Under the influence of lacto bacteria, the glycogen released from the upper vaginal wall degrades to form the sugar glucose and then lactic acid. This results in an acid environment forming in the vagina, with a pH value that is usually 3.8 to 4.5. This acidic vaginal environment forms effective protection against infections because the vast majority of bacteria that cause disease cannot thrive under such conditions. The physiological vaginal pH level is therefore dependent on the quantative presence of the lactic acid.

The pH level in vagina is subject to fluctuations.

Possible causes of an alteration in the vaginal pH level are:

• Bacterial vaginosis 

        (abnormal bacterial colonization of the vagina)

• Bacterial mixed infections

• Sexually transmitted diseases

• Premature rupture of fetal membranes · Estrogen deficiency

• Postoperative infected wounds

• Excessive intimate care

• Treatment with antibiotics

Everyone knows that vinegar and lemon juice are acid and that soap suds are alkaline. The level of “acid” or “alkalin” is measured by determining the pH level (pH 1 through 14). Pure water has a pH level of 7.0 and is therefore neutral (neither acid nor alkaline).

A physiological and therefore normal vaginal pH level (pH 3.8 to 4.5) is important for the body’s own system of protecting the vagina and the maintenance of a healthy vaginal flora. An increase in the vaginal pH level to values of over 4.5 decreases the quality of life of women who are affected by this

• constitutes a significant risk to health

• increases the risk of premature delivery