Can Garlic Tablets Help Restore Your Vaginal pH Balance?

The vagina is a naturally acidic part of the body, with a pH between 3.8 and 4.5, as explained by WebMD. The acids found in the vagina are produced both by the bacteria that call it home and the secretions the body emits to keep the canal lubricated and healthy. The acidic environment helps your body keep harmful microorganisms from overpopulating and infecting the vagina.

While the vagina naturally maintains its pH level, there are situations that can throw off the microbial ecosystem responsible for this balance, as per a 2021 article published in the journal Diagnostics. Among these factors are vaginal douching, unprotected sex, and fluxes in the menstrual cycle. Taking antibiotics is another major reason why the pH might become altered as the medication does not discern between good and bad bacteria when killing off an infection, which can significantly alter the vaginal microbiome.

An off-kilter vaginal pH leaves you susceptible to infections, including bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis, points out Healthline. These conditions cause a number of unpleasant symptoms, which will alert you that something is off. They include a fishy odor, discharge that differs from the normal, itching, and a burning sensation when evacuating the bladder. Fortunately, there are ways you can treat these infections by restoring your vaginal pH level. And if you're a fan of more natural, home-based remedies as opposed to pharmaceutical medications, you might want to give garlic tablets a try.

A 2014 study published in the Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal looked at whether oral garlic tablets were an effective treatment method for bacterial vaginosis, the infection discussed above that can come about as a result of an unbalanced vaginal microbiome. The garlic tablets were compared with a popular prescription antibiotic for the condition, known as metronidazole. Researchers gathered 120 married women and randomly assigned them either the antibiotic or garlic tablets for seven days. Not only did the results show the garlic tablets to be just as effective as the metronidazole in treating the infection, but they also were associated with fewer side effects and complications.

For those wondering why garlic can be such an effective treatment against vaginal infections, a 2021 systematic review published in Frontiers in Microbiology explained that certain compounds found in the vegetable contain antibacterial properties that break down the cellular membrane surrounding microorganisms, effectively killing the bacteria contributing to infection.

If you're considering using garlic tablets to restore your vaginal pH, you should note that there are a few potential side effects associated with this treatment method, including heartburn, increased body odor, and stomach distress, as per the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. The compound can also interact with certain other drugs and medications, making it important to consult a healthcare professional before taking them.