From the Guidelines
The typical vaginal pH range is less than 4.5, as stated in the American Academy of Pediatrics clinical report 1. This acidic environment is crucial for maintaining vaginal health and preventing infections. The normal vaginal pH should be <4.5; pH is elevated with bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis, as noted in the study 1. Key points to consider:
- Vaginal pH can fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle and varies with age
- An elevated vaginal pH above 4.5 may indicate bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, or other vaginal infections
- Maintaining the normal acidic range helps preserve vaginal health and prevent infections Measuring vaginal pH is a simple and effective method for diagnosing vaginal infections, and it can be done using pH paper or commercial cards that measure pH and the presence of amines, as described in the study 1.
From the Research
Typical Vaginal pH Range
The typical vaginal pH range is slightly acidic, with a normal range of around 3.8 to 4.5 2.
Factors Affecting Vaginal pH
- Vaginal pH can be affected by various factors, including the presence of bacterial pathogens, menopausal status, and hormonal changes 3.
- An elevated vaginal pH, typically above 4.5, can indicate the presence of bacterial pathogens or decreased serum estradiol levels 3.
- A vaginal pH of 4.5 or lower is generally considered normal and is consistent with a premenopausal serum estradiol level and the absence of bacterial pathogens 3.
Vaginal pH in Different Conditions
- Bacterial vaginosis is often characterized by a vaginal pH greater than 4.5 4, 5.
- Trichomoniasis and other vaginal infections can also cause an elevation in vaginal pH 4, 6.
- Menopausal women tend to have a higher vaginal pH due to decreased estrogen levels 3.