Can I Test for Yeast at Home?

Think you might have a yeast infection? With the itching, burning, discharge, and discomfort, it can feel completely impossible to concentrate on anything else. 😵‍💫 Also called vulvovaginal candidiasis, yeast infections affect 75 percent of vagina-havers at least once in their lives, and 40-45 percent will have two infections or more (1).

With those kinds of numbers, we are soooo glad to be living in the 21st century, where you can test for and treat yeast infections at home! We’re here to give you all the info you need about annoying vulvovaginal candidiasis–so you can get rid of your yeast infection fast and concentrate on more important things.

How do I know if I have a yeast infection?

Your vaginal microbiome contains a wealth of bacteria and fungi that have incredible health benefits–when the bacteria levels are balanced! Unfortunately, all kinds of things can throw your microbiome out of whack. That’s when pesky problems like yeast infections can start taking hold and ruining your day.

Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of candida, a type of fungus that naturally lives in your body in small amounts. Normally, your vaginal microbiome is dominated by a bacteria called lactobacilli, which keeps candida in check. But, when the balance of bacteria and yeast in the vagina is disrupted, candida can multiply and cause a yeast infection.

So, how do you know if you have a yeast infection? There are a few different ways to check!

• Recognize the signs and symptoms: If you’ve had a yeast infection before, you might be able to recognize your symptoms and self-diagnose. But! If you’re not sure, you should always follow up with a test or a talk to a doctor.
• Take a yeast infection test: Yeast infection test kits are available over the counter and can help you figure out if you have a yeast infection by testing your vaginal pH. While pH alone isn’t a definitive diagnosis, it can give you extra insight to pair with your symptoms!
• Consult with a healthcare professional: If you’re unsure or your symptoms persist after treatment, reach out to a doctor in person or online!

What are yeast infection symptoms?

Like most infections, yeast infections can come with a whole bunch of un-fun symptoms. So, it’s important to understand which symptoms are common for a yeast infection–and which are signs of other issues or sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Common symptoms of vaginal yeast infections include:

• Itching and irritation
• A burning sensation when you pee
• Redness and swelling
• Soreness
• Pain during penetrative vaginal sex
• Thick, whitish-yellowish, odorless discharge
• Watery discharge

So! There can be a bit of overlap between yeast infection symptoms and symptoms of other infections–like bacterial vaginosis (BV) or STIs. That’s why it’s a good idea to test for a yeast infection, so you make sure you’re treating the right problem. Plus, did you know that you can test for a yeast infection at home? 👀 More on that below!

How do I test for yeast at home?

We live in the future, folks! And, by that, we mean that it’s totally possible to test for a yeast infection (or other infections!) at home. These tests are a great option if you’re short on time and can’t wait for a doctor’s appointment. They can help you figure out if you have a yeast infection or a different issue–and the most thorough tests can tell you all about your vaginal microbiome.

Yeast infection test kits are available at pharmacies or online–and there are a bunch of different options! These kits typically include a swab, a pH test strip, or even a diagnostic tampon. Here’s how they work:

Vaginal pH tests

Fun fact: vaginas are acidic! Yeast infections usually don’t cause a significant change in vaginal pH. That means your vagina should still be acidic if you have a yeast infection, whereas other infections can mess with your vaginal pH.

These yeast infection test kits provide a sterile swab that you use to collect a sample from your vaginal wall. Follow the test’s instructions to get a good sample collection for the most accurate results. Depending on the test, you then place the sample on a test strip that changes color, or the swab itself changes color. Compare the color of your test to a chart to see what your pH is!

If the pH level remains in the normal range (around 3.8-4.5), this could mean you have a yeast infection. A higher pH level might mean you have bacterial vaginosis or another type of infection.

While they’re not as definitive as in-office testing, at-home yeast infection tests are quick, convenient, and can help you know how to start treating your symptoms–so you can get on with your day.

Vaginal microbiome tests

Alright, if you want to know everything there is to know about your vaginal microbiome, a comprehensive microbiome test might be for you! And at around $100, these tests are a lot more expensive than the standard pH tests. Comprehensive tests are best if you’re looking for detailed information about your vagina’s bacteria and yeast levels, your risk of STIs and other infections, and possible fertility implications of BV and STIs.

Microbiome tests will tell you if you have an overgrowth of candida, meaning you have a yeast infection, along with a ton of other insights. These tests use a swab–just like the pH tests–or a diagnostic tampon to collect a sample. But, results aren’t immediate! These tests have you send off your sample to a lab for analysis and you get results in about a week.

How do I treat yeast from home?

Okay, so you’ve figured out how to test for yeast at home, but now it’s time to get rid of the infection! And we’ve got great news: yeast infection treatments should work quickly and are easy to find online or at a pharmacy. Let’s look at the different ways you can treat yeast infections from home.

Yeast infection pills: Ready to cure your yeast infection for real? Show candida you mean business with a prescription antifungal medication that starts working immediately. The most common oral medication for yeast infections is fluconazole (Diflucan) and you can get an online prescription with Wisp! A single dose is often enough to clear up an infection, but you can take another dose two days later if you still have symptoms.

Yeast infection suppositories: Remember when we said your vagina is naturally acidic? Well, using a boric acid suppository can help keep it that way! If you’re struggling with recurrent yeast infections, a boric acid suppository helps balance your vaginal pH. Boric acid can be used for prevention, after a yeast-infection-causing event, or alongside prescription meds.

Yeast infection creams: While you’re waiting for your prescription antifungals to kick in, yeast infection creams can help relieve uncomfortable burning, itching, and inflammation. Wisp’s Calm Down! Instant Itch Relief Cream has a custom blend of 1.25% hydrocortisone and 2.25% lidocaine to stop itching and irritation fast from yeast infections and BV.

Yeast infection probiotics: Mmkay, we told you how amazing your vaginal microbiome is when it’s balanced! Probiotics work to keep your vaginal full of good bacteria, reducing your risk of developing a yeast infection and helping to improve symptoms of an existing infection.

How do I keep yeast infections from coming back?

If you’re getting multiple yeast infections every year, it might be time to talk to an OBGYN! Recurrent yeast infections are common, and an OBGYN can help decide if you need a longer dosage of prescription medication. Another great way to manage and prevent yeast infections? Understanding your vaginal microbiome–and taking probiotics and boric acid to help keep it balanced. At Wisp, we totally get how frustrating it is to deal with infections and bothersome symptoms. That’s why we’re here, to make it as easy as possible for you to get the care you need, whenever and wherever you need it.