In teaching my patients to provide empowered care for their lady garden, I have emphasized the importance of a healthy vaginal pH. So how do you know if your pH is optimal? You test it of course!
The Importance of Balance
Your vaginal pH is one of the most important factors contributing to the health and comfort of your lady garden. The pH of the vaginal tract is maintained by the healthy bacteria that live there – mostly Lactobacillus species. When the pH is out of balance this can lead to bacterial vaginosis (BV), yeast infections, and urinary tract infections.
If you are experiencing symptoms of itching, burning, discomfort or an unpleasant odour from your lady garden, a pH test can help you to determine the cause. And once you know the cause, an empowered woman can find the appropriate solution!
How to Test Vaginal pH
Testing your vaginal pH couldn’t be simpler. You purchase a pH test kit – it has to have a pretty narrow range to accurately assess the pH of the vaginal tract. This one is the one I recommend most – you can purchase it easily on Amazon.
To test the pH simply part the outer labia then apply a piece of the pH paper to the vaginal walls for a few seconds. You can then compare the colour of the pH paper to the packaging to determine your pH balance. Choose the colour that most closely resembles the colour of the paper – it doesn’t have to be a perfect match, just a close match.
What the Results Mean
The pH of a healthy vaginal tract is slightly acidic – typically between 3.8 and 4.5.
A higher number (above 4.5) suggests a more alkaline environment – and is one of the most accurate ways of diagnosing BV. If your pH is high, you should skip the yeast infection treatments and instead start on the PATH to treating BV.
Yeast infections don’t typically change the pH of the lady garden. So if your pH is normal and you still have itching or discomfort, then a yeast infection is more likely your issue. If you don’t have typical symptoms of a yeast infection, speak with your Naturopathic Doctor about whether it may be cytolytic vaginosis, a condition associated with an overgrowth of Lactobacillus that can sometimes mimic a yeast infection.
Monitoring with pH
One of the best things you can do when you are learning to expertly tend to your lady garden is test your pH. If you have had a history of bacterial vaginosis in the past, using pH to monitor your balance, or to assess the impact of treatments, can be incredibly empowering. I suggest you try testing your vaginal pH at different times through your cycle, I recommend weekly, to get a sense of your pH balance throughout your hormonal cycle.
Seeking Support
If you test your vaginal pH and it is out of balance, I suggest you work with a qualified Naturopathic Doctor to regain your balance. The health of your lady garden is a reflection of your hormonal and bacterial health, and I want your health to be vibrant and amazing!
Selected Resources
Hemalatha R, Ramalaxmi BA, Sweta E, Balakrisna N, Mastromarino P. Evaluation of vaginal pH for detection of bacterial vaginosis. Indian J Med Res. 2013; 138(3):354-359
Disclaimer
The advice provided in this article is for informational purposes only. It is meant to augment and not replace consultation with a licensed health care provider. Consultation with a Naturopathic Doctor or other primary care provider is recommended for anyone suffering from a health problem.
