","label":"Author"},"nid":"","specialties":[],"guestTitle":"","bio":{"text":"\u003cp\u003eRachel has been a freelance medical writer since 2004. She currently works as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist at a Level I trauma center. To keep up with Rachel, follow her on Instagram.\u003c/p\u003e\n"},"avatar":{"title":"","width":500,"height":500,"src":"https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/06/500x500_Rachel_Nall.png"}}],"medicalReviewers":[{"id":158,"name":{"display":"Valinda Riggins Nwadike, MD, MPH","first":"Valinda","last":"Riggins Nwadike, MD, MPH"},"userLogin":"valinda10","links":{"website":"","facebook":"","linkedin":"","twitter":"","instagram":"","tiktok":""},"link":"/reviewers/valinda-riggins-nwadike-md-mph","type":{"value":"medical_reviewer","label":"Medical Advisor"},"nid":"155629","specialties":[{"name":"OB/GYN"},{"name":""}],"guestTitle":"","bio":{"text":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"\u003eDr. Valinda Nwadike is an \u003c/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https://www.abms.org/board-certification/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"\u003eABMS board certified\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"\u003e physician specializing in obstetrics and gynecology. She has over sixteen years of experience performing deliveries and gynecologic surgeries and currently works as a clinical instructor and supervises residents.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEducation\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"\u003eUniversity of Illinois College of Medicine, MD\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"\u003eColumbia University, MPH\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"\u003eJohns Hopkins University, BA\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCertifications\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"\u003eAmerican Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology \u0026#8211; Obstetrics and Gynecology\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n"},"avatar":{"title":"","width":200,"height":200,"src":"https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/12/valinda-riggins-nwadike.jpg"}}],"id":"mnt-2096038","updateReason":["The article received a minor update for site efficiency that didn’t change the substance of the content."],"editor":"Elizabeth Pratt","factCheckedBy":"","factCheckers":[],"articleHistory":{"2018-07-20":{"updateReason":[],"authors":"Rachel Nall, MSN, CRNA","editor":"Stephen Kelly","medicallyReviewedBy":"Holly Ernst"},"2023-01-05":{"updateReason":["The article received a minor update for site efficiency that didn’t change the substance of the content."],"authors":"Rachel Nall, MSN, CRNA","editor":"Elizabeth Pratt","copyEditor":"Copy Editors"},"2022-09-01":{"medicallyReviewedBy":"Valinda Riggins Nwadike, MD, MPH"}},"articleDates":{"factChecked":{"date":null,"display":""},"medicallyReviewed":{"date":1661990400,"display":"September 1, 2022"},"published":{"date":1532106000,"display":"July 20, 2018"},"lastUpdates":{"date":1672876800,"display":"January 5, 2023"},"modified":{"date":1705400415,"display":"January 16, 2024"}},"type":"healthfeature","language":"en"},"isCorp":false,"isReference":false,"isPremiumVideo":false,"isStandaloneVideo":false,"schemaObj":{"@context":"https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://schema.org","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Medical News Today","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://cdn-prod.medicalnewstoday.com/structure/images/logo/logo-2017-640-60.png"}},"@type":"MedicalWebPage","headline":"Vaginal pH balance: Symptoms, remedies, and tests","description":"While vaginal pH levels tend to change over a person’s lifetime, normal levels are usually below 4.5. 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Here, learn why is happens and how to alleviate it."],"link":"/articles/321615","imageAlt":"What are the possible causes of vaginal dryness?","thumbnail":"https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://media.post.rvohealth.io/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/01/GettyImages-1128918298_thumb-732x549.jpg","medicallyReviewedBy":{"reviewerName":"Carolyn Kay, M.D.","reviewerImage":{"path":"https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Carolyn-Kay-New-Headshot-500x500-Bio.png","width":200,"height":200,"altText":""},"specialties":[]},"isNutrition":false,"authors":[],"reviewedByHeader":"Medically reviewed by"},{"title":["How to get rid of bacterial vaginosis at home"],"text":["What is bacterial vaginosis, and do home remedies really work? 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In her spare time, she runs a local maternal health nonprofit.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTo keep up with Zawn, visit her \u003ca class=\"\u0026quot;button_followrel=\u0026quot;noopener\" href=\"//www.zawnvillines.com/\u0026quot;\" target=\"\u0026quot;_blanktitle=\u0026quot;Follow\"\u003ewebsite\u003c/a\u003e or \u003ca class=\"\u0026quot;button_followrel=\u0026quot;noopener\" href=\"//georgiabirth.org\u0026quot;\" target=\"\u0026quot;_blanktitle=\u0026quot;Follow\"\u003elearn more about her work\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n"},"avatar":{"title":"","width":500,"height":500,"src":"https://web.archive.org/web/20240423104815/https://post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/12/author-placeholder.jpg"}}],"reviewedByHeader":"Medically reviewed by"},{"title":["People treated by female doctors tend to have better health outcomes, study finds"],"text":["Researchers say people treated by female doctors tend to have better health outcomes than people treated by male physicians. 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