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Taking a bacterial vaginosis (BV) test at home can reveal whether you have a bacterial infection and help inform your next steps. Here are five tests to consider.
- Best for instant results (but have to purchase online): FloriSense Vaginal Health Test | Skip to review
- Best drugstore test for instant results: CVS Health Feminine Screening Kit for Vaginal Health | Skip to review
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common but often uncomfortable vaginal infection. Once doctors diagnose BV, it is easily treatable. The first step is determining whether you have it.
Read on to learn more about BV test kits to use at home and what to consider as possible next steps.
Pricing guide
BV home test kits can range in price from less than $8 to almost $200. Tests $30 and under generally only test pH levels for irregularities but without verified laboratory results.
Tests that send samples to labs come at a higher cost but can offer more information. In some cases, they can come with a telehealth chat with a healthcare professional for next steps and possible treatment options. However, this service varies depending on where you live.
- $ = under $25
- $$ = $25 to $100
- $$$ = over $100
To select some of the best at-home BV tests, we researched the types of tests people can use at home. It was important for us to consider certain factors, such as:
- the price of the tests
- how discreet the packaging is
- how quickly you receive results
- customer reviews and ratings
We also chose a mixture of generic at-home BV tests and lab-tested at-home BV tests.
Some tests won’t tell you if you have BV specifically but will rather indicate whether the pH levels in your vagina are not balanced.
If you have reason to think you may have BV or another infection after taking a test, it’s best to seek additional consultation from a qualified healthcare professional.
BV is an infection that develops from an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina. It’s a
Risk factors for BV include:
- sexual activity
- douching
- wearing sweaty clothing for long periods
- using scented soap, bubble baths, or vaginal deodorants
- using an IUD
You might suspect you have BV if you’re experiencing symptoms like:
- burning sensation while urinating
- gray or white discharge
- fishy smelling discharge
- itching and pain in the vulva
While it can be uncomfortable, BV is usually not serious. And sometimes, BV goes away on its own.
But complications can occur, including an
Symptoms of BV may also mimic those of other vaginal infections, such as yeast infections and trichomoniasis, a common STI. So getting an accurate diagnosis is important for developing an appropriate treatment plan.
If you’re also experiencing fever or chills or you’re pregnant, it’s a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional for a thorough examination.
With at-home BV tests, you generally insert a testing swab into your vagina to collect a sample to measure your pH. Some tests may require you to supply your own cotton swab and then dab the swab on a test strip.
Some BV test kits reveal results within seconds. If the test requires sending your sample to a lab, results may take a few days.
Tests that send your sample to a lab are considered more accurate. They may also test for additional bacteria and certain STIs.
Depending on the test manufacturer, you may also be able to receive treatment via a telehealth appointment, but this option varies by U.S. state.
If you’ve had BV before and are familiar with the symptoms, an at-home BV test kit might support what you already suspect is going on. And using a testing service with the option for treatment via telehealth might save you a trip to the doctor.
But most BV test kits, especially the more affordable ones that skip the labs, only measure the level of pH present, which can indicate the presence of an infection. They may not provide enough information to determine the type of infection.
This distinction could matter for treatment. In this way, it’s best to think of these tests as a possible first step but not a conclusive diagnosis.
While other vaginal conditions with similar symptoms, like yeast infections, do not require a prescription for treatment, BV generally requires antibiotics to clear up, according to Monte Swarup, MD, FACOG, a board certified OB-GYN in Chandler, AZ. Currently, there are no over-the-counter BV treatments approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
A doctor may prescribe an antibiotic like clindamycin, metronidazole, or tinidazole in pill, gel, or cream form. You may be able to get treatment through telemedicine services, including Nurx or Wisp.
After being treated, BV typically clears up within 5 to 7 days.
Due to similar symptoms like vaginal itching and painful urination, BV can be mistaken as a yeast infection.
According to Monte Swarup, MD, FACOG, BV can be mistaken for other infections, including trichomoniasis, a common STI. This is why he recommends a pelvic exam from a healthcare professional to rule out other possibilities and receive the proper treatment right away.
You can test for BV at home using one of the test kits on our list.
But consulting with a health professional is important, as other conditions can mimic those of BV.
Also you need a prescription to treat BV, as over-the-counter options may only address symptoms and not get rid of the infection.
BV is a common and easily treatable vaginal infection. If you think you may have BV, an at-home BV test may help determine whether you have abnormal pH, which is one indicator of BV.
Some tests require sending your sample to a lab, which can offer accurate results and a possible telehealth visit to receive treatment, usually an antibiotic.
If your at-home test results (those without lab and telehealth support) indicate that your pH levels are abnormal or you have a vaginal infection, talk with a healthcare professional.
Additionally, if you’re experiencing general discomfort or itching, burning, or unusual discharge, visit a healthcare professional.