Yeast infections are common. Approximately 75 per cent of women will knowledge a yeast infection at least once in their lives. Although they can be bothersome, yeast infections are usually easy to treat.
However, before they can be treated, they must first be diagnosed.
A doctor can easily diagnose Vaginal pH Tests infections. This is your best option, as a doctor can confirm with certainty whether you have a yeast infection.
Nevertheless, if you are unable to see a healthcare professional, you can try performing a vaginal pH tests at home. These tests—available over the counter (without a prescription)—determine the acidity level of your vaginal secretions. While they cannot confirm with absolute certainty whether you have a yeast infection, they can help you rule out other types of infections.
A quick look at our selection of the best at-home vaginal pH tests.
All Health Cares picks for the best vaginal pH tests
The Best Pharmacy Vaginal pH Tests
CVS Health Feminine Showing Kit for Vaginal Infections
Price: $$$
It is easy to find an affordable and effective pH test at your local pharmacy. This CVS kit includes two swabs and lets you determine within seconds whether your vaginal pH is abnormal.
Users note that it helped them determine whether they needed to visit their gynaecologist for treatment. However, they point out that, for the price, they would have liked the kit to include more swabs.
As with any at-home vaginal pH test, it is important to keep in mind that this test cannot confirm with absolute certainty whether you have a yeast infection.
The Easiest-to-Read Vaginal pH Test
Natureland Vaginal pH Test
Price: $$
This kit includes 40 pH test strips for measuring acidity levels in the vagina. It is easy to use and interpret, and comes with extra strips in case you make a mistake during your first test.
The strips are individually wrapped, making them easy to transport and store.
Customers love that the colour scale on these strips is easy to read and that results are obtained quickly. One user who needs to monitor her pH levels constantly commented that this kit is perfect for determining whether her levels are improving during treatment.
The Best Discreet Vaginal pH Test
Winx Vaginal pH Tests
Price: $
Winx offers home delivery and is endorsed by urologists. This kit was designed by women, for women.
The kits are delivered right to your doorstep in a discreet package and provide rapid results.
Each kit includes two test swabs and simple instructions. Additionally, for those who need to monitor their pH levels regularly, the brand offers contribution options.
Reviews reflect high customer satisfaction with the tests—particularly among those prone to yeast infections and those seeking an affordable option. Other users appreciate the test’s discreet nature and the fact that they no longer have to make frequent trips to the pharmacy.
The Best and Most Affordable Vaginal pH Test
PGYARD Vaginal pH Test
Price: $$
This kit includes 50 strips—10 strips per pack—and is easy to use for those who need to check their pH regularly. The results are easy to interpret by following the chart included in the kit.
Individuals prone to bacterial vaginosis (BV) and yeast infections find this kit useful and accurate when they notice an infection developing.
Additionally, people with diabetes who need to monitor for Candida also use this kit, stating it is a great help for their monitoring routine.
When Should You Get Tested for a Yeast Infection?
Some of the symptoms you might experience if you have a yeast infection include:
- burning
- itching
- thick, white or yellow vaginal discharge
If you experience any of these symptoms, you may poverty to get tested for a yeast infection. Consult a doctor if this is the first time you have experienced this infection, or if you have attempted to treat it yourself without seeing any improvement.
If you are unable to see a doctor immediately, you can use an at-home pH kit to check whether your vaginal pH levels are low.
What to Think from a Yeast Infection Test
The most correct way to control whether you have a yeast infection is with a doctor’s vaginitis test.
The doctor will usage a sterile cotton swab to collect a sample. They will then inspect the sample under a microscope to determine if an infection is present.
If you perform an at-home pH test, you should take one of the included pH test strips and place it against the vaginal wall for a few seconds.
Next, compare the strip’s colour to the chart included in your kit. This will indicate whether your pH level is low, although it will not confirm with absolute certainty whether you have a yeast infection.
What to Do After Getting Yeast Infection Test Results
If you suspect you consume a yeast infection after an at-home pH test, you can treat yourself with over-the-counter medications such as miconazole or clotrimazole.
Calamine lotion or a 1% hydrocortisone cream can help relieve vulvar itching. Additionally, switching to cotton underwear or another breathable material may help prevent worsening of symptoms.
If you receive a diagnosis from a doctor, they may prescribe medication; alternatively, you may be able to use an over-the-counter medication.
Individuals who suffer from recurrent yeast infections may receive a different treatment regimen. For example, a doctor might consider performing a fungal culture or recommending a stronger prescription medication.
Frequently Asked Questions About Yeast Infection Testing
Can a home test diagnose a yeast infection?
No. Home pH tests cannot diagnose yeast infections. They can individual tell you whether your vaginal pH is normal.
Keep in mind that an elevated pH does not necessarily indicate an infection. Likewise, a low or normal pH does not confirm the presence of an infection.
The most accurate way to determine if you have a yeast infection is to consult a doctor.
How do doctors diagnose yeast infections?
Typically, doctors perform a vaginitis test when diagnosing an infection. They use a swab to collect a sample of your vaginal discharge, which is then inspected under a microscope.
This test is the best option for determining whether you have a yeast infection or another type of infection, such as bacterial vaginosis (BV), chlamydia, or trichomoniasis.
Is it okay to take medication for a yeast infection without consulting a doctor first?
It is safe to self-treat a yeast infection if you have had this type of infection before and are experiencing similar symptoms. It is also acceptable to do so if you have spoken with a healthcare professional who has confirmed that your symptoms are related to a yeast infection and has recommended a treatment.
However, in cases of severe infections, it is highly advisable to consult a doctor. Not all itching or discharge is caused by a yeast infection.
Schedule an in-person appointment with a doctor as soon as possible. If your symptoms are severe, you may start taking over-the-counter miconazole while you wait for your appointment.
How We Selected the Best Vaginal pH Tests
We made sure to look for reputable brands with positive customer reviews. We also considered how easy these tests are to perform and how quickly results are obtained.
As we mentioned earlier, these tests will not confirm with absolute certainty whether you have a yeast infection. Instead, they will indicate whether your pH levels are low.
While yeast infections typically present with low pH, other infections—such as bacterial vaginosis (BV)—are characterised by high pH.
It is highly recommended that you obtain an official diagnosis and receive treatment from a doctor if you are unsure whether your symptoms are due to an infection.
Conclusion
If you have a fungal infection—or suspect you might have one—the only way to confirm it is to consult a doctor. Home tests can only offer limited information regarding the symptoms you may be experiencing.
Self-treatment with over-the-counter medications can be effective in mild cases; however, severe cases will likely require prescription medication.
As with any other infection you may be suffering from, it is highly recommended that you consult a doctor to settle the diagnosis and receive timely treatment.