Vaginal pH
Vaginal pH: Why It Matters More Than You Think
Vaginal health is a core part of your overall well-being and women’s health. One of the biggest factors influencing vaginal comfort, infection risk, and day-to-day confidence is something many people rarely think about: vaginal pH (potential of hydrogen, how acidic or basic). When your pH is balanced, your vaginal environment supports healthy bacteria, protects against infections, and maintains normal lubrication and comfort. But even small shifts can cause irritation, odor, itching, or recurring infections. The pH is the root of these problems.
At Maud Medical Clinic in Calgary, our physicians and pelvic health experts regularly help patients understand how vaginal pH works and how to keep it healthy through every stage of life.
This blog explains what vaginal pH is, what affects it, what symptoms signal an imbalance, and how to support your vaginal ecosystem using evidence-based strategies. It also touches on how life stages such as postpartum, perimenopause, and sexual activity can influence pH changes and when to see a doctor or pelvic floor physiotherapist at Maud Medical Clinic for personalized care.
What exactly is Vaginal pH?
Vaginal pH refers to how acidic or alkaline the vaginal environment is. A healthy vagina is naturally acidic, usually staying between a pH of 3.8 and 4.5. This acidic environment is maintained primarily by lactobacilli, the good bacteria that help protect against harmful microbes. When pH levels are balanced, the vagina can fight infections more effectively and maintain comfortable moisture levels. However, if the pH rises and becomes too alkaline, harmful bacteria or yeast can grow more easily. This creates a higher risk of bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and general irritation. Understanding your vaginal pH can help you interpret symptoms and prevent infections before they begin.
Why Vaginal pH Balance Matters
The vaginal microbiome plays a crucial role in keeping your reproductive and sexual health stable. When the pH stays in its normal, acidic range, lactobacilli can thrive and create an environment that discourages harmful bacteria from growing. When the pH changes, you may notice symptoms that seem minor at first but these can potentially become problematic over time. Maintaining a balanced vaginal pH supports your body’s natural ability to:
• Prevent bacterial infections
• Prevent yeast overgrowth
• Maintain normal lubrication
• Reduce itching and irritation
• Prevent unusual or strong odor
• Protect against sexually transmitted infections
• Support comfort during sex
For many patients, consistent vaginal discomfort is linked to pH changes that went unnoticed.
What Causes Vaginal pH to Become Imbalanced?
There are many factors that can shift vaginal pH. Some are normal life changes, while others relate to products, habits, or infections. Common causes of pH disruption include:
• Menstrual blood, which is more alkaline and can temporarily raise pH
• Semen, which is alkaline and can shift the vaginal environment
• Antibiotics, which reduce lactobacilli along with harmful bacteria
• Hormonal changes such as postpartum recovery or perimenopause
• Scented soaps, douches, or fragranced wipes
• Tight clothing that increases moisture and friction
• Vaginal infections such as bacterial vaginosis
• Stress, which may influence the microbiome
• IUD insertion or other medical procedures
• Low estrogen levels
Life stages such as postpartum or perimenopause can create more significant and long-lasting changes. After childbirth, estrogen levels drop, which can lead to dryness, changes in lubrication, and shifts in the bacterial balance that influence pH. Similarly, during perimenopause and menopause, declining estrogen can lead to a higher pH and increased susceptibility to infections and irritation.
Symptoms of an Imbalanced Vaginal pH
A disruption in vaginal pH often causes symptoms that overlap with common infections. Paying attention to changes can help you seek care early. Signs your pH may be off include:
• Unusual vaginal odor
• Itching or irritation
• Dryness
• Burning sensation
• Change in discharge colour or thickness
• Pain during sex
• Recurring yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis
If you experience these symptoms regularly, it’s important to be assessed by a Calgary physician at Maud Medical Clinic. Many patients assume discomfort is normal, especially postpartum or during hormonal changes, but chronic symptoms should always be investigated.
How to Support Healthy Vaginal pH
The good news is that daily habits make a big difference in keeping your vaginal pH balanced. With simple changes and understanding what your body needs, you can support your vaginal microbiome and reduce symptoms. Here are evidence-based ways to maintain optimal pH:
• Use unscented, gentle soaps externally only
• Avoid scented feminine washes
• Wear breathable cotton underwear
• Change out of wet clothing promptly
• Manage stress through movement, sleep, and calming techniques
• Avoid over-washing the vulva
• Use condoms if you notice symptoms after unprotected sex
• Treat infections promptly
• Keep blood sugar levels stable, as high glucose can feed yeast
• Use vaginal moisturizers when dryness is present
• Consider probiotics if recommended by a physician
At Maud Medical Clinic, our physicians and pelvic floor physiotherapists can help personalize these strategies and recommend medical or physical therapies to support ongoing balance. Book with us today.
Postpartum Vaginal pH Changes
Postpartum is a time when vaginal pH changes are extremely common. After childbirth, estrogen drops significantly and may stay low for months, especially if you are breastfeeding. Low estrogen leads to:
• Increased dryness
• Higher vaginal pH
• Increased discomfort during sex
• Increased risk of bacterial infections
Many postpartum patients assume pain or dryness is normal, but these symptoms often indicate hormonal changes that can be supported through targeted care. Vaginal moisturizers, physiotherapy, gentle pelvic floor techniques, and medical evaluation and proper education at Maud Medical Clinic can help restore comfort during healing.
Perimenopause and Vaginal pH
In perimenopause and menopause, estrogen gradually declines, which raises the vaginal pH and decreases natural moisture. This may lead to irritation or painful sex. This is also when vaginal microbiome shifts become more common, making proactive care even more important. Physicians may recommend vaginal moisturizers, pH-balancing products, pelvic floor physiotherapy, or additional medical options depending on symptoms.
When to See a Doctor About Vaginal pH Changes
Persistent symptoms should always be assessed by a healthcare professional. You should book a visit at Maud Medical Clinic in Calgary if you notice:
• Recurring infections
• Pain during sex
• Persistant discharge
• Odour that doesn’t go away
• Burning or itching that lasts longer than a few days
• Postpartum discomfort that isn’t improving
• Perimenopause or menopause symptoms affecting quality of life
Our medical team offers comprehensive assessment, testing, pelvic floor physiotherapy referrals, and personalized treatment plans. Give us a call or browse through treatments online. Maud is here to help you.
How Maud Medical Clinic Can Help
Maud Medical Clinic is a physician-led medical clinic in Calgary focused on pelvic health, sexual health, and whole-person well-being. Our team provides compassionate, evidence-based care to help you understand your symptoms, restore comfort, and feel empowered in your vaginal health. Whether you are postpartum, dealing with hormonal changes, or experiencing recurring discomfort, we offer customized support with the expertise of physicians and pelvic floor clinicians.
Government of Canada – Vaginal infections and vaginal health
MyHealth Alberta – Vaginitis information
