It’s important to recognize the symptoms of a pH imbalance so you can take appropriate action. Here’s what can happen if your pH balance is high, particularly focusing on vaginal health, as that is a common concern for many women:
1. Vaginal pH Imbalance
A healthy vaginal pH is acidic, typically between 3.8 and 4.5. If the vaginal pH becomes too high (more alkaline, above 4.5), it can lead to several issues:
- Bacterial Vaginosis (BV): A high pH can create an environment where certain bacteria overgrow, leading to BV. Symptoms include a strong, fish-like odor, grey, green, or foamy discharge, and itching around the vagina.
- Increased Risk of Infections: An unbalanced pH increases the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and other vaginal infections.
- Trichomoniasis: You are at a greater risk of contracting this sexually transmitted infection if you have a high vaginal pH. Common signs include an abnormal vaginal discharge, which may be thick, frothy, yellow, or green, a fishy-smelling discharge, vaginal itching, swelling, or soreness, pain when urinating, and pain when having sex.
- Infertility Issues: An acidic environment is needed for sperm to reach or successfully fertilize an egg. A sustained acidity can make it difficult to become pregnant.
2. General pH Imbalance
While less directly related to a “high” pH, it’s worth noting that a general pH imbalance in the body (whether too acidic or too alkaline) can also cause problems:
- Symptoms: These can include fatigue, sleepiness, confusion, headache, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and muscle spasms.
- Underlying Conditions: pH imbalances can be caused by various factors, including certain medications, kidney or lung disease, or even intense exercise.
3. How to Tell If Your Vaginal pH Is Imbalanced
Some common signs that your vaginal pH might be off include:
- Unusual discharge (change in color, texture, or smell)
- Itching or burning
- Pain during sex
- A foul or fishy smell
If you notice these symptoms, consider using a home vaginal pH test kit or consulting a healthcare provider.
4. What to Do
If you suspect your pH balance is off, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. For vaginal issues, they may recommend antibiotics or other treatments to restore the balance.
5. Important Note
In some cases, if your feminine pH balance is off, nothing will happen and your body will naturally correct itself. However, if you have symptoms such as vaginal itching or a change in vaginal discharge, you may have picked up an infection such as bacterial vaginosis or thrush.