Skip to main content
Close Close

Congratulations
You're on the list.

Make sure to check your spam folder so that our emails are always delivered into your inbox.
xo, Kourt
Give your inbox
and your life

the Poosh it needs.
By clicking SIGN UP, you agree to receive emails from Poosh and agree to our terms of use and privacy policy.
Free Shipping on All Domestic Orders.
  • HEALTH + WELLNESS
  • LIFE + STYLE
  • HOME + ENTERTAINING
  • KKB
Poosh
  • instagram pinterest facebook twitter youtube join newsletter
  • Shop
  • search
  • search
  • body
  • diy
  • fitness
  • Giving Back
  • health
  • mind
  • Relationships
  • Sexual Wellness
  • soul
7 Easy Biohacks You Can Start Doing Right Now
7 Easy Biohacks You Can Start Doing Right Now
Do Opposites Really Attract?
Do Opposites Really Attract?
The Self-Care Ritual That Actually Relieves my Pain
The Self-Care Ritual That Actually Relieves my Pain
Is Trauma Trapped in Your Body?
Is Trauma Trapped in Your Body?
How Arousal Mapping Can Awaken Your Desire
How Arousal Mapping Can Awaken Your Desire
A Workout for Your Follicular Phase
A Workout for Your Follicular Phase
  • Adulting
  • beauty
  • guides
  • Hacks
  • style
  • travel
Stylist Dani Michelle Shares Her Transitional Dressing Must-Haves
Stylist Dani Michelle Shares Her Transitional Dressing Must-Haves
Poosh Product Picks: Madeleine Rose
Poosh Product Picks: Madeleine Rose
Poosh Pause: My Bali Reset
Poosh Pause: My Bali Reset
How to Detect Narcissist Red Flags
How to Detect Narcissist Red Flags
I’m Getting Married in 8 Months—This Is My Expert-Approved Skin Treatment Schedule
I’m Getting Married in 8 Months—This Is My Expert-Approved Skin Treatment Schedule
How to Thrive, Not Just Survive
How to Thrive, Not Just Survive
  • decor
  • entertaining
  • kids
  • motherhood
  • Playlists
  • recipes
Khloé Kardashian’s Easy Weeknight Slow Cooker Veggie Burrito Bowls
Khloé Kardashian’s Easy Weeknight Slow Cooker Veggie Burrito Bowls
Hormone Healthy Raw Carrot Salad Recipe
Hormone Healthy Raw Carrot Salad Recipe
Must-Have Items New Moms Swear By
Must-Have Items New Moms Swear By
Vegan Armenian Lahmacun Recipe From Kourt’s Incredible Spread
Vegan Armenian Lahmacun Recipe From Kourt’s Incredible Spread
Kourt’s Favorite Cajun Kale Chips
Kourt’s Favorite Cajun Kale Chips
Under $50: Chic Bathroom Organization Accessories
Under $50: Chic Bathroom Organization Accessories
  • family
  • kourtney
Khloé Kardashian’s Easy Weeknight Slow Cooker Veggie Burrito Bowls
Khloé Kardashian’s Easy Weeknight Slow Cooker Veggie Burrito Bowls
Vegan Armenian Lahmacun Recipe From Kourt’s Incredible Spread
Vegan Armenian Lahmacun Recipe From Kourt’s Incredible Spread
Why Kourt Loves Seed Cycling
Why Kourt Loves Seed Cycling
Kourt’s Favorite Cajun Kale Chips
Kourt’s Favorite Cajun Kale Chips
3 Salads Kourt is Eating on Rotation Right Now
3 Salads Kourt is Eating on Rotation Right Now
Kourtney’s Wet Hair Look: The Breakdown
Kourtney’s Wet Hair Look: The Breakdown
What are you looking for?

Menu

  • Shop
  • HEALTH + WELLNESS
    • body
    • diy
    • fitness
    • Giving Back
    • health
    • mind
    • Relationships
    • Sexual Wellness
    • soul
  • HOME + ENTERTAINING
    • decor
    • entertaining
    • kids
    • motherhood
    • Playlists
    • recipes
  • KKB
    • family
    • kourtney
  • LIFE + STYLE
    • Adulting
    • beauty
    • guides
    • Hacks
    • style
    • travel
  • Newsletter
instagram pinterest facebook twitter youtube join newsletter
body

7 All-Natural Ways to  BALANCE YOUR VULVA'S pH LEVELS

By Poosh
share on pinterest share on facebook share on twitter Share on Flipboard share by email
 Photo credit @dananozime
@dananozime

It’s true what they say: our vaginas—and vulvas—are self-cleaning ovens. What that means is that they can regulate invaders, keeping things clean and operational all on their own, but that level of wellness hinges on allowing our good bacteria to thrive and not allowing bad bacteria to take over. It requires diligent awareness of materials and chemicals that grace our nether regions.

Dr. Zaher Merhi, board-certified OB-GYN and fertility expert at New Hope Fertility Center in New York, knows this intimate balance, well, intimately. “The pH of the vulva/vagina is on the acidic spectrum (low pH). The acidity of the vulva/vagina is naturally protective against abnormal bacteria and infections such as yeast.” Yeast has well earned a bad reputation in the land of all things vagina. This is where our situational awareness comes into play.

Airflow.

Dr. Merhi suggests avoiding tight clothing for too long, because a bit of normal airflow around the area keeps the good bacteria happy and doesn’t allow things to become overly acidic, or too basic.

Use condoms.

In case you missed it (we did not know this), Dr. Merhi let us know that semen is very alkaline, aka a high pH. Unless you’re trying to conceive, try barrier contraception to keep a balanced pH.

Use antibiotics wisely.

“Avoid taking unnecessary antibiotics, because they not only kill the bad bacteria but also the good bacteria that are needed to maintain a more acidic vaginal pH level.” We heard it from a doctor, so we know it’s true.

Don’t douche.

And no, we aren’t talking about hooking up with your ex (but maybe avoid that, too). “Avoid unnecessary douching, because it can increase the vaginal pH level, but also encourages the growth of harmful bacteria overall.” Like we mentioned earlier, the balanced pH of the vagina keeps things fresh naturally, so douching is not only unnecessary but also counter-productive.

Keep tampons on deck.

Obviously, toxic shock syndrome is a major concern if you don’t change your tampons regularly, but Dr. Merhi also explains that “menstrual blood is a basic and can change the pH in the vagina.” Don’t let it just linger there. Because also, ew.

Take probiotics.

Obviously, not killing good bacteria was a crucial step in not destroying the beautiful balance, but feeding those goodies is also important, so take a trusted probiotic. Eating yogurt can help because it is a source of bacteria that are important for maintaining a normal pH. Some studies even suggest making a homeopathic cream from yogurt if afflicted by yeast.

Wipe like momma taught ya.

OK, this one is obvious, but somehow we still manage to fudge it up from time to time. No pun intended. Front to back, always. Prevent any bacteria that does not belong around the vulva from entering the vagina, and you’ll avoid any major wars (aka infections) down yonder.

One disclaimer Dr. Merhi mentions is that “natural menopause means less estrogen in the blood, which is important to have normal pH.” For those of us who may be entering that phase in life, our pH could be all over the place. We and Dr. Merhi urge you to ask your OB-GYN about ways to treat that, if necessary.

FIG Femme

Revive Hydrating Mist ($32)
Shop Now Shop Now Arrow Icon

FIG Femme

Restore Mask ($40)
Shop Now Shop Now Arrow Icon
FIG Femme Refresh Daily Wash ($30)

FIG Femme

Refresh Daily Wash ($30)
Shop Now Shop Now Arrow Icon

The content provided in this article is provided for information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice and consultation, including professional medical advice and consultation; it is provided with the understanding that Poosh, LLC (“Poosh”) is not engaged in the provision or rendering of medical advice or services. The opinions and content included in the article are the views of the interviewee only, and Poosh does not endorse or recommend any such content or information, or any product or service mentioned in the article. You understand and agree that Poosh shall not be liable for any claim, loss, or damage arising out of the use of, or reliance upon any content or information in the article.

Up next, be the first to know our weekly content and sign up for our Poosh newsletter.

You may also like...

Go to article Burn Calories and Boost Lymph Flow With Bouncing
fitness

Burn Calories and Boost Lymph Flow With Bouncing

Go to article What a Doctor Wants You to Know About Inflammaging
health

What a Doctor Wants You to Know About Inflammaging

Related Articles

Goes to article 7 Easy Biohacks You Can Start Doing Right Now
health

7 Easy Biohacks You Can Start Doing Right Now

Goes to article The Self-Care Ritual That Actually Relieves my Pain
body

The Self-Care Ritual That Actually Relieves my Pain

Goes to article Is Trauma Trapped in Your Body?
body

Is Trauma Trapped in Your Body?

Goes to article How Arousal Mapping Can Awaken Your Desire
body

How Arousal Mapping Can Awaken Your Desire

Goes to article How to Tell the Difference Between Dry and Dehydrated Skin
body

How to Tell the Difference Between Dry and Dehydrated Skin

Goes to article Did You Know… Laughing is Good for the Heart
health

Did You Know… Laughing is Good for the Heart

Goes to article FYI: Why Sucking Isn’t Just for Penises 
Sexual Wellness

FYI: Why Sucking Isn’t Just for Penises 

Goes to article What Kind of Sleeper Are You?
body

What Kind of Sleeper Are You?

  • About
  • Contact
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • California Privacy Rights
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • Accessibility

Keep in Touch

instagram pinterest facebook twitter youtube join newsletter
Reviewed by Allyant for Accessibility
  • © poosh, llc
    All Rights Reserved