QuestionI have been to the gyn 2 times in the past month. I went on 3/26 for rawness, itching, discharge. I had a high PH level but no bacteria showed up on the microscope. I had this at the start of the year and they did a full blown culture for all kinds of vaginal infections and the cultures showed NOTHING either. I started my period on 3/28 and the symptoms disappeared. 4 days after it ended they came back. I went back to the GYN today and saw a NP. She said my PH is high but still no bacteria is showing. They didn't run the cultures again since they were negative last time but did prescribe Metro Gel which I insert vaginally for 5 days. The last time this happened it happened before my period as well. They also did an ultrasound today and my left ovary was fine, cervix fine, uterus fine and they found a small simple cyst on the right ovary. Why would my PH continue to be high w/o an infection? I am a 41 year old female, weigh 135 pounds, do not smoke, drink and have a good diet. I could exercise more. I take Bystolic for high BP and it's very well controlled. The NP seemed puzzled but maybe that was my imagination. Could this be peri-menopausal? She also recommended I buy Replens after I complete this treatment of metro Gel and eat yogurt.
AnswerDear Karen,
Here are some causes of high vaginal pH:
*Increased Vaginal pH Causes (pH >4.5)
I. Non-infectious Causes
A. Menses
B. Cervical Mucus increased (e.g. Ovulation)
C. Semen in vagina following intercourse
D. Rupture of Membranes in pregnancy
E. Estrogen deficiency (Hypoestrogenism) *this can be related to peri-menopause
II. Infectious Causes
A. Trichomoniasis
B. Bacterial Vaginosis
C. Infection associated with Retained Foreign Body
III.Rare Infectious Causes
A. Group A Streptococcal Vaginitis
B. Inflammatory Vaginitis with Desquamation
I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.
Brenda
