The vagina is at risk for infection because of its location and because it opens to the outside of the body. What is a protective mechanism of the vagina to keep from becoming infected?

A) Maintains an alkaline pH of 7 to 8, which destroys invading bacteria

B) Normal vaginal pH is acidic (4 to 5), which protects from infection

C) Normal vaginal flora act as phagocytes of invading bacteria

D) Produces its own natural antibiotics

The correct answer is option B) "Normal vaginal pH is acidic (4 to 5), which protects from infection".

Explanation:

Vaginal flora, or vaginal microbiota, is defined as the group of microorganisms that a healthy vagina normally has. At normal conditions, vaginal pH is acidic, which functions as a protective mechanisms because vaginal flora prosper at this condition and avoids unwanted bacteria to growth. A pH above 5, is an non healthy environment and could cause vaginal infections such as bacterial vaginosis.