Worrying about your vaginal pH level after having BV is a normal thing to do. BV can feel like a big deal and it’s okay to be curious about how it’s affecting your body. That’s why we’re here to answer these types of questions. We don’t want you to be stressed and worried about these types of things.
So how does BV affect your vaginal pH? What can you do to restore your vaginal pH after having BV? These are great questions and we’ve got answers for you right here. Let’s take a look at what you can do to fix your vaginal pH after having BV.
What Does BV Do To Vaginal pH?
If you have BV that means you have an infection that is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in your vagina. This affects your vaginal pH by causing an increase in your pH levels. Your vagina might smell fishy or have a greyish discharge. You might also notice that it’s pretty itchy down there.
These are all signs that your BV still needs to be treated and your vaginal pH is still off. You can use home remedies to treat BV or talk to your doctor for a prescription. If this is your first time having these symptoms it’s best to see your doctor so they can rule out other issues.
If you’re familiar with the symptoms then you may not need to see a doctor at all. It’s up to you and what you think is best for your body.
Will BV Permanently Change My Vaginal pH?
No. The changes to your pH level with BV are not permanent. Once the infection is treated your vagina will start to normalize again. Don’t stress too much about these changes affecting you long-term. BV is an infection that just happens sometimes. You aren’t doing anything wrong if you get BV.
Just remember to follow any instructions your doctor might give, and complete the course of treatment no matter what it is. You want to make sure the infection really is gone and doesn’t turn into a recurrent infection because you didn’t treat it fully the first time.
Related: Does Shifting Vaginal pH Cause BV?
How Can I Balance My Vaginal pH After BV?
There are a few options for balancing your pH level after having BV. One option is to just let your body normalize itself. This isn’t always a short process though and it can get frustrating if you’re concerned about your vaginal pH level. It won’t go back to normal overnight.
You can also use something like boric acid supplements such as VeeFresh to restore your pH levels. Boric acid is already a known treatment for BV. You can use it to treat BV if you wish, or use it after you finish antibiotics from your doctor to level things out down there.
Final Thoughts
There’s no reason to be ashamed of having BV. It’s nothing you are doing wrong. Sometimes bacteria just gets a little out of whack. You can handle BV several different ways and choosing the best option for you is always the right choice.
Once the infection is cured you can worry about handling the pH of your vagina again. Just take it one step at a time and you’ll be back to yourself in no time!
Sarah Nelson is a nurse with 15 years of experience working with a variety of patients. She has a Masters of Science in Nursing and has spent a large portion of her career working exclusively with women in an OB/GYN setting.
Nursing is a passion for Sarah but she also enjoys writing and sharing her expertise online with people who need helpful information. Treating patients well and helping them learn more about their own bodies is a key essential to a healthy lifestyle that Sarah truly believes in.