What pH level of vaginal discharge typically indicates a yeast infection?

A pH level of 4.0 in vaginal discharge typically indicates a yeast infection. Normally, the vaginal environment is slightly acidic, usually maintaining a pH range of about 3.8 to 4.5, which is conducive to a healthy balance of lactobacilli bacteria. In cases of a yeast infection, while many factors can contribute, the balance of bacteria and yeast can shift, but the pH may remain within the lower range, often not exceeding 4.5.

Specifically, Candida infections often do not significantly alter the vaginal pH, as the discharge remains acidic rather than elevated towards a neutral pH. Higher pH levels, such as those above 4.5, might suggest other types of infections, such as bacterial vaginosis or vaginitis, where the normal flora of the vagina is disrupted. Therefore, a pH of around 4.0 can indicate a healthy or mildly altered state typical for a yeast infection, whereas a pH exceeding the usual acidic threshold signals different underlying conditions.