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The vagina has a pH level of under 4.5, meaning it is mildly acidic. Higher pH levels allow bacteria and yeasts to thrive inside the vagina, and this can result in bacterial and yeast infections.
pH balance pills are products that contain the bacteria lactobacilli. These are “good” bacteria that help keep vaginal pH levels below 4.5, preventing vaginal infections.
This article discusses vaginal pH levels in more detail and the symptoms of a vaginal pH imbalance. We also explore products that a person may find helpful and offer advice on when to speak with a doctor.
Quick links
- Best pH balance pills for pregnancy: Flora Bloom Probiotics For Women
- Best easy-to-swallow pH balance pills: AZO Complete Feminine Balance
- Best organic pH balance pills: Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics
- Best vegan pH balance pills: HUM Private Party
A note about sex and gender
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.
Some factors to consider when looking for probiotics to balance vaginal pH levels include:
- Reviews: People should choose a product with many positive reviews, with past buyers reporting that the supplements were effective. They can also check if a brand has registrations with Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau.
- Safety: Product labels should state whether the probiotic is safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Use: People should check that the pills come with instructions outlining how and when to take them.
- Price: Some probiotics can be expensive when adding shipping costs. People can check whether companies offer bundles or repeat deliveries to help save money.
At Medical News Today, we choose products according to the following criteria:
- Reviews: Products have mostly positive customer reviews.
- Food intolerances: Products are suitable for people with certain dietary restrictions, such as those who follow a gluten-free diet, have lactose intolerance, or wish to avoid soy.
- Instructions: The product label or website provides instructions on how and when to take the product.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Best pH balance pills for pregnancy: Flora Bloom Probiotics For Women
Price: Around $24.99
Count: 60 capsules
Flora Bloom Probiotics for Women is a vegetarian product containing four different species of lactobacillus. The product claims to:
- support a healthy vaginal pH, reducing vaginal irritation, discharge, and odor
- promote the health of the urinary tract
- promote digestion
The product contains D-mannose and cranberry extract, which reportedly helps support urinary health. It is also free from artificial colors, lactose, gluten, flavors, and preservatives.
The company recommends taking two capsules per day.
Pros and cons
The Flora Boom capsules are safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Some customers noticed that the product has a laxative effect, meaning it may benefit those with constipation.
However, one customer wrote that they experienced an allergic reaction after using the Flora Boom product. They developed facial swelling that worsened the following day.
Best easy-to-swallow pH balance pills: AZO Complete Feminine Balance
Price: Around $28.96
Count: 30 capsules
AZO Complete Feminine Balance is an unflavored probiotic that reportedly helps balance the vaginal pH within 7 days. The capsules are free from gluten and do not contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
The product is also safe for pregnant people. Individuals can take one capsule per day.
Pros and cons
The product has many positive reviews on Amazon, with several people reporting that the capsules are easy to swallow. Some also state that people may notice improvements within a few days.
However, the product may not work for everyone and did not resolve odor problems in some individuals.
Best organic pH balance pills: Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics
Price: Around $31.99
Count: 30 capsules
Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics feature formulations to support the health of the vagina, digestive tract, and immune system. The supplement contains two species of lactobacilli for vaginal health: L. reuteri and L. fermentum.
The product is suitable for people following vegetarian diets and is free from both dairy and gluten. The product also has carbon-free and organic certifications.
Individuals can take one capsule daily, with or without meals.
Pros and cons
Garden Of Life Dr. Formulated probiotics may be beneficial for people who have polycystic ovary syndrome and cannot take products containing soy.
Some individuals state that the capsules helped relieve their constipation to the extent that they could stop taking their prescription medications. However, people should consult a doctor before stopping any prescription medication.
According to negative critiques, the plastic bottle has a chemical smell and the capsules have a strong smell. Many buyers also wrote that the bottle did not contain all 30 capsules.
Best vegan pH balance pills: HUM Private Party
Price: Around $26
Count: 30 capsules
HUM Private Party vegan capsules claim to help support a healthy vaginal pH while promoting the health of the urinary tract. The capsules are free from artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, GMOs, and soy.
The manufacturers claim that a person can expect to see results within 4-6 weeks.
The label states that people can take one capsule per day, with or without meals.
Pros and cons
Many people recommend the HUM Private Party for those with urinary tract infections. However, it may take some time for individuals to notice improvements in their symptoms.
Some people reported the following health concerns after using the HUM product:
- yeast infections
- acne
- weight gain
The table below shows how the selected products differ from each other:
| Flora Bloom Probiotics For Women | AZO Complete Feminine Balance | Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics | HUM Private Party | |
| Distinguishing product feature | safe to use during pregnancy | capsules are easy to swallow | capsules are organic | capsules are vegan |
| Number of capsules | 60 | 30 | 30 | 30 |
| How to take | two capsules per day | one capsule per day | one capsule per day, with or without food | one capsule per day with or without food |
| Price | around $24.99 | around $28.96 | around $31.99 | around $26 |
| Amazon rating | 4.4 stars | 4.6 | 4.7 stars | 4.5 stars |
The bacteria lactobacilli live inside the vagina. They help keep vaginal pH levels under 4.5, which helps prevent bacterial and yeast infections.
According to a
People with balanced pH levels may notice a clear to white vaginal discharge that may appear yellow when it dries on their underpants. During ovulation, the discharge increases and may have a stretchy texture.
The following factors may disrupt vaginal pH balance:
- using a vaginal douche
- using vaginal deodorants
- using scented wipes
- engaging in sexual activity without barrier methods, such as condoms
Balanitis is the medical term for inflammation and irritation of the tip of the penis due to a bacterial or fungal infection. The condition can cause the following symptoms:
- pain when urinating
- bleeding around the foreskin
- an unpleasant smell
- itchy and sore skin
A 2021 review notes that balanitis is a common condition affecting
- not washing the penis properly
- using soaps and condoms that irritate the skin
- sexually transmitted infections
- diabetes
Probiotics are health-promoting live bacteria and yeasts that are available in the form of dietary supplements.
Probiotics can help restore the natural balance of bacteria throughout the body. This could help rebalance vaginal pH levels and combat vaginal infections.
According to the American College Of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, BV or yeast infections can occur due to a bacterial imbalance within the vagina. This imbalance has associations with an increase in vaginal pH levels that causes the vagina to become less acidic.
Some symptoms that may indicate a vaginal infection
- skin rash or redness
- itching or burning sensation
- unusual vaginal discharge
- unpleasant odor
People should consult a doctor if they experience persistent or worsening vaginal symptoms despite taking a probiotic supplement or other over-the-counter treatment.
A doctor can also check the vaginal pH level and determine if an individual has an infection.
Some frequently asked questions about vaginal pH levels include:
How do I fix my pH balance?
Some natural remedies that can help rebalance the vaginal pH include:
- Quitting smoking: A
2018 article notes that a person who smokes may have reduced levels of lactobacillus in their vagina. This can increase their chance of experiencing unpleasant odors or infections. - Avoiding douching: Douching refers to cleaning the inside of the vagina with water and other fluids, such as vinegar and baking soda. This can
increase the growth of harmful bacteria. If a person already has an infection, douching can spread the infection to the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. - Using condoms: Semen is alkaline, so if it enters the vagina, it may cause an increase in vaginal pH levels.
How do you know if your pH balance is off?
An imbalance in the vaginal pH can cause the following symptoms:
- unusual vaginal discharge
- unpleasant odor
- itchiness
- skin redness or rashes
Which vitamin is good for pH balance?
An
What throws off a person’s pH balance?
The following factors can disrupt vaginal pH levels:
- douching
- not changing tampons regularly
- having sex without condoms
- taking antibiotics
The vagina has a natural pH level of under 4.5, a slightly acidic environment that helps protect against bacterial and yeast infections.
A vaginal pH imbalance can occur due to douching, using vaginal wipes or deodorants, or having sex without a condom. Such imbalances can result in vaginal infections, which may cause several symptoms, including vaginal irritation, unusual vaginal discharge, and an unpleasant odor.
People who experience symptoms of a vaginal infection may consider taking probiotics to help rebalance vaginal pH levels. These products are available for purchase online. Anyone who experiences persistent or worsening symptoms should speak with their doctor for a definitive diagnosis and appropriate treatment.