Natural Remedies to Restore pH Balance (2025)

The pH of the vagina is essential for vaginal health. If you are seeking optimal vaginal health, there are several natural remedies to restore the pH balance of your vagina.

Normal vaginal flora, the healthy bacteria in the vagina, thrive when the pH level is balanced. However, medications, diet, and lifestyle factors all impact vaginal health.

Healthy Vaginal pH

The pH is important for several reasons. A lower pH is more acidic, which is ideal for optimal vaginal health. Your vagina should be slightly acidic, between 3.8 and 5.0.

Higher pH levels (more alkaline than acidic) can increase the risk of infections such as yeast infections or sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia.

The vagina relies on a microbiome of various organisms for optimal health. These bacteria help maintain a healthy vaginal pH. Harmful bacteria or yeast can grow and cause an infection when the pH is out of balance.

Antibiotics and vaginal pH: Antibiotics are great for killing off bacteria that make us sick, but they also kill off "good" bacteria. As a result, the vaginal pH increases and becomes more alkaline, creating an opportunity for pathogens to grow.

Imbalanced bacterial growth can lead to bacterial vaginosis (BV). Fungus such as Candida albicans can cause a yeast infection. So, if you need to pick up an antibiotic for an infection, consider discussing if taking a probiotic or other preventive measure would help to maintain vaginal health.

Dietary Changes

Several dietary changes may positively impact your vaginal health and reduce vaginal pH.

Reduce saturated fat intake: A diet too high in saturated fat (e.g., red meat, butter, and fried foods) can lead to an increased vaginal pH and change the vaginal microflora.

Reduce simple sugars: Consuming simple sugars can lead to higher pH levels. This can fuel yeast growth and increase abnormal vaginal flora—making one more susceptible to infections.

Consume prebiotic foods: Prebiotics encourage the growth of good bacteria (lactic acid-forming bacteria, such asLactobacillus) and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. They include many plant-based foods, such as bananas, garlic, artichokes, asparagus, and more.

Consume an ovo-vegetarian diet: A mostly plant-based diet that includes eggs; eating this diet may reduce vaginal pH and contribute to an environment more suitable for Lactobacillus (good bacteria).

Hydration: Drinking plenty of water helps flush toxins and regulate the vagina’s ecosystem. How much water you need for optimal health varies by sex, health status (e.g., pregnancy, breast or chest feeding), and how active you are.

Lifestyle Factors

Lifestyle factors play a role in overall health and may affect vaginal pH. Managing stress, practicing appropriate vaginal hygiene, and other measures, such as wearing breathable underwear, can all contribute to a healthier vaginal microbiome.

Manage Stress

Stress increases cortisol, which disrupts the acid-base balance in the vagina. Some stressors are beyond our control, so managing them is the next best choice. Coping techniques include:

• Regular exercise
• Healthy diet
• Getting enough sleep
• Deep breathing
• Practicing enjoyable hobbies or activities
• Avoiding smoking
• Avoiding drugs
• Limited or no alcohol

Exercise may be especially beneficial in reducing stress and positively impacting the body's microbiome.

Avoid Douching

Douching involves cleaning the inside of the vagina with water or a solution. Women often think they are supposed to douche. However, most healthcare providers do not recommend it because it can cause pH imbalances and disrupt the normal flora.

Douching may also worsen an infection by pushing the bacteria into the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. This can lead to a serious health issue called pelvic inflammatory disease.

Wear Breathable Cotton Underwear

Synthetic fabrics trap sweat and moisture, which allows bacteria and yeast to grow. Wearing breathable cotton underwear provides airflow. It’s also a good idea to change promptly after swimming or sweating to keep the area dry. Both reduce the risk of vaginal and urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Use Barrier Protection During Sex

Semen has a pH level between 7.1 and 8. Having unprotected sex briefly increases the pH of the vagina. An increased pH is helpful when trying to conceive a baby because it helps protect the sperm. Barriers such as condoms protect the vagina from exposure to the higher pH of semen.

Quit Smoking

Individuals who smoke cigarettes may be more susceptible to infections such as bacterial vaginosis. They also may experience reduced levels of Lactobacillus, which is essential for maintaining vaginal health and pH.

Supplements and Other Remedies

Several additional strategies may help to restore and maintain vaginal pH. Examples include various supplements and vaginal suppositories.

Probiotics

One of the best ways to consume probiotics is through your diet. Probiotics occur naturally in fermented foods such as:

• Yogurt
• Pickles
• Kombucha (fermented tea)
• Kefir (fermented dairy drink)
• Buttermilk
• Sourdough bread
• Fermented sauerkraut
• Miso soup

If you are not getting enough probiotics in your diet, your healthcare provider may suggest oral supplements or vaginal suppositories. More research is needed to understand the effectiveness of these supplements.

Garlic

Garlic is known to have antibacterial and antifungal properties. Some studies suggest it can help fight off vaginal infections.

In one study, researchers found garlic was about as effective as metronidazole in treating bacterial vaginosis (BV). Those who took the garlic had fewer side effects than those who took the standard treatment for BV, metronidazole. Additional research is needed.

Garlic may also be effective against trichomoniasis and yeast infections.

When eaten as part of a healthy diet, garlic is generally safe. Oral garlic supplements are available. It’s best not to use garlic directly in or around the vagina.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Many people add apple cider vinegar to their health routine for its antibacterial and antifungal effects. You can drink diluted apple cider vinegar or take it as a supplement.

Direct use on the vagina, even diluted, is not recommended. It may be harmful to the vaginal tissue and pH balance.

Boric Acid Suppositories

Boric acid suppositories sometimes are used to improve vaginal health and restore pH balance. Their antifungal and antibacterial properties can help to treat infection.

Typically, the suppositories are inserted into the vagina once a day (you may want to do so in the evening) for 10 to 14 days. For yeast infections that keep recurring, a 21-day use may be needed. Talk with your healthcare provider about how best to use boric acid suppositories.

Tea Tree Oil

Various preparations of tea tree oil are available for vaginal use, including suppositories, as a wash, or as an essential oil that you can apply yourself with a carrier oil. Tea tree oil is effective against yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis in lab settings.

Additionally, while it can target pathogenic (harmful) microorganisms, beneficial Lactobacillus seem more resistant. While more research is needed, tea tree oil might help reduce harmful microorganisms while sparing ones that help promote a healthy vaginal pH.

However, individuals who use tea tree oil vaginally may experience irritation and other unpleasant symptoms. More research is needed to determine if and how tea tree oil is safe to use intravaginally.

If you are experiencing symptoms of a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis and are considering using tea tree oil, consult with a healthcare provider before using it.

Symptoms

Infections are a common cause of vaginal pH disruption. Symptoms of vaginal infections that can lead to imbalanced vaginal pH include:

• Redness, a rash, swelling, or itching around the vagina or labia
• Burning with urination or during sexual intercourse
• Strong, unpleasant odor or fishy smell
• Green, gray, or yellow vaginal discharge
• Chunky discharge

These changes may be more noticeable after menstruation (period) or intercourse.

Testing

At-home vaginal pH tests are also referred to as feminine screening kits and are similar to those used in the doctor’s office. Some include litmus paper, while others use a vaginal swab. You collect the sample at home and then compare your results with an easy-to-read pH color chart.

Similar tests provide a report of your vaginal microbiome. However, they are packaged and sent to a lab.The values can mean:

• A high pH: This may indicate that you have an infection, such as bacterial vaginosis. In this case, your healthcare provider will want to do an exam and possible testing to plan your course of treatment.
• A normal or slightly low pH: If you have itching, burning, or redness, and your pH is normal or slightly low, it could be a yeast infection. If you’ve had yeast infections, your healthcare provider may recommend trying an over-the-counter (OTC) medication.
  

Follow the directions for these at-home tests carefully to ensure accurate results. Many are invalid if they are done too soon after sexual intercourse or a menstrual cycle.

When to Call Your Healthcare Provider

Contact your healthcare provider if you have:

• Abnormal vaginal discharge
• Abdominal or pelvic (lower belly between hips) pain
• Fever
• Tried home remedies, and symptoms did not resolve within a few days
• Noticed you are developing symptoms frequently

Summary

A healthy vagina has an acidic pH level that helps good bacteria (normal flora) thrive. Along with discharge, pH levels and normal flora keep the vagina clean and balanced.

At-home tests are available to test vaginal pH levels if you suspect they are unbalanced. Call a healthcare provider if you have a fever or pain. Call your provider if your discharge is green, gray, or yellow, has an unpleasant "fishy smell," or has a chunky, cottage cheese consistency.

If symptoms are mild or you are waiting for an appointment, you can try a few things at home preventively. Call your provider if symptoms persist after a few days of home remedies or if they change or get worse.