At Home Yeast Infection Test

When To Call A Doctor

if you:

• Have pain in your lower belly along with a fever and vaginal discharge. This may point to pelvic inflammatory disease .
• Are pregnant and have symptoms of a vaginal infection or a urinary tract infection .

• Have an unusual vaginal discharge with an unusual or foul odor.
• Have unusual vaginal itching.
• Still have symptoms after trying home treatment with a nonprescription medicine.
• Are not getting better as expected.

Diagnosing A Yeast Infection: Signs To Look For

Once a woman has had a yeast infection, its usually easier for her to identify another one when symptoms first appear. Common symptoms can include:

• Thick, white discharge
• Burning feeling especially when peeing or having sex
• Vaginal pain, redness and swelling

Sometimes there are no obvious symptoms, so its important to know what your bodys normal healthy state is. With a yeast infection, there is typically no odor. If youre not sure if you have an infection, you can use the MONISTAT® Symptom Checker to help guide you. Its just a few questions and should take you less than 1 minute to complete.

What To Expect From A Yeast Infection Test

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, theyll examine the sample under a microscope to determine whether theres an infection.

If you take an at-home pH test, youll take one of the included pH strips and hold it against your vaginal wall for a few seconds.

Then, youll 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 wont be able to confirm for sure whether you have a yeast infection.

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Best On A Budget: Stix Yeast Infection Test & Treat Combo

• Time for Results: 2 minutes

At about $27, this test can be ordered discreetly online and provides two test strips, one three-day course of treatment for yeast infections, and 20 panty liners.

• May not treat all yeast infections

• Doesnt address other potential causes of vaginal discomfort

This home yeast infection test costs roughly $27 with free shipping on orders more than $30. You can check out on the Stix website using an HSA or FSA card or apply for reimbursement through your provider.

This test measures vaginal pH and doesnt check for the presence of yeast. An increased vaginal pH level can be an indicator of a yeast infection, but it also may be a sign of other issues.

If the strip shows that your vaginal pH is elevated, you can treat it using the included itch cream and a three-day yeast infection treatmentalong with panty liners. However, if this treatment doesnt work, you may want to see a healthcare provider.

Stix products are available in all 50 states. Reviewers on the companys website wrote positively about the convenience of this kit and the fact that it can be ordered online. However, they stated that the included liners are a little thin for their intended use.

When Should I Get An At

There are no expert guidelines for when its appropriate to use an at-home vaginal yeast infection test. If you have symptoms of vaginitis or vulvovaginitis , it is best to see a health care provider. If getting in to see a doctor or nurse promptly is difficult, at-home vaginal yeast infection tests can provide information about whether your vaginal symptoms may be caused by an infection.

At-home vaginal yeast testing can not detect all cases of vaginitis. It is important to talk to your health care provider about your symptoms in order to access appropriate testing and treatment.

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How We Chose The Best Vaginal Ph Tests

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, theyll indicate whether your pH levels are off.

While yeast infections typically have low pH levels, some other infections, like BV, have high pH levels.

Its best to get an official diagnosis and treatment from a doctor if youre unsure whether your symptoms are caused by an infection.

Remedies And Treatments For Yeast Infections

The most effective treatment for yeast infections is a dedicated course of antifungal medication. However, you can also try several home remedies if you are waiting to see a doctor for a diagnosis and prescription. Here are six treatments for yeast infections.

Take Probiotics

Many yeast infections occur when your immune system is busy or damaged. Itâs common to experience yeast infections while on antibiotics because your bodyâs normal bacteria die off.

Eat Yogurt

Yogurt is another healthy source of probiotics. Just make sure that you eat the yogurt. It doesnât offer any benefits when applied topically, and the sugar thatâs present in all yogurt may cause other infections as well.

Apply Saltwater Rinses

Yeast infections can sometimes be reduced and soothed by rinsing the area gently with saltwater. Mix a half teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water. For oral thrush, you can gently swish the mixture around in your mouth. For other areas of your body, you can soak the infected area for several minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

Apply Coconut Oil

Coconut oil seems to act as an antifungal agent both in the lab and in people.

You can gently apply a thin layer of coconut oil to the site of the yeast infection. This may help kill off some of the yeast and may soothe irritated, dry, uncomfortable skin, allowing it to heal.

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Cvs Health Feminine Screening Kit For Vaginal Infections

Its 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, its important to know that this test cant tell you for sure whether you have a yeast infection.

Is It Ok To Take Yeast Infection Medication Without Getting A Test From A Doctor First

Its safe to self-treat a yeast infection if youve had a yeast infection in the past and have similar symptoms. Its also fine to do if youve 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, its 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.

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Should You Test For Yeast Infection At Home

You may want to test for a yeast infection if youre experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• Abnormal vaginal discharge
• Itching in your genital area

Additionally, if you have any of these symptoms and fall into any one of the following categories, you may be at a greater risk of yeast infection:

• On a round of antibiotics or just finished one
• Have diabetes or a compromised immune system

Best For Ease Of Use: My Labbox V

• Time for Results: 2-5 days

This straightforward test requires a quick vaginal swab to check for yeast infections, in addition to bacterial vaginosis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis.

• Tests for five key causes of vaginal discomfort and abnormal discharge

• Treatment included for positive tests

• CAP- and CLIA-accredited

• Expensive compared to other tests

• Not a complete vaginal microbiome test

• Not available in New York

This test costs roughly $189 with free shipping. You can pay with your FSA or HSA card or request reimbursement through your provider.

It tests for chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis, and yeast infectionsall of which can potentially cause abnormal vaginal discharge.

After you receive your kit, youll need to activate it, then collect your sample using a vaginal swab and mail it back in the included envelope. Your results should be ready to view online in two to five days after the lab receives your results. My LabBox works with CLIA- and CAP-accredited labs for its tests.

If your test is positive for any of these five conditions, youll have an opportunity to speak with a healthcare provider and potentially receive a prescription treatment.

Most reviewers on the company website seem satisfied with their experiences with My LabBox, but some people complain that their customer service team is non-responsive and that shipping and results may both take longer than advertised. Note that this test isnt available in New York.

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Yeast Infection Questionnaire And Home Testing

by Dan Jackowiak Nc, HHP

This yeast infection questionnaire is designed for adults and not children. It is broken into two parts, History and Symptoms, and your answers are rated by a simple numerical score. The history section is first, and a yes answer would mean you write down the score pertaining to that question. If a question does not apply to you, then just move on to the next question.

This yeast infection questionnaire is not an absolute diagnosis or an indication of an absolute yes or no answer, modern tests can confirm if you do have this or not. But it will allow you and your physician to evaluate the possible role of yeast contributing to your health problems.

Your History

1. Have you ever taken tetracyclines such as Sumycin, Minocen, Vibramycin, Panmycin, etc, or other antibiotics for acne for 1 month or longer?

Score: 35

2. Have you ever taken broad-spectrum antibiotics for respiratory, urinary, or other infections for 2 months or longer? Or in shorter time periods amounting to 4 or more times within 1 year?

Score: 35

3. Have you, at any time in your life, been bothered by persistent vaginitis, prostatitus, or other reproductive organ problems?

Score: 25

4. Have you ever taken a broad-spectrum antibiotic drug?

Score: 6

5. Have you been pregnant 2 or more times?

Score: 5

6. Have you been pregnant 1 time?

Score: 3

7. Have you ever taken predinisone or other cortisone type drugs for more than 2 weeks?

Score: 15

For 2 weeks or less?

Score: 6

How Can I Reduce My Risk Of A Yeast Infection

You can often prevent vaginal yeast infections by making a few lifestyle changes. These changes can include:

• Not douching douching can kill bacteria that actually control fungus.
• Avoiding the use of feminine deodorants.
• Not using scented tampons or pads.
• Changing out of wet clothing, like bathing suits or gym clothes, as soon as you can.
• Wearing cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes.
• Using water-based sexual lubricants.
• Keeping your blood sugar levels in a normal range if you have diabetes.

The symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection are similar to other conditions. If you have any questions, a physical exam by your healthcare provider will help.

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Exacto Vaginal Infection Rapid Self-Test is an easy-to-use, at-home test that screens for bacterial and yeast infections in as little as 10 seconds, with 90% accuracy.

Collect your order in-store R15 or FREE for orders over R150.

Standard Delivery

Collect your order in-store R15 or FREE for orders over R150.

Standard delivery

Door-to-door courier countrywide R70 or FREE for orders over R550.

What Are The Signs & Symptoms Of Vaginal Yeast Infections

Vaginal yeast infections can cause:

• redness, swelling, or itching of the vulva
• a thick, white discharge that can look like cottage cheese and is usually odorless, although it might smell like bread or yeast
• pain or burning when urinating or during sex

If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor or gynecologist. It’s easy to confuse the symptoms of a yeast infection with those of some STDs and other vaginal infections. Your doctor can make sure you are treated for the right type of infection.

If you have a vaginal yeast infection, your doctor can recommend treatment to clear up the symptoms and cure the infection quickly.

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Yeast Infection Test Part C

Part C of this test focuses on symptoms that are occasionally found in individuals with health problems related to Candida. Yet, these symptoms may be present in individuals with other health problems. There are four answers that can be given for each question. The default answer is “No ” which indicates you do not experience the symptom at all. If you do suffer from the symptom, then select the option that best describes the severity and/or frequency. Symptoms that are mild, or seldom experienced, have a score of 1 point. Symptoms that are moderate, or often, have a score of 2 points. Symptoms that are severe, or very often, have a score of 3 points.

Yeast Infection Test Part B

Part B of the home yeast infection test deals with symptoms that are commonly present in individuals suffering from Candida infections. There are four answers that can be given for each question. The default answer is “No ” which indicates you do not experience the symptom at all. If you do suffer from the symptom, then select the option that best describes the severity and/or frequency. Symptoms that are mild, or seldom experienced, have a score of 3 points. Symptoms that are moderate, or often, have a score of 6 points. Symptoms that are severe, or very often, have a score of 9 points.

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Is There Anything Else I Need To Know About A Yeast Test

Certain antibiotics can cause yeast to grow out of control. So, be sure to tell your provider about any medicines you are taking.

At-home tests for vaginal yeast infections can tell you if your symptoms are likely to be from a yeast infection. But they may not be able to confirm the diagnosis. It’s best to talk with your provider about your symptoms and which test is best for you. This is important, because many symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection are the same as the symptoms from certain sexually transmitted diseases .

Do I Have To Go To The Doctor If I Have Vaginitis

If you have symptoms of vaginitis, its a good idea to see your nurse, doctor, or local Planned Parenthood health center. Vaginitis isn’t usually a major health problem, but if you dont get it treated it can become serious.

There are many different causes of vaginitis, and STDs like gonorrhea and chlamydia can have symptoms that are really similar to vaginitis. Seeing a doctor is the best way to find out exactly whats going on, so you can get the right treatment.

To see whats causing your vaginitis, your doctor may do an exam, look at a sample of your vaginal discharge under a microscope, or do other tests, like a urine test.

If your doctor has diagnosed you with a vaginal yeast infections before and youre having the same symptoms, you can try an over-the-counter yeast infection medicine. But if youre not sure, see your doctor or go to a Planned Parenthood health center. And if you used an over-the-counter medicine but your symptoms dont go away, see a doctor.

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Does My Sexual Partner Need To Be Treated If I Have A Vaginal Yeast Infection

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Yeast infections are a very common fungal infection that most women or people assigned female at birth will have in their lifetime. Its highly treatable with medication, some of which are available to purchase at your local drug store without a prescription. Even though you may know the signs of a vaginal yeast infection, its important to get examined by your healthcare provider. They can recommend the best treatment based on the type of yeast infection you have and its severity.

Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 09/02/2022.

References

Why Is It Important To Test With Vagisense

According to a study, about 66% of women who self-diagnosed a vaginal yeast infection were wrong.* VagiSense® will help you determine if your symptoms are more likely caused by a bacterial or parasitic infection so you know what you should do next.

*Ferris DG, Nyirjesy P, Sobel JD, et al. Over-the-counter antifungal drug misuse associated with patient-diagnosed vulvovaginal candidiasis. Obstet Gynecol. 2002 99:419425.

of women who self-diagnosed a vaginal yeast infection were wrong.

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What Are The Treatments For Vaginitis

Vaginitis is usually easy to cure. The type of vaginitis treatment thats best for you depends on:

• whats causing your vaginitis

• how bad your symptoms are

• whether youâre pregnant

If your vaginitis is caused by a yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, or trich, your doctor may give you a prescription for creams, suppositories, vaginal tablets, or pills. You can also get medicated creams or suppositories for yeast infections at the drugstore without a prescription. Trich is the only type of vaginitis thats sexually transmitted. So if you have trich its very important for your sexual partners to get treated, too.

If your vaginitis is caused by an allergy or irritation, the symptoms will usually go away when you stop using whatevers causing the problem. Sometimes you might need to use a cream to help clear up your vaginitis. In rare cases of really bad allergic reactions, you may need emergency medical help.

If your vaginitis is caused by low levels of estrogen, your doctor may give you a prescription for creams, pills, or vaginal rings that release estrogen into your body.

No matter what type of vaginitis treatment you need, make sure you:

During your vaginitis treatment: