Vagina Talk: Probiotics, pH Balance, and Everything in Between

By: Legendairy Milk

6 min

Welcome to the era of shame-free, stigma-free vaginal health conversations (it’s about dang time)! Whether it’s society’s hush-hush attitude or our own hesitation, talking about vaginal health openly has long felt like a taboo subject. But here’s the thing— vaginal health matters . It’s a critical part of our overall well-being, and it’s time we talk about it with the confidence and care it deserves. After all, we talk about gut health and heart health with ease, so why not vaginal health? It’s high time to dive deep into why vaginal health is something we should all be embracing— loud, proud, and totally stigma-free .

What’s Going On Down There?

When we say "vaginal health," we’re talking about the balance and well-being of the complex environment that is your vagina. And make no mistake, it’s a complex and powerful system! Just like your gut has its own microbiome, your vagina has its own delicate ecosystem of bacteria (known as vaginal flora ) that keeps everything running smoothly. Think of it as your vagina’s natural defense squad.

A healthy vaginal flora keeps your pH balanced , yeast in check, and helps fend off infections like bacterial vaginosis (BV) , yeast infections , and urinary tract infections (UTIs) . When your flora is happy, your vagina is happy. ⁽¹⁾

But life happens. From hormonal changes, stress, sex, hygiene habits, to even what you eat—so much can throw off this balance. And when things go awry, your vagina is quick to let you know with symptoms like itching, odor, or discharge.

Urogenital Infections 101: The Big Three

Let’s break down some of the most common vaginal infections that women face. We’ve all heard of them, but it’s important to get real about what they are, what causes them, and what symptoms to look out for. Because, girl, knowledge is power!

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

What it is : BV is the result of an overgrowth of "bad" bacteria in the vagina. When your vaginal flora gets out of balance, the bacteria that typically live in harmony can get thrown out of whack, and a bacterial takeover can happen. ⁽²⁾

Common Symptoms : A strong, fishy odor is often the first sign (and let’s clear this up: having some odor is normal!). You might also notice unusual discharge, itching, or burning. While BV can be uncomfortable, it’s treatable—and totally common.

Yeast Infections

What it is : We all have yeast (specifically, Candida ) in our vaginas. A yeast infection happens when this yeast grows out of control, typically when your vaginal flora or pH gets disrupted. Vaginal yeast infections are incredibly common, affecting up to 3 in 4 women at some point in their lives. ⁽³⁾

Common Symptoms : Thick, white discharge (think cottage cheese), intense itching, burning, and redness are the usual suspects.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

What it is : A UTI occurs when bacteria (usually E. coli ) enter your urinary tract, causing inflammation and infection. While not directly a vaginal issue, the urinary tract is close enough to the vaginal area that imbalances can contribute to frequent UTIs. ⁽⁴⁾

Common Symptoms : Burning during urination, frequent urges to pee (even when there’s barely anything there), and cloudy or bloody urine are the classic signs of a UTI.

What’s “Normal” Vaginal Odor?

Vaginal odor can feel like a sensitive subject, but let’s clear the air—odor is normal. Just like the rest of your body has its unique scent, so does your vagina, and it changes throughout your cycle.

What’s typical? A slightly musky or tangy smell. What’s not? Strong fishy or foul odors, which could signal an infection like BV. The key here is knowing your body and recognizing what’s normal for you. Everyone is different, and there’s no reason to feel embarrassed about natural odor. If you ever feel something is off, there’s no shame in talking to a healthcare provider. ⁽⁵⁾

What Exactly Is Vaginal Flora?

Your vaginal flora is made up of millions of bacteria that live in a delicate balance. When everything is working as it should, your flora acts like a protective shield, keeping the vagina's pH acidic enough to ward off infections.

The superstar of vaginal flora? Lactobacilli bacteria —these unsung heroes produce lactic acid to maintain a pH level between 3.8 to 4.5, which keeps your vaginal environment healthy and balanced. ⁽⁶⁾

But when this balance tips—due to antibiotics, stress, hormonal changes, or other factors—that’s when infections, discomfort, and other issues can start to creep in.

Yeast

The Lowdown on pH Balance

Ever heard that pH matters , but you’re not quite sure why? Let’s get clear: pH refers to how acidic or alkaline something is. A healthy vaginal pH sits between 3.8 and 4.5 , meaning it’s slightly acidic.

This acidity is your vagina’s natural way of protecting itself from infections like BV and yeast infections. When your pH gets thrown off balance—maybe from using harsh soaps, stress, or even your period—bad bacteria and yeast can overgrow, leading to infections.

Keeping your pH in check is crucial to maintaining good vaginal health—and supporting your flora is the key to that balance.

Yeast Balance Matters, Too

While we all have yeast in our vaginal ecosystem, it’s when it grows unchecked that problems arise. Factors like heat, moisture, and pH imbalance can make yeast go wild. The result? infections.

So, keeping yeast in check isn’t about eliminating it entirely, but rather about maintaining the right balance. And one of the best ways to support this balance? You guessed it— probiotics (more on that in a moment).

Caring for Your Vaginal Health

So, how do you keep your vagina happy and healthy? It’s not just about wiping front to back (though that’s important too!). Here are some tips to care for your vaginal health:

Stay Clean, But Don’t Overdo It : Use mild, unscented soaps on your external genitalia, but avoid douching. Your vagina is a self-cleaning genius (pretty cool, huh?).
Wear Breathable Underwear : Cotton undies are your BFF, especially when it comes to preventing yeast infections.
Practice Safe Sex : Using condoms helps protect against sexually transmitted infections and keeps your vaginal flora intact.
Avoid Scented Products : Scented tampons, pads, and sprays can throw off your pH and disrupt your flora.

Probiotics, Probiotics, Probiotics : Taking a probiotic supplement designed specifically for women’s vaginal health (like Smitten Kitten™) can help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria and yeast, keeping things feeling fresh and fabulous.

How Probiotics Can Support Vaginal Health

Probiotics aren’t just for your gut—they’re also a major player in vaginal health. ⁽⁷⁾ Probiotics are live bacteria that can help restore balance to your vaginal flora, support your pH levels, and keep yeast in check.

But not all probiotics are created equal. When choosing a probiotic for vaginal health, look for strains like Lactobacillus reuteri and Lactobacillus rhamnosus —these are some of the most well-researched strains for women’s urogenital health.

Here’s where Smitten Kitten comes in. It’s packed with 4 clinically-studied strains , including the world’s most documented probiotic blend for vaginal health (seriously, it has over 130 scientific publications backing it up). With 5 billion CFUs (colony-forming units) guaranteed, Smitten Kitten is your go-to for maintaining a healthy vaginal flora, pH balance , and yeast balance .* Plus, no refrigeration is required—so it’s as easy as poppin’ a pill. Whether you're dealing with frequent BV, yeast infections, or just want to maintain a balanced vaginal environment, this vaginal probiotic is here to help.

And let’s be real—when it comes to vaginal health, we deserve the best. That’s why Smitten Kitten is science-backed and made for women, by women . Because you should never have to settle when it comes to your health.

The Bottom Line

Vaginal health isn’t something we should be shy about—it’s a vital part of overall health. Whether you're looking to prevent infections, manage odor, or just keep your flora balanced, caring for your vaginal health should be as easy and empowered as any other part of your wellness routine.

It’s time to show your vagina the love it deserves. 💖

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