Can vaginal pH testing diagnose atrophy?
Vaginal pH testing is a simple tool that helps support the diagnosis of vaginal atrophy. A pH above 5 after menopause is suggestive of atrophy, but pH testing alone cannot confirm the diagnosis.
Detailed Medical Explanation
Normal vaginal pH is 3.8–4.5 in premenopausal women. After menopause, oestrogen falls, lactobacilli decline, and pH rises. While a higher pH supports the diagnosis of atrophy, it can also occur with infection or other conditions. Doctors use pH alongside history and exam for diagnosis. NHS: pH Testing.
Clinical Context
pH testing is quick, painless, and may be used during routine assessment, especially if the diagnosis is uncertain.
Evidence-Based Approaches
Guidelines recommend pH testing as part of the assessment in postmenopausal women with dryness or irritation. RCOG: Diagnosis & pH.