Let’s talk about vaginal health
One of the most common reasons women visit a gynaecologist is a change in vaginal discharge.
In many cases, this is caused by vaginitis—a vaginal infection.
Vaginal infections rarely occur “out of the blue.” They often develop when the vagina’s natural balance is disrupted—especially when the vaginal pH changes.
Below, I’ll break down the key principles for protecting your vaginal pH and reducing your risk of recurrent infections—so you can better understand what’s happening in your body and what you can do about it.
What is vaginal pH?
Vaginal pH describes how acidic or alkaline the vaginal fluid is.
Think of it as the same pH scale you learned about in science class.
In a healthy vagina, the environment is naturally acidic.
Here are the key numbers to remember:
- Normal vaginal pH is usually between 4.0 and 4.5.
- This acidic range helps support healthy bacteria and flora and makes it harder for infection‑causing germs to grow.
What makes vaginal pH acidic?
The key protective bacteria is Lactobacillus.
The vagina contains a natural mix of microorganisms (“flora”), but Lactobacillus is usually the most dominant—and the most protective.
Lactobacillus produces lactic acid, which keeps vaginal fluid acidic and helps maintain a healthy pH. This acidic environment makes it harder for harmful bacteria and fungi (yeast) to multiply, reducing the risk of infections and abnormal discharge.
What makes the vaginal pH non-acidic?
Several factors can disrupt the vagina’s natural pH balance.
When pH rises above 4.5, the environment becomes less acidic and more prone to irritation and infections.
Common causes of a less acidic vaginal pH include:
- Infections: Overgrowth of bacteria or yeast (fungus).
- Body fluids: Blood (including prolonged bleeding), and semen during sex.
- Products & practices: Douching, soaps, and vaginal washes.
- Foreign bodies: Retained tampons, condoms, sex toys, or inserting items (e.g., garlic).
- Hormonal changes (low oestrogen): Peri‑menopause and menopause.
- Pregnancy: Natural hormonal shifts can change vaginal flora and pH.
- Underlying health conditions: Some chronic illnesses (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis) may increase susceptibility to imbalance and infection.
What can you do to keep your vaginal pH acidic?
The good news is that a few everyday habits can help maintain a healthy, acidic vaginal pH and reduce your risk of recurrent infections:
- Eat a balanced diet to support stable blood sugar.
- Use probiotics (foods or supplements) to support healthy vaginal flora.
- Treat infections early to prevent prolonged imbalance.
- Address prolonged bleeding with your doctor, as ongoing blood exposure can raise pH.
- Use condoms to reduce the risk of STIs and pH disruption from semen.
- Get help for menopausal symptoms (especially dryness), as low oestrogen can increase pH.
Sex and vaginal pH
Sex can temporarily change vaginal pH—especially when bacteria, semen, or residue are introduced into the vaginal area.
The penis can trap urine residue, sweat, and bacteria. During sex, that residue can disrupt the vagina’s natural balance and contribute to a rise in pH.
Before sex, prioritise genital hygiene (especially for the penis).
- Wash the genitals before sex (particularly the penis).
- If uncircumcised, gently pull back the foreskin and clean underneath thoroughly.
- Best option: shower with mild soap and running water.
- If you need a quick option: use unscented hygiene wipes.
Why do women get vaginal infections with a new sexual partner?
- A partner may have an untreated sexually transmitted infection (STI).
- Your vaginal flora may need time to adjust to your partner’s skin bacteria and semen (i.e Your body just isn’t used to him yet)
What does “your body isn’t used to him yet” mean?
How to handle new partners
- Clean the penis before sex (including under the foreskin if uncircumcised).
- Consider condom use, especially with new partners.
- Seek medical care promptly if you develop symptoms, to prevent the problem from recurring.
What does a vaginal infection look like?
With a vaginal infection, it’s common to have two or more of the symptoms below:
- Abnormal discharge: yellow, green, brown, or grey discharge.
- Unusual vaginal odour: fishy, musty/mouldy, or otherwise offensive.
- Itching around the vulva and/or inside the vagina.
- Pain or burning around the vulva and/or inside the vagina.
- Irritation or redness of the vulva or vaginal opening.
- Spotting or bleeding outside of your normal period.
- Painful urination: burning or stinging when you pass urine.
What to do if you notice a change in vaginal discharge
- A look at the vulva and vagina for irritation, redness, or sores.
- Assessment of the discharge (colour, smell, thickness, amount).
- A check of the cervix for signs of infection or other abnormalities.
How treatment is usually approached?
- Empiric treatment (most common): many clinicians start treatment right away based on your symptoms and exam findings—often using an antibacterial/antifungal combination. If it appears to be a straightforward yeast infection, an antifungal alone may be enough.
- Swab and lab testing: a sample of vaginal fluid is sent to the lab to test for bacteria and yeast. You may be started on treatment while awaiting results, then the medication is adjusted once the report returns.
Vaginal inserts vs oral medication
Next things to do…
- Avoid sex until treatment is completed and your symptoms have settled.
Partner treatment (if an STI is suspected or confirmed) If your infection is linked to an STI (e.g., gonorrhoea or chlamydia), it’s important that your partner is treated too. This helps prevent reinfection and reduces the risk of complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease, chronic pelvic pain, and infertility.
Support recovery with probiotics
- Yoghurt
- Pickles (fermented)
- Kombucha
- Sour cream
- Cottage cheese
- Aged cheeses
You can also consider a probiotic supplement—available at most pharmacies/drug stores.
Spruce up your underwear hygiene
- Choose breathable fabric: cotton underwear is often ideal because it helps reduce heat and moisture.
- Wash thoroughly: use a gentle detergent; if you prefer, a small amount of baking soda in the wash can help with odour. Avoid harsh, heavily fragranced products.
- Dry completely: make sure underwear is fully dry before wearing. When possible, drying in sunlight can help because UV light may reduce residual bacteria and fungus.
- Change promptly when damp: if you sweat a lot or your underwear becomes soaked, change as soon as you can.
- Managing sweat (optional): if changing isn’t convenient, you may use a light antiperspirant spray on the pubic hair only (external use). Do not apply deodorant to the vulva or inside the vagina, as it can cause irritation.
Review your menstrual products
- Watch for triggers: fragrances, deodorising ingredients, dyes, or very absorbent materials that leave the area overly dry.
- Try simpler options: unscented, dye‑free pads/tampons or a different brand if symptoms flare with one product.
- Change regularly: prolonged use of a damp pad/tampon can increase irritation and odour.
If you suspect a particular product is triggering symptoms, switch to an alternative and monitor how you feel over the next cycle. If symptoms persist or you develop pain, burning, or a strong odour, get assessed by a clinician.
Let’s wrap this up….
In summary, maintaining a healthy vaginal pH is an important part of preventing recurrent vaginal infections—but there can be many contributing factors.
Wishing you the very best of health.
If you’d like personalised advice based on your symptoms and medical history, you’re welcome to book a consultation with me. Terms and conditions apply.
