How do I balance my vaginal pH?

Bottom lineYour vagina is naturally slightly acidic and self-regulating, so balance its pH mainly by not disrupting it: let it self-clean, wash only the vulva with water, avoid douching, perfumed soaps, and sprays, and wear breathable cotton underwear; douching, harsh products, and antibiotics can throw it off, and a strong or fishy odor, unusual discharge, or itching means you should see a clinician rather than wash more.

A healthy vagina is naturally slightly acidic, which keeps the balance of bacteria right and helps protect against infections. It's largely self-regulating - the best thing you can do is avoid disrupting it.

What keeps pH balanced

• Leave it alone to self-clean - the vagina cleans itself with natural discharge; you only need to wash the outside (vulva) with water
• Avoid douching, which flushes out protective bacteria and disrupts pH
• Skip perfumed soaps, washes, and "feminine hygiene" sprays
• Wear breathable cotton underwear and avoid staying in damp or very tight clothing

What can throw it off

• Douching and harsh products
• Periods, semen, and some lubricants (temporary shifts)
• Antibiotics, which can disturb the natural balance
• Hormonal changes around menopause

Signs your balance is off

A disrupted balance can lead to bacterial vaginosis or thrush, with symptoms like unusual discharge, odor, itching, or irritation.

When to see a clinician

See a doctor if you have a strong or fishy odor, unusual discharge, itching, or irritation - these usually mean an imbalance or infection that needs the right treatment, not more washing.

See what is vaginal pH for background.

Femora helps you track discharge and symptoms so you can notice when your natural balance seems off.