Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsNatural RemediesLifestyle FactorsBoric Acid SuppositoriesSymptomsTestingWhen to Call a Provider
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Natural Remedies
Lifestyle Factors
Boric Acid Suppositories
Symptoms
Testing
When to Call a Provider
Some natural remedies and practices may help to keep the pH balance of the vagina, which is important to vaginal health. For example, higher pH levels (more alkaline than acidic) may make it more likely for you to have a yeast infection or getchlamydia, a sexually transmitted infection.
A lower pH is more acidic. The pH (potential hydrogen) level in your vagina should be slightly acidic, between 3.8 and 5.0.Normalvaginal flora, the healthy bacteria in the vagina, thrive when the pH level is balanced, but medications, diet, hormones, and lifestyle factors can disrupt the balance. Your healthcare provider can help you to decide which steps to take to improve vaginal pH levels.
Bluering Media / Getty Images
Probiotics
Probioticsare part of the normal flora in the body, including the vagina. When they are out of balance, harmful bacteria or yeast can arise and cause an infection.
Lactobacilli
Antibiotics are great for killing off bacteria that are making us sick but that can mean killing “good” bacteria in the process. As a result, the vaginal pH increases and becomes more alkaline, leaving pathogens to grow. Bacteria can lead tobacterial vaginosis(BV). Fungus such asCandida albicanscan cause a yeast infection.
One of the best ways to keepprobioticsat healthy levels is through your diet. Probiotics occur naturally in fermented foods such as:
If you are not getting enough probiotics in your diet, your healthcare provider may suggest oral supplements or vaginal suppositories. Keep in mind that more research is needed to understand whether these supplements are effective.
Effectiveness of ProbioticsProbiotics are considered safe and may offer benefits to improve overall health and balance vaginal pH levels.Research results have been mixed on their effectiveness.
Effectiveness of Probiotics
Probiotics are considered safe and may offer benefits to improve overall health and balance vaginal pH levels.Research results have been mixed on their effectiveness.
Garlic
Garlic is known to have antibacterial and antifungal properties. Some studies suggest it can help fight off vaginal infections.When eaten as part of ahealthy diet, garlic is generally safe. Oral garlic supplements are available. It’s best not to use garlic directly in or around the vagina.
Garlic SupplementsCheck with your healthcare provider before taking garlic supplements. High amounts can increase the risk of bleeding and may interfere with the effectiveness of some medications.
Garlic Supplements
Check with your healthcare provider before taking garlic supplements. High amounts can increase the risk of bleeding and may interfere with the effectiveness of some medications.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Many people addapple cider vinegarto their health routine for its antibacterial and antifungal effects.You can drink diluted apple cider vinegar or take it as a supplement.
Direct use on the vagina, even diluted, is not recommended.It may be harmful to the vaginal tissue and pH balance.
Hydration
Drinking plenty of water helps flush toxins and regulate the vagina’s ecosystem. Dehydration can lead to itching around the vagina or worsen yeast infections.
How Much Water Should You Drink?Ideally, females should get about 91 ounces (2.7 liters) of water per day. Here are some signs you need more water:Feeling thirstyYellow, dark yellow, or orange urineOverly tiredHungry oftenFlaky ordry skinBad breath
How Much Water Should You Drink?
Ideally, females should get about 91 ounces (2.7 liters) of water per day. Here are some signs you need more water:Feeling thirstyYellow, dark yellow, or orange urineOverly tiredHungry oftenFlaky ordry skinBad breath
Ideally, females should get about 91 ounces (2.7 liters) of water per day. Here are some signs you need more water:
Eat Less Sugar
Increased sugar in the body can lead to higher pH levels or fuel yeast growth.Avoid or limit excess sugar in foods and drinks such as:
Natural Sugars in Fruit
Manage Stress
Stressincreasescortisol, which disrupts the acid-base balance in the vagina. Some stressors are beyond our control, so managing them is the next best choice. Coping techniques include:
Avoid Douching
Douchinginvolves cleaning the inside of the vagina with water or a solution. Women often think they are supposed to douche. However, most healthcare providers do not recommend it because it can cause pH imbalances and disrupt the normal flora.
The Vagina Cleans ItselfThe acidic environment, normal flora, and secretions keep the inside of the vagina clean. Secretions wash away blood, semen, and excess discharge. To keep the outside clean, just use warm water on the outer areas when bathing.
The Vagina Cleans Itself
The acidic environment, normal flora, and secretions keep the inside of the vagina clean. Secretions wash away blood, semen, and excess discharge. To keep the outside clean, just use warm water on the outer areas when bathing.
Boric acid suppositories sometimes are used to improve vaginal health and restore pH balance. Their antifungal and antibacterial properties can help to treat infection.
Typically, the suppositories are inserted into the vagina once a day (you may want to do so in the evening) for 10 to 14 days. For yeast infections that keep recurring, a 21-day use may be needed.Talk with your healthcare provider about how best to use boric acid suppositories.
Wear Breathable, Cotton Underwear
Synthetic fabrics trap sweat and moisture, which allows bacteria and yeast to grow. Wearing breathable cotton underwear provides airflow. It’s also a good idea to change promptly after swimming or sweating to keep the area dry. Both reduce the risk of vaginal and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Use Barrier Protection During Sex
Infections are a common cause of vaginal pH disruption. Symptoms of vaginal infections that can lead to imbalanced vaginal pH include:
These changes may be more noticeable after menstruation (period) or intercourse.
Atrophic vaginitis, or thinning of vaginal tissue, may also cause burning or discomfort. This is more common in perimenopausal or menopausal women due to decreased estrogen levels.
At-home vaginal pH tests are also referred to as feminine screening kits and are similar to those used in the doctor’s office. Some include litmus paper, while others use a vaginal swab. You collect the sample at home and then compare your results with an easy-to-read pH color chart.
Similar tests provide a report of your vaginalmicrobiome. However, they are packaged and sent to a lab. The values can mean:
When to Call Your Healthcare Provider
Contact your healthcare provider if you have:
Summary
A healthy vagina has an acidic pH level that helps good bacteria (normal flora) thrive. Along with discharge, pH levels and normal flora keep the vagina clean and balanced.
At-home tests are available to test vaginal pH levels if you suspect they are unbalanced. Call a healthcare provider if you have a fever or pain. Call your provider if your discharge is green, gray, or yellow, has an unpleasant “fishy smell,” or has a chunky, cottage cheese consistency.
If symptoms are mild or you are waiting for an appointment, you can try a few things at home preventively. Call your provider if symptoms persist after a few days of home remedies or if they change or get worse.
25 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Chee WJY, Chew SY, Than LTL.Vaginal microbiota and the potential of Lactobacillus derivatives in maintaining vaginal health.Microb Cell Fact. 2020 Nov 7;19(1):203. doi:10.1186/s12934-020-01464-4
Lin YP, Chen WC, Cheng CM, Shen CJ.Vaginal pH Value for Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment of Common Vaginitis.Diagnostics (Basel). 2021 Oct 27;11(11):1996. doi:10.3390/diagnostics11111996
Lehtoranta L, Ala-Jaakkola R, Laitila A, Maukonen J.Healthy vaginal microbiota and influence of probiotics across the female life span.Front Microbiol.2022;13:819958. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2022.819958
Liu P, Lu Y, Li R, Chen X.Use of probiotic lactobacilli in the treatment of vaginal infections:In vitroandin vivoinvestigations.Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2023 Apr 3;13:1153894. doi:10.3389/fcimb.2023.1153894
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Candidiasis.
Wang Z, He Y, Zheng Y.Probiotics for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis: A meta-analysis.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019;16(20):3859. doi:10.3390/ijerph16203859
Said MM, Watson C, Grando D.Garlic alters the expression of putative virulence factor genes SIR2 and ECE1 in vulvovaginal C. albicans isolates.Sci Rep. 2020;10:3615. doi:10.1038/s41598-020-60178-0
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Garlic.
Yagnik D, Serafin V, Shah A.Antimicrobial activity of apple cider vinegar againstEscherichia coli,Staphylococcus aureusandCandida albicans; downregulating cytokine and microbial protein expression.Scientific Reports. 2018 Jan;8(1732). doi:10.1038/s41598-017-18618-x
Ozen B, Baser M.Vaginal candidiasis infection treated using apple cider vinegar: a case report.Altern Ther Health Med. 2017;23(7):AT5751.PMID: 29112940
Mohammed L, Jha G, Malasevskaia I, et al.The interplay between sugar and yeast infections: do diabetics have a greater predisposition to develop oral and vulvovaginal candidiasis?Cureus. 2021;13(2). doi:10.7759/cureus.13407
Stony Brook Medicine.Hydration for vaginal health.
Merck Manual Professional Version.Overview of the Role of the Kidneys in Acid-Base Balance.
St. Lukes Health.4 sources of hidden sugar people with diabetes should avoid.
Amabebe E, Anumba D.Psychosocial stress, cortisol levels, and maintenance of vaginal health.Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2018;9. doi:10.3389/fendo.2018.00568
Office of Women’s Health.Douching.
Gavilanes-Martínez MA, Coral-Garzón A, Cáceres DH, García AM.Antifungal activity of boric acid, triclosan and zinc oxide against different clinically relevant Candida species.Mycoses. 2021;64(9):1045-1052. doi:10.1111/myc.13302
Powell A, Ghanem KG, Rogers L, et al.Clinicians’ use of intravaginal boric acid maintenance therapy for recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis.Sex Transm Dis. 2019;46(12):810-812. doi:10.1097/OLQ.0000000000001063
Chen Y, Bruning E, Rubino J, Eder SE.Role of female intimate hygiene in vulvovaginal health: Global hygiene practices and product usage.Womens Health (Lond Engl). 2017;13(3):58-67. doi:10.1177/1745505717731011
Holdcroft AM, Ireland DJ, Payne MS.The vaginal microbiome in health and disease—what role do common intimate hygiene practices play?Microorganisms. 2023;11(2):298. doi:10.3390/microorganisms11020298
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Vaginal pH.
University of Michigan Health. Michigan Medicine.Vaginal wet mount.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
