Test Strips For Yeast Infection

Women who have had vaginal itching and burning have reason to celebrate. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has approved the sale of test strips for yeast infections in stores and pharmacies. And a prescription isn't even needed! The yeast infection test kit was developed for women who have had yeast infections and don't want to wait for a diagnosis.

Using testing pH paper like you used in chemistry class or when testing your swimming pool, the yeast infection kits are easy to use. The test strips for yeast infection use litmus paper to test for yeast. The strips test the pH of the vagina's secretions.

In the normal vagina the pH is acidic (4-4.5). With a yeast infection the pH does not rise. With bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis the pH is elevated.

Recognizing this several companies designed testing kits so women can self-diagnose whether or not they have a yeast infection. The companies modified the litmus paper to an easily used swab or panty liner.

Swab testers are used for both the pHem-Alert and the Vagilisil Screening Kit for Vaginal Infections. Using the directions found in the kit, the user inserts the swab into her vagina. Removing the swab the user checks the result with the chart included in the yeast test kit.

The Fem-V uses a pantyliner with a pH strip in the center. The woman wears the pantyliner until the strip is wet with discharge or for 6-12 hours. She then removes the liner and places it in the special drying tray. The liner color is checked against the guide in the kit.

If a woman wants peace of mind she is making the correct self-diagnosis of yeast infection, then test strips for yeast infection are the first choice for the smart woman.

photo mash-Craig Hauger for hand and Sun Designs for stamp of approval

The test strips for yeast infection use litmus paper to test for yeast. The strips test the pH of the vagina's secretions.

In the normal vagina the pH is acidic (4-4.5). Many studies have been done which prove vaginal pH is an indicator of the difference between yeast (candidiasis), bacterial vaginitis (BV) or trichomoniasis (TV). An abnormal pH is associated with bacterial vaginitis, trichomoniasis or a combination infection. In these instances the pH is raised above 4.5.

Yeast or candida grows in the normal pH of the vagina so if a woman has no change in the pH when tested, odds are she doesn't have a yeast infection.

Note: This is not the case when there is a mixed infection of yeast and another organism such as trichomonas.

Sorry guys, but these testing kits are designed for women only. The home test kit for yeast infection are designed for testing the pH of vaginas.