By Valarie Merced, LMHC, CSC
1 NOVEMBER 2025
The womb is a remarkable landscape, home to a diverse ecosystem of bacteria that support wellbeing and reproductive health. This delicate, yet resilient balance fluctuates throughout the menstrual cycle, influencing everything from comfort to fertility. Understanding the unique balance of pH can empower you to take charge of your sexual and reproductive health.
What is pH?
pH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline an environment is. A scale below 7 indicates acidity, while numbers above 7 indicate alkalinity (basic).
A healthy vaginal environment is slightly acidic, usually between 3.8 and 4.5, and may rise to around 5 after menopause. This acidity helps protect against bacterial infections and yeast overgrowth. However, the same pH that allows flora to thrive can make it harder for sperm to survive, which is why pH naturally fluctuates throughout the cycle.
An imbalance in pH may lead to uncomfortable symptoms such as unusual discharge, itching, odor, or infections. Paying attention to these signs, alongside routine medical checkups, helps maintain overall vaginal health.
Understanding vaginal pH is the key to sexual wellness, reproductive health, and self-care. Despite its significance to sexual health, women are given little guidance on maintaining healthy flora.
Well, that’s all about to change! Because Mila has your flourishing flora in mind!Â
What Can Disrupt Vaginal pH?
Vaginal pH is sensitive and can be affected by a variety of factors.
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Diet: Consuming large amounts of sugar, alcohol, highly acidic foods, or heavily processed items can shift the body’s natural acidity and influence vaginal balance.
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Medications: Antibiotics may reduce the number of beneficial bacteria, making it easier for harmful microbes to thrive. Supporting your body with probiotics – through foods like yogurt or fermented options – can help restore balance.
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Hormonal changes: Estrogen plays a key role in maintaining an acidic environment. Low estrogen levels, which can occur with aging or certain life stages, may raise pH and thin vaginal tissues.
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Clothing choices: Synthetic underwear can trap moisture and heat, creating conditions for unwanted bacteria. Opting for breathable fabrics like cotton can help protect your natural flora.
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Semen exposure: Because semen is naturally alkaline, frequent or prolonged exposure can temporarily alter vaginal acidity.
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Douching: The vagina regulates and cleanses through the production of cervical fluid. Using douches disrupts this natural process, potentially upsetting the delicate microbial balance.
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Spermicide: Nonoxynol-9 is used in lubricants to slow and kill semen. It has also been proven to damage the vaginal flora and tissues, impacting the production of lactobacillus, the healthy bacteria! So invest in a safe, sensitive, and pH-balanced lubricant like Mila’s Intimate Gliding Mist (now available in 3 scents), with the same skin-care grade ingredients you would expect from products for your face: collagen, aloe vera, green tea, centella asiatica and a patented complex for long lasting benefits.
Testing and Observing Your pH
Intuitively connecting with your body can provide valuable insights. Become familiar with your cycle and observe your cervical fluid – its color, consistency, and smell. Changes from your usual pattern can indicate a shift in vaginal health.
Signs of imbalance may include:
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Itching or burning sensations
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Unpleasant odors
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Discolored cervical fluid (normally clear, white, or slightly yellow)
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Texture changes
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General discomfort
Home pH testing kits can offer additional guidance, giving you a clearer picture of your vaginal environment.
The Rhythm of pH
Vaginal pH naturally fluctuates over time and throughout a lifetime.
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During menstruation: Blood has a neutral pH around 7, temporarily raising vaginal pH.
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During ovulation: Cervical fluid becomes more alkaline to support sperm survival, increasing pH for 2–7 days.
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Other life stages: Pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause can also elevate pH due to hormonal changes.
Effects of pH Imbalance
Elevated (Basic) pH:
A basic vaginal environment can reduce beneficial bacteria and increase the risk of:
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Bacterial Vaginosis
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Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
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Yeast infections
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Trichomoniasis
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Higher susceptibility to STIs like chlamydia and HIV (Lin et al, 2021)
Low (Acidic) pH:Â
Excessive acidity may create discomfort during sex or urination and could impact fertility.
Supporting Healthy pH
Addressing Elevated pH
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Consult your doctor first.
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Insertables:
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Probiotic vaginal suppositories from trusted brands
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Homemade pH pops: combine ¼ cup plain organic yogurt with ½ tablespoon honey, freeze in a mold, and insert before bed with a pad. Yogurt has a significant amount of lactobacillus cultures, and honey has been studied for its effect on microbiota and as a treatment for BV (Lardenoije et al, 2024)
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Solidified coconut oil pieces can help nourish vaginal tissue and support luxurious balance.
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Ingestibles:
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Probiotic-rich foods or supplements
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Supergreens like chlorella, spirulina, or wheatgrass
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Phytoestrogen-rich foods or herbs (e.g., red clover, wild yam, flaxseed) to support hormonal balance
Addressing Low pH
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Maintain a balanced diet with pre- and probiotic foods
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Limit sugar and overly acidic foods
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Stay hydrated to help your body maintain overall equilibrium
May your flora flourish!
Ready to test your balance? Check out these products:
* This article is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician before trying any new treatments.
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