Home-Use Tests - Vaginal pH
What does this test do?
This is a home-use test kit to measure the pH of your vaginal
secretions. pH is a way to describe how acidic a substance is.
It is given by a number on a scale of 1-14. The lower the number,
the more acidic the substance.
What is pH?
pH is a way to describe how acidic a substance is. It is given
by a number on a scale of 1-14. The lower the number, the more
acidic the substance.
What type of test is this?
This is a quantitative test -- you find out how acidic your
vaginal secretions are.
Why should you do this test?
You should do this test to help evaluate if your vaginal symptoms
(i.e., itching, burning, unpleasant odor, or unusual discharge)
are likely caused by an infection that needs medical treatment.
The test is not intended for HIV, chlamydia, herpes, gonorrhea,
syphilis, or group B streptococcus.
How accurate is this test?
Home vaginal pH tests showed good agreement with a doctor's
diagnosis. However, just because you find changes in your vaginal
pH, doesn't always mean that you have a vaginal infection. pH
changes also do not help or differentiate one type of infection
from another. Your doctor diagnoses a vaginal infection by using
a combination of: pH, microscopic examination of the vaginal discharge,
amine odor, culture, wet preparation, and Gram stain.
Does a positive test mean you have a vaginal infection?
No, a positive test (elevated pH) could occur for other reasons.
If you detect elevated pH, you should see your doctor for further
testing and treatment. There are no over-the-counter medications
for treatment of an elevated vaginal pH.
If test results are negative, can you be sure that you do not
have a vaginal infection?
No, you may have an infection that does not show up in these
tests. If you have no symptoms, your negative test could suggest
the possibility of chemical, allergic, or other noninfectious
irritation of the vagina. Or, a negative test could indicate the
possibility of a yeast infection. You should see your doctor if
you find changes in your vaginal pH or if you continue to have
symptoms.
How do you do this test?
You hold a piece of pH paper against the wall of your vagina
for a few seconds, then compare the color of the pH paper to the
color on the chart provided with the test kit. The number on the
chart for the color that best matches the color on the pH paper
is the vaginal pH number.
Is the home test similar to your doctor’s test?
Yes. The home vaginal pH tests are practically identical to
the ones sold to doctors. But your doctor can provide a more thorough
assessment of your vaginal status through your history, physical
exam, and other laboratory tests than you can using a single pH
test in your home.
Where can you get more information about vaginal pH and vaginal
infection testing?
Back to Consumer Information
on Home-Use Tests
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