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Yeast infections are a common type of infection. About
But before you can treat them, you first need to identify them.
Vaginal infections are easily diagnosed by a doctor. That’s your best bet since a doctor can tell you for certain whether you have a yeast infection.
However, if you can’t make it to a healthcare professional, you may want to try an at-home vaginal pH test. These over-the-counter (OTC) tests determine
- Best drugstore vaginal pH test: CVS Health Feminine Screening Kit for Vaginal Infections
- Easiest vaginal pH test to read: Natureland Vaginal pH Test
- Best discreet vaginal pH test: Stix Vaginal pH Tests
- Best inexpensive vaginal pH test: PGYARD Vaginal pH Test
Pricing guide
At-home vaginal pH tests are relatively affordable. They can be easily found online or at your local drugstore.
- $ = under $12
- $$ = $12–$15
- $$$ = over $15
Best drugstore vaginal pH test
- Price: $$$
It’s easy to find a cheap and effective pH test at your local drugstore. This kit from CVS includes two swabs and lets you know in seconds whether your vaginal pH is abnormal.
Reviewers say it helped them figure out whether they needed to go to their gynecologist for treatment. But reviewers say they wish the kit came with more swabs for the price.
As with any at-home vaginal pH test, it’s important to know that this test can’t tell you for sure whether you have a yeast infection.
Easiest vaginal pH test to read
- Price: $$
This kit offers 40 pH strips to test the acidity levels in your vaginal discharge. It’s easy to use and read, and it comes with plenty of strips in case there’s an error with your first test.
The strips are individually packaged, which makes them easy to carry and store.
Customers like that the rainbow chart for these strips is easy to read, and the results appear quickly. One reviewer who had to constantly monitor her pH levels said this kit was perfect for determining whether her levels were improving during her treatments.
Best discreet vaginal pH test
- Price: $
Stix offers home delivery and is urologist approved. This kit was designed by women with women in mind.
Kits get delivered to your front door in a discreet box and offer quick test results.
Each kit comes with two test swabs and simple instructions. Additionally, for people who need to monitor their pH levels regularly, the brand offers subscription options.
Reviews show satisfaction with the tests among customers who are prone to yeast infections and those looking for affordable options. Others appreciate that the test is discreet and they don’t have to make regular trips to their pharmacy.
Best inexpensive vaginal pH test
- Price: $$
This kit comes with 50 strips — 10 strips per pack — and is easy to use for people who need to test their pH regularly. The results are easy to read by following the chart provided by the kit.
Those prone to bacterial vaginosis (BV) and yeast infections say they found this kit to be helpful and accurate during the times they felt an infection developing.
Additionally, people with diabetes who have to keep track of Candida also use this kit and say they found it to be helpful with monitoring.
Some symptoms you may experience if you have a yeast infection are:
If you have any of these symptoms, you may want to get tested for a yeast infection. See a doctor if this is the first infection you’re experiencing, or if you’ve tried self-treating with no improvement.
If you don’t have the ability to see a doctor right away, you can use an at-home pH kit to test whether your vaginal pH levels are off.
The most accurate way to determine whether you have a yeast infection is by receiving a vaginitis test from a doctor.
The doctor will use a sterile cotton swab to retrieve a sample. Then, they’ll examine the sample under a microscope to determine whether there’s an infection.
If you take an at-home pH test, you’ll take one of the included pH strips and hold it against your vaginal wall for a few seconds.
Then, you’ll compare the color of the strip with the chart that came with your kit. This will tell you whether your pH level is off, though it won’t be able to confirm for sure whether you have a yeast infection.
If you suspect you have a yeast infection after taking an at-home pH test, you can self-treat with OTC medication, such as miconazole and clotrimazole.
Calamine or 1 percent hydrocortisone cream can help relieve vulvar itching. Additionally, switching to cotton or other breathable underwear can help prevent symptoms from getting worse.
If you get a diagnosis from a doctor, they may prescribe prescription medication, or you can also take OTC medication.
People with recurrent yeast infections may be treated differently. For instance, a doctor may consider a fungal culture or recommend stronger prescription medication.
Can an at-home test check for yeast infection?
No. At-home pH tests cannot check for yeast infections. They can only tell you whether your vaginal pH is normal.
Keep in mind that a high pH doesn’t necessarily indicate an infection. Similarly, a low or normal pH doesn’t confirm that an infection is present, either.
The most accurate way to know whether you have a yeast infection is to get checked by a doctor.
How do doctors test for yeast infections?
Doctors typically conduct a vaginitis test when testing for an infection. They’ll use a swab to take a sample of your vaginal discharge, which is then examined under a microscope.
This test is the best option to determine whether you have a yeast infection or if it’s another type of infection, such as BV, chlamydia, or trichomoniasis.
Is it OK to take yeast infection medication without getting a test from a doctor first?
It’s safe to self-treat a yeast infection if you’ve had a yeast infection in the past and have similar symptoms. It’s also fine to do if you’ve spoken with a healthcare professional, they confirm your symptoms are related to a yeast infection, and they recommend treatment.
However, in cases of a severe infection, it’s best to consult with a doctor. Not all itches or discharges are from yeast infections.
Set up an in-person appointment with a doctor as soon as you can. If symptoms are severe, you can start OTC miconazole while waiting for your appointment.
We made sure to look at reputable brands with positive feedback from customers who have used the products. We also took into consideration how easy it is to take these tests and how quickly you receive the results.
As previously mentioned, these tests will not tell you for certain whether you have a yeast infection. Instead, they’ll indicate whether your pH levels are off.
While yeast infections typically have low pH levels, some other infections, like BV, have high pH levels.
It’s best to get an official diagnosis and treatment from a doctor if you’re unsure whether your symptoms are caused by an infection.
If you have a yeast infection or suspect you have one, the only way to know for sure is to visit a doctor. At-home tests can only tell you so much about the symptoms you may be experiencing.
Self-treating with an OTC medication may work for mild cases, but severe cases most likely need prescription medication.
As with any infection you may be experiencing, it’s best to consult with a doctor to confirm a diagnosis and receive treatment in a timely manner.