Why Is My pH Balance off After Sex?

If you’re sexually active, you’re probably aware of the risks associated with unprotected sex, like sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or unwanted pregnancy. What your sex ed probably didn’t warn you about, though, is how sex can also affect your vaginal microbiome and increase your risk of yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis (BV), and urinary tract infections (UTIs). 

While orgasms may be a welcome outcome of sex, a vaginal infection definitely isn’t. If you’ve ever noticed an unusual smell or burning sensation between your legs after having sex, you’re not alone. Sex is a very real trigger for infections and we hear this concern from members of the Evvy community all the time. 

Nothing kills the mood (or your confidence) quite like a vaginal infection. If you find yourself always reaching for some post-coital Monistat or boric acid, keep reading to learn how and why sexual activity can affect your vaginal pH.

Why is my pH balance off after sex? 

Sexual activity, particularly unprotected penetrative sex, is a key risk factor for vaginal infections such as bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and urinary tract infections. Maintaining a normal vaginal pH, which is mildly acidic (between 3.8 and 4.5), is crucial for overall vaginal health and preventing these infections.

Below are some of the ways sex can throw off your pH and make vaginal infections more likely.

1. During sex, disruptive microbes can transfer from one person to another.

To start with the obvious, the mixing of microbiomes (both oral and genital) can introduce new pathogens into your vaginal microbiome, disrupting the balance of the vaginal environment.

Having new or multiple sexual partners is one of the biggest risk factors for bacterial vaginosis. Women and people with vaginas in same-sex relationships can also pass bacterial vaginosis to their partners. Research shows that women who have sex with other women are significantly more likely to have bacterial vaginosis compared to women who only have sex with men.

Some studies also show that although men can’t get BV, they can be carriers of the bacteria and pass it on to people with vaginas during intercourse.

2. Bacteria can easily move from one part of the body to another

Thrusting and friction during sex can also make it easier for fecal bacteria like E.coli to travel from the anus to the urethra, which can result in a urinary tract infection. 

People with vaginas also have a shorter urethra than those with penises, which makes it easier for pathogens and bad bacteria to enter the urinary tract. Having anal sex immediately after vaginal penetration is also associated with a higher risk of bacterial vaginosis.

3. Semen can disrupt the microbiome‍

Introducing semen into the vaginal microbiome can also increase your risk for infections in two ways.

First, the alkaline nature of semen's pH (ranging from 7.2 to 8.0) can impact your vaginal pH (a healthy vaginal pH ranges between 3.8-4.5). Having a higher pH can create a more favorable environment for harmful bacteria, potentially resulting in a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis.

Second, semen contains its own set of bacteria that are introduced to the vaginal microbiome during unprotected penetrative sex (semen actually contains more bacteria than sperm!), including species that can cause vaginal infections.

Thankfully, condom use is an effective method for decreasing these risks. One study followed 871 women over three years and found that consistent condom use decreased the risk of bacterial vaginosis by 45%.

What if I smell after sex? Could it be bacterial vaginosis?

Contrary to popular (sexist) belief, it’s completely normal for your vagina to have an odor. No two vaginas smell the same, and it’s also common for that smell to fluctuate throughout your menstrual cycle.

But if you notice a drastic change in vaginal odor after having sex, it could be a sign of an imbalance in vaginal pH levels, which may lead to bacterial vaginosis or a sexually transmitted infection called trichomoniasis. Other symptoms to look out for include:

• Grey or green vaginal discharge that is watery or frothy
• Itching or burning in your vagina or vulva
• Discomfort when urinating

If you notice an unusual change in the way your vaginal discharge smells, whether or not it’s after having sex, see your healthcare provider.

How to have a microbiome-friendly sex life for better vaginal health

You deserve to have a fun, healthy, and fulfilling sex life without the looming threat of a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis ruining everything.

Several biological and lifestyle factors can affect the health of your microbiome, from your period to your sex practices to your birth control. Some people are also more prone to vaginal infections than others for no apparent reason.

But when it comes to sex, there are different steps you can take to maintain a healthy vaginal microbiome:

• Practice safe sex: Always use a barrier method like condoms and dental dams. If relevant, avoid letting semen sit in your vagina.
• Care for your toys: Wash (and dry!) your sex toys before and after each use.
• Don’t cross-contaminate! After anal play, make sure to change your condom or wash your sex toy before vaginal penetration.
• Get regular STI tests: Many sexually transmitted infections don’t cause symptoms, so you may have one and not know. Untreated STIs can cause health complications like pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility.
• Pee (or shower) after sex to help clear the urethra of pathogens: Admittedly, the jury’s out on whether this actually prevents infections, but it can’t hurt!
• Choose condoms and lube wisely: Avoid spermicides, fragrances, nitrosamines, benzocaines, parabens, and glycerin, all of which may impact the vaginal microbiome.
• Consider partner treatment: Given that partners may harbor the bacteria that can cause symptoms and lead to infection, it may be worthwhile for both parties to be treated. Talk to your doctor about if this may be a useful approach for you.
• Maintain a balanced vaginal pH: Proper hygiene practices, such as avoiding douches and using pH-balanced products, can help maintain a healthy vaginal pH and prevent infections.

And while the tips above serve as general guidance, an Evvy vaginal microbiome test can help you get specific. Introducing a new partner or type of sex doesn’t have to mean introducing vaginal dysbiosis, too. Intermittent testing allows you to track changes in your microbiome over time so you can be in control of your vaginal health!

FAQ

Why did sex throw off my vaginal pH balance?

Sexual activity (especially unprotected sex) can impact your vaginal pH balance in a few ways. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with lower values being more acidic and higher values being more alkaline. The pH of semen is higher (more alkaline) than the natural acidity of the vagina, which can temporarily raise your vaginal pH after sex. This change could create a more hospitable environment for harmful bacteria, leading to possible infections like bacterial vaginosis or urinary tract infections. Additionally, sex (whether it’s with men or women) can introduce new bacteria into the vagina, upsetting the natural balance of good bacteria. The movement during sex can also irritate the vaginal tissues, making them more vulnerable to infections.

How do you know if your pH balance is off from sex?

Your vaginal pH value might be off after sex if you notice any unusual changes in your vaginal discharge, such as a different color, consistency, or odor (like a fishy smell or thicker discharge), or if you experience vaginal itching, irritation, or discomfort. Maintaining a healthy vaginal pH value is crucial for vaginal wellness, and sex can impact this balance.