Is OTC Treatment OK for a Vaginal Yeast Infection

Be sure to always finish the entire treatment course, even if your symptoms resolve before completing the medication.

The Best Yeast Infection Pills, Creams, and Treatment Options

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• Best for prevention:Uqora Promote
• Best for quick relief:Monistat 1 Combination Pack
• Best cream to relieve symptoms:Vagisil Maximum Strength Anti-Itch Creme
• Best combination pack:Monistat 3 Combination Pack
• Best natural treatment:Love Wellness The Killer
• Best during pregnancy:Monistat 7
• Best for people with a penis:Lotrimin for Jock Itch

The itching, irritation, and burning symptoms of a yeast infection can be very uncomfortable. However, there are many over-the-counter (OTC) treatments that effectively treat yeast infections, allowing you to skip the trip to the doctor’s office.

This article rounds up 7 of the best OTC products to help manage a yeast infection.

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A yeast infection is a common condition caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida. Yeast infections can affect any part of the body, but they often occur in the vagina.

A vaginal yeast infection is a fungal infection that causes irritation, discharge, and intense itchiness of the vagina and the vulva — the tissues at the vaginal opening.

Also called vaginal candidiasis, vaginal yeast infections affect up to 75 percent of people with a vagina at some point in their lifetime.

Vaginas typically have a balance of good bacteria and yeast. Usually, the good bacteria keep the balance in check. Under some conditions, the balance can be disrupted, allowing the yeast to grow out of control.

Overgrowth of the yeast can result from:

• antibiotic use
• pregnancy
• unmanaged diabetes
• an impaired immune system
• taking oral contraceptives or undergoing hormone therapy that increases estrogen levels

A vaginal yeast infection causes symptoms like:

• vaginal itching
• inflammation and swelling around the vagina
• pain during sex
• soreness
• redness
• rash
• white or gray clumpy discharge with a cottage cheese-like appearance

Prescription and OTC medications both treat vaginal yeast infections. If this is your first time experiencing a yeast infection, it’s best to talk with your doctor for an official diagnosis.

However, if you’re familiar with the symptoms, you’ll likely be able to pick up an OTC medication to treat the yeast infection.

Talk with your doctor to assess your symptoms and treatment needs if:

• your symptoms don’t go away after finishing treatment
• the infection comes back within 2 months
• you have four or more yeast infections within 12 months

Prescription yeast infection medications can include oral pills, creams, ointments, or gels. Diflucan (fluconazole) is an oral medication usually prescribed as one dose. For a severe yeast infection, your doctor may recommend a longer prescription course.

Other available OTC or prescription medications include:

• butoconazole (Gynazole)
• clotrimazole (Lotrimin)
• miconazole (Monistat)
• terconazole (Zazole)

Be sure to always finish the entire treatment course, even if your symptoms resolve before completing the medication.

Most OTC treatments are either topical creams and gels or oral medications. Although they all have the common goal of alleviating symptoms, they tend to work differently.

Yeast infection pills

Yeast infection pills typically require a prescription. The most common oral medication is fluconazole (Diflucan), which is a one-dose pill that effectively treats fungal infections. It damages the cell wall of the fungus that creates the infection, making it harder for the bacteria to multiply.

Yeast infection creams and gels

Creams and gels like Monistat and Vagisil usually work to relieve uncomfortable symptoms like burning and itching. They often go inside the vagina to kill the yeast causing the infection. Some creams and gels come with applicators that help you measure the right dosage.

Yeast infection probiotics

You can take probiotics to reduce the risk of a yeast infection, but they can also improve symptoms if you already have one. The healthy bacteria in the probiotic works to balance out the pH level of the vagina.

There are many factors to consider when choosing an OTC vaginal yeast infection treatment. To compile the list of services below, we considered a variety of factors, including:

• length of treatment
• customer reviews
• type of medication
• price

Pricing guide

Best for prevention

Uqora Promote

Maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria helps prevent yeast infections. The Uqora vaginal probiotic supplement is specifically designed to maintain the good bacteria in your vagina. Directions say to take one pill daily.

Each bottle comes with a 1-month supply of 30 capsules.

Pros

• promotes a healthy microbiome
• has the potential to prevent yeast and bacterial infections, as well as urinary tract infections

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Cons

• doesn’t cure an existing infection or provide symptom relief
• not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since it’s a dietary supplement

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Best for quick relief

Monistat 1 Combination Pack

The one-dose Monistat vaginal insert comes with a prefilled applicator containing an egg-shaped suppository, sometimes called an ovule. Monistat 1 is a maximum-strength dose of miconazole nitrate to relieve the symptoms of a yeast infection with just one dose.

The company claims that Monistat 1 “relieves yeast infection symptoms four times faster than the leading prescription pill.”

Pros

• only one dose
• relieves symptoms quickly
• can be used day or night

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Cons

• strong dose
• increased irritation for a few hours after using the product, according to some customers

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Best cream to relieve symptoms

Vagisil Maximum Strength Anti-Itch Creme

While this product won’t treat a yeast infection, Vagisil Maximum Strength Anti-Itch Creme is a cream that helps relieve itching, burning, and skin irritation, common yeast infection symptoms.

In addition to the active medication ingredients (20 percent benzocaine and 3 percent resorcinol), it also contains aloe and vitamins A, D, and E to help soothe skin.

This product also helps block increased odor from vaginal discharge during an infection.

Vagisil also makes a product with prebiotics, which can help restore a healthy balance of bacteria.

Pros

• helps block odor
• provides quick, long-lasting itch relief

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Cons

• only helps relieve itchiness and won’t treat a yeast infection

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Best combination pack

Monistat 3 Combination Pack

The Monistat 3-day treatment comes with three prefilled cream applicators and anti-itch cream for external use. A pack like this can make it easy to treat the infection and get relief from external itching.

The applicators are filled with 200 milligrams (mg) of 4 percent miconazole nitrate, and the anti-itch cream includes 2 percent miconazole nitrate.

Pros

• treatment and itch relief in one product
• fast-acting relief

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Cons

• cream-filled applicators can be messy
• applicators recommended for night use only

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Best natural treatment

Love Wellness The Killer

• Price: $$
• Type of treatment: vaginal suppository

Boric acid is a medium-chain fatty acid with antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory effects. It can be used to treat yeast infections. The Killer from Love Wellness is a suppository filled with boric acid.

You can take this product for up to 14 days to balance bacteria and yeast. The Killer can also be helpful against bacterial vaginosis.

Pros

• treats both yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis
• helps control odor

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Cons

• directions are not clear about how long to take the product (the website says between 1 and 14 days)
• no anti-itch ingredients
• boric acid isn’t recommended during pregnancy

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Best during pregnancy

Monistat 7

Monistat 7 has only 100 mg of miconazole nitrate in each dose. It comes with cream and seven disposable applicators.

Talk with your doctor before using any medications while pregnant. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , only topical 7-day therapies are recommended for treating yeast infections during pregnancy.

Pros

• lower dose of miconazole nitrate
• relieves symptoms quickly

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Cons

• applicators not prefilled
• longer treatment course

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Best for people with a penis

Lotrimin for Jock Itch

A yeast infection can happen anywhere on the body. People with a penis can apply an antifungal cream to the affected areas without applicators.

Lotrimin Jock Itch contains 1 percent clotrimazole to kill the fungus causing the infection. It relieves the itching, burning, and chafing symptoms of jock itch.

Pros

• provides symptom relief quickly
• easy to apply

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Cons

• only 0.42 ounces of product
• full recovery may require multiple tubes

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How fast do yeast infection treatments work?

Yeast infection treatments are usually sold in 1-, 3-, 7-, and 14-day treatments. Preventive probiotics often have 30 capsules per bottle.

When should I see a doctor?

If you’ve never had a yeast infection, you should see a doctor for a proper diagnosis before you try any OTC treatments.

You should also talk with a doctor if you don’t notice any improvement in your symptoms within 7 to 14 days. In this case, you may need a prescription-strength treatment, or you could have a different infection.

Are there any side effects or safety concerns for yeast infection treatments?

Most pills and topical creams come with their fair share of side effects, though they’re not super common. Some side effects include:

• burning
• stinging
• irritation
• redness
• pimple-like bumps
• tenderness
• flaking of the skin

If you’re pregnant, you should see a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment since some OTC antifungal creams may cause birth defects.

If you notice any side effects, stop taking the OTC treatment and see a doctor.

Are yeast infections contagious?

Yeast infections aren’t considered to be sexually transmitted infections (STIs), but they can be passed to a partner if you have sex without a barrier method.

It’s also possible for a baby to get a fungal diaper rash at birth if the mother has a yeast infection. However, you won’t “catch” a yeast infection from sharing a shower or exchanging saliva with someone.

Yeast infections are common, which makes access to effective treatment important. OTC products can be just as effective as prescription medications for treating yeast infections.

If you experience frequent yeast infections or if your symptoms don’t resolve after completing the full treatment, talk with your doctor.

Ashley Braun, MPH, RD, is a health and wellness writer based in Michigan. Her work helps people understand what affects their health so they can make informed choices to take back the control in their health and wellness journey.

Last medically reviewed on November 23, 2021

Is OTC Treatment OK for a Vaginal Yeast Infection?

You can treat most vaginal yeast infections with an over-the-counter vaginal cream or suppository. Most large drugstores and supermarkets sell them.

Many yeast infection treatments come in 1-day, 3-day, and 7-day strengths. Over-the-counter vaginal creams and other products you can buy often have the same ingredients to fight a yeast infection as the medication your doctor might prescribe, but in less-concentrated doses.

Vaginal Creams

Vaginal creams go inside the vagina to kill off the yeast that cause yeast infections. Sometimes called antifungal creams, these products usually come with an applicator that measure the right dose. Read all package directions carefully first.

Common medicines are:

Vaginal creams can be messy and may leak out during the day, so you’ll only want to use them at bedtime.

Some of these products may come with a cream that you put on the opening of the vagina and surrounding tissue (called the “vulva”) and not into the vagina. This type of cream may ease itching and treat the skin tissues while the vaginal antifungal cream treats the yeast infection.

When you use a vaginal cream that’s oil-based, you may need to use birth control that’s not a condom or diaphragm, or skip sex. The oil in the cream could damage the latex in a condom or diaphragm.

Tablets and Suppositories

Medications in vaginal creams (such as clotrimazole and miconazole) may also be available as vaginal tablets or suppositories. You put these into your vagina and let them dissolve. Some brands call them “ovules” because they’re oval-shaped. These products often come packaged with a plastic “inserter” that helps you get the medication to the right place.

One benefit of a suppository is that it’s less messy than a vaginal cream and less likely to ooze out during the day. Another benefit of tablets or suppositories is that you use the doses for fewer days, so you get symptom relief sooner.

Safety Tips

Before you use any of these products, you need to know for sure that you have a yeast infection, not a different condition. See your doctor if you’re not sure, because using the wrong medicine can make an infection harder to diagnose.

Always follow the package directions exactly. Pay special attention to how often to use the product and how much to use. You need to get those two things right, because the dose targets the growth cycle of the yeast.

Complete the whole treatment, even if you feel better.

Antifungal medications can change the way some drugs work. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking an antifungal if you are taking other medications.

No matter which yeast infection treatment you try, see your doctor if your symptoms don’t clear up after you finish it.

Show Sources

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: “Vaginitis: Causes and Treatments.”

National Library of Medicine: “Vaginal Yeast Infection,” “Vaginal Itching.”

National Women’s Health Information Center: “Vaginal Yeast Infections.”

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases: “Vaginal Yeast Infections.”

CDC: “Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Treatment Guidelines 2006: Vulvovaginal Candidiasis.”

American Academy of Family Physicians: “Vaginal Yeast Infections.”

Our 7 Picks for At-Home Yeast Infection Tests of 2023

Find the cause of your vaginal discomfort from the comfort of home with at-home yeast infection tests.

Natalie A Rahhal is a seasoned freelance journalist and editor with eight years of experience covering primarily health and science. Her work has appeared in outlets including CNBC Make It, Insider, The Guardian and National Geographic Travel. Previously, she was U.S. health editor at DailyMail.com.

Updated on April 26, 2023

Haley has a professional and educational background reviewing, transcribing, and curating technical content. Her extensive background in research and analytics contribute to her adept editorial profession. She is currently finishing her Batchelor’s of Science through Harvard University Extension with a background in social, environmental, and health studies.

At-home yeast infection tests can help you pinpoint the cause of your vaginal discomfort or proactively learn more about your vaginal health. Most over-the-counter yeast infection tests measure only vaginal pH but are able to provide results in five minutes or less. On the other hand, vaginal microbiome tests can provide a great deal of information about your vaginal health—in addition to the presence of yeast.

The best at-home yeast infection tests assess the presence of yeast (candida) and the balance of other microbes in the vagina. They’re also easy to use, employ the use of reputable labs that are accredited by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) or College of American Pathologists (CAP), and offer follow-up options with a healthcare provider to discuss next steps.

We collected data on more than a dozen sexual health testing companies to assess their at-home kits to test for conditions including yeast infections for cost, accuracy, diagnostic utility, availability, customer satisfaction and company reputations. We broadened our search further to include tests carried by drugstores to round out our list. Here are our picks for yeast infection tests.

7 Recommended At-Home Yeast Infection Tests of 2023

• For Testing and Treating: LetsGetChecked Vaginitis Test
• For Budget-Friendly: Stix Yeast Infection Test & Treat Combo
• FOR EASE OF USE: My LabBox V-Box
• For Vaginal Wellness: Juno Vaginal Microbiome Test
• Our Membership Pick: Evvy Vaginal Health Test
• For Drugstore Test: VagiSense Vaginal Infection Screening Test
• For Pregnancy: Tiny Health Vaginal Health Test

Words Matter

Home testing and diagnostic companies often use the words “male” and “female” and “men” and “women” to describe who their tests are meant for. These terms refer to the sex someone was assigned at birth based on their external genitalia.

Gender exists on a spectrum that extends beyond these binaries, and can change over time. We don’t condone the use of non-inclusive language, and strive to use more accurate descriptions

Our 7 Picks for At-Home Yeast Infection Tests of 2023
Our 7 Picks for At-Home Yeast Infection Tests of 2023

• Our Top Picks
• LetsGetChecked Vaginitis Test
• Stix Yeast Infection Test & Treat Combo
• My LabBox V-Box
• Juno Vaginal Microbiome Test
• Evvy Vaginal Health Test
• VagiSense Vaginal Infection Screening Test
• Tiny Health Vaginal Health Test
• See More (4)

For Testing and Treating : LetsGetChecked Vaginitis Test

Special Offer: Get 25% off with code VERYWELL25

Key Specs

• Results in 2-5 days
• Medication included
• CLIA- and CAP-accredited labs

• Significantly more expensive than most other tests
• Not a complete vaginal health test
• Not available in New York

Why We Chose It

The LetsGetChecked Vaginitis Test can return your results in as little as two days after receiving your sample, and it provides medication for vaginal yeast infections, bacterial infections, and trichomoniasis. The LetsGetChecked Vaginitis Test costs $239 with free shipping and is eligible for FSA/HSA reimbursement.

You can order a test kit online through the LetsGetChecked website and will first need to first activate the kit before you collect your sample which is done using a vaginal swab. Results should be ready within two to five days after the lab receives your sample. LetsGetChecked uses CLIA- and CAP-approved labs, so you can trust that they are reputable. Using the LetsGetChecked app (for iOS or Android), you can order tests and track your results.

If your results are positive for bacterial vaginosis, candida vaginitis (yeast infection), or trichomoniasis, you’ll be eligible to receive a prescription treatment after speaking with one of LetsGetChecked’s healthcare providers.

Reviewers on the company’s website wrote that they are impressed with the discreet packaging, healthcare provider follow-up, and treatment options provided by LetsGetChecked. However, some people stated that their results took longer than the advertised two to five days. Note that this test is not available for residents of New York state.

For Budget-Friendly : Stix Yeast Infection Test & Treat Combo

Key Specs

• Cost: $29 or $24.65 with subscription
• Availability: 50 states
• Time for Results: 2 minutes

• Inexpensive
• Treatment included
• Contains 2 tests

• Only tests vaginal pH
• May not treat all yeast infections
• Doesn’t address other potential causes of vaginal discomfort

Why We Chose It

This home yeast infection test costs roughly $27 with free shipping on orders more than $30—making it one of the least expensive tests we reviewed. 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 but doesn’t check for the presence of yeast. However, an increased vaginal pH level can be an indicator of a yeast infection, but it also may be a sign of other issues.1

To use the strip, take a swab of your vagina and then apply the swab on the strip. Results are ready in two minutes. 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 treatment—along with panty liners. However, if this treatment doesn’t work, you may want to see a healthcare provider.

Stix products are available in all 50 states. Reviewers on the company’s 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.

FOR EASE OF USE : My LabBox V-Box

Key Specs

• 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

Why We Chose It

The MyLabBox is a straightforward test that requires a quick vaginal swab to check for yeast infections, in addition to bacterial vaginosis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. The 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 infections—all of which can potentially cause abnormal vaginal discharge.

After you receive your kit, you’ll 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, you’ll 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 isn’t available in New York.

For Vaginal Wellness : Juno Vaginal Microbiome Test

Key Specs

• Discounted tests with membership
• Results in as few as 5 days
• Microbiome and pH testing

• Single test more expensive than most
• Yeast infection treatment not included
• Company can use results for research

Why We Chose It

Juno Bio’s Vaginal Microbiome Test provides a complete report of the bacteria, fungi, and yeasts comprising your vaginal microbiome, plus your vaginal pH. The test costs $149 with free shipping, or you can subscribe for a 33% discount to receive four tests per year for $99 each.

After ordering your test online, you first need to activate your test, then collect your sample using a vaginal swab and vaginal pH strip and return them to the Juno Bio lab. After it receives your sample, you should get your results within five to 10 days. Juno has vaginal health coaches available to discuss your results with you.

We chose Juno Bio for vaginal wellness because, in addition to a full report detailing the composition of your vaginal microbiome, Juno Bio also does vaginal pH testing, which adds an extra dimension to provide a more complete picture of your vaginal health. The website does state that its tests are not intended to diagnose or treat disease—so you should discuss your results with your doctors before pursuing any treatment.

It’s worth noting that in Juno Bio’s Terms and Conditions, it says that by using the service, you are granting them permission to use your information for research and development purposes.

Our Membership Pick : Evvy Vaginal Health Test

Key Specs

• Cost: $129 or $99 with subscription
• Availability: 50 states
• Time for Results: Two to three weeks

• FS/HSA eligible
• Measures total vaginal microbiome
• Discounted tests available with membership

• Results can take up to three weeks
• More expensive than other tests
• Yeast infection treatment not included

Why We Chose It

If you want to keep tabs not only on your yeast infection status but your overall vaginal health, subscribing to the Evvy Vaginal Health Test will get you detailed reports every three months for about $99—a 30% savings. A single test costs about $129 with free shipping and is eligible for reimbursement through most health savings accounts (HSAs) or flexible spending accounts (FSAs).

The test kit can be ordered online through the Evvy website, and once it arrives you’ll need to collect your sample using a vaginal swab and mail it back in the included mailer. After Evvy’s lab receives your sample, it will take two to three weeks for you to get results.

Evvy’s lab is CLIA-accredited and measures every type of bacteria or fungi (yeast) present on your vaginal swab—providing a complete picture of your vaginal health. After you receive your results, you can discuss them with one of Evvy’s health coaches.

Evvy is available in all 50 states. Reviewers on Evvy’s website address how comprehensive the test is, and note that it really is easy to use and informative.

For Drugstore Test : VagiSense Vaginal Infection Screening Test

Key Specs

• Easy to see results
• Results in 10 seconds
• Validated in clinical study

• Not a diagnostic test
• Some users complained that it didn’t help them
• Yeast infection treatment not included

Why We Chose It

The VagiSense test is simple, affordable and available to pick up or order from Walmart. Each box costs around $18 and contains yellow-tipped two swab tests, and some of the clearest instructions on the market. They state very clearly that you won’t get an accurate result if you’re menstruating or about to start your period or have had vaginal intercourse 12 hours or less prior and that test should only be taken if you have symptoms like burning or pain while urinating.

Once you’ve collected a sample, wait 10 seconds to see if the yellow tip changes blue or green. Unlike many vague pH tests, VagiSense’s instructions explain explicitly that a green or blue tip indicates an abnormal pH, which is most likely to be the result of a bacterial or parasitic infection—not a yeast infection–and should contact a medical provider about prescription treatment. Most people with yeast infections have a normal pH level. So, if the tip of your swab stays yellow, and you have symptoms, the irritation may be due to a yeast infection. You should still confirm with a provider, but over-the-counter treatments are available.

What we like best about the VagiSense test is that the swab device it uses was validated in a clinical study published in an academic journal. It’s on the CDC’s short list of tests that are easy to use and carry a low risk of error that they can reliably be done at home, and don’t need to be assessed by a certified lab. However, there are very few online reviews of this test, and some of those reviewers said they did not find the test useful.

For Pregnancy : Tiny Health Vaginal Health Test

Key Specs

• Cost: $179 for an individual test; $149 each, delivered every three months, with subscription
• Availability: 50 states (and territories)
• Time for Results: Three weeks

• Comprehensive vaginal health report
• Clear messages about your yeast level if it is elevated
• Tailored to pregnancy

• Much slower than other tests
• Science behind included vaginal biome results is still emerging
• Expensive

Why We Chose It

Yeast infection is just one of many vaginal health factors that Tiny Health’s test measures. The kit will give you insights into your vaginal microbiome—including the balance of healthy and unhealthy bacteria and signs of potential problems, like yeast infections—how they might affect your pregnancy or fertility and what actions you might want to consider.

A single test costs $179 or $149 with a subscription where you receive one kit every three months. To use the test, you’ll take a 20-second vaginal swab and mail it back to Tiny Health. The sample is then analyzed in a CLIA-certified lab. You’ll get back a detailed report breaking down the composition of bacteria (or flora) in your vagina. The report is very easy to read. If your vaginal yeast is unusually high, indicating a possible infection, the report will show a clear message saying so. It will also break down which bacteria are at healthy or unhealthy levels, and suggest what to do to balance them better to support your pregnancy. Healthy vaginal flora has been linked to lower risk of preterm birth and better immune and gut health for babies.

The downside of the Tiny Health kit is that this detailed report takes weeks to generate, so if you’re only interested in testing for a yeast infection, this kit is probably overkill.

Comparing At-Home Tests
Company	Cost	Time for Results	Availability (states)	Sample Methods
LetsGetChecked Vaginitis Test For Testing and Treating	$199	2-5 days	49	Vaginal swab
Stix Yeast Infection Test & Treat Combo For Budget- Friendly	$29 or $24.65 with subscription	2 minutes	50	Vaginal pH strip
My LabBox V-Box For Ease of Use	$189	2-5 days	49	Vaginal swab
Juno Vaginal Microbiome Test For Wellness	$149 or $99 each with a subscription	5-10 days	50	Vaginal swab
Evvy Vaginal Health Test For Membership	$129 or $99 with subscription	2-3 weeks	50	Vaginal swab
VagiSense Vaginal Infection Screening Test For Drugstore Test	About $18	10 seconds	50	Vaginal swab
Tiny Health Vaginal Health Test For Pregnancy	$170 or $149 with subscription	3-4 weeks	50	Vaginal swab

How to Choose an At-Home Yeast Infection Test

With many at-home yeast infection tests to choose from, consider the following when picking the best one for you:

• Cost: Test prices fall in the range of about $25 to $240, depending on the type you choose. The least expensive tests measure only vaginal pH, so they can’t explicitly tell you if you have a yeast infection. More expensive tests assess your sample in a lab for the presence of candida yeast, providing more accuracy.
• Time for results: For immediate results, purchase an over-the-counter vaginal pH testing kit (like the ones available from Stix). Other, more thorough comprehensive tests that require a mailed sample may take anywhere from two days to a week to get your results back.
• Availability: Unfortunately, many at-home tests aren’t available in the state of New York and certain other states. If you live in one of these states, you may need to purchase an over-the-counter vaginal pH test kit, which may not be as accurate.
• Sample methods: All at-home yeast infection tests we encountered during our research require a vaginal swab.
• Ease of use: Generally, these tests work in a similar fashion and are fairly easy to use. You will need to activate your test, collect the sample, mail it in, and wait for results.
• Accuracy: Lab tests done using a vaginal swab are going to be much more accurate than test strips that allow you to get results at home.
• Treatment options: Some tests come with yeast infection treatment included, or an option to speak with a healthcare provider after you receive your results.

Key Considerations

What is a yeast infection?

Yeast is a healthy kind of fungus—also known as candida—that grows naturally within the body. However, a yeast infection can develop if yeast grows out-of-control and out of balance with other vaginal flora. This can be triggered by medications, immune system fluctuations and sex can increase risks. Symptoms include itching, burning or pain when urinating, thick vaginal discharge, soreness or rash. Other body parts—including the mouth, skin or penis—can develop yeast infections, too, but they affect the vagina most commonly.

When Should I Take An At-Home Yeast Infection Test?

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

• Abnormal vaginal discharge
• Painful urination
• Painful sex
• 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:

• Are pregnant
• Use birth control pills
• On a round of antibiotics or just finished one
• Have diabetes or a compromised immune system
• At-home yeast infections can give you some insight into the cause of your vaginal discomfort, but should never be a substitute for seeing a health care provider who can diagnose yeast infections and help you determine if there are any underlying or additional issues.

How A Yeast Infection is Diagnosed

Yeast infections are most accurately diagnosed with a combination of a physical exam to look for signs of irritation and abnormal discharge and a culture, in which a sample taken from your vagina is tested in a lab for how much yeast is present. With an at-home test, you swab yourself. This should only be done if you have symptoms. Some testing companies will send your sample for analysis at Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)- or College of American Pathologists (CAP)-certified labs, which meet national testing standards.

Fully at-home yeast infection tests mostly work by a sort of process of elimination. You’ll collect your own vaginal sample using a pH swab or strip. The swab or strip will turn different colors based on whether your pH is within or outside of the normal range. A positive test indicates a pH outside the normal range which is most likely caused by a bacterial infection, not a yeast infection. Most people have a normal pH when they have a yeast infection. So, a negative test suggests a yeast infection could be the cause of vaginal irritation, but it’s a good idea to confirm with a doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an At-Home Yeast Infection Test Accurate?

Home yeast infection tests can be equally as accurate as tests administered by a healthcare provider—particularly those tests requiring a sample that is sent to a lab. The tests that offer results in five minutes or less measure only vaginal pH, which can be an indicator of yeast—but they’re not as accurate as lab tests.

Who Should Take an At-Home Yeast Infection Test?

You should take an at-home yeast infection test if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of a yeast infection, like vaginal itching or painful urination. Additionally, if you’re pregnant, on hormonal birth control, or on antibiotics, you’re at an increased risk of developing yeast infections—so it’s important to be proactive.

Can I Take Yeast Infection Medication Without Going To The Doctor?

If you have never been diagnosed with a yeast infection before, do not self-diagnose or start treatment without seeing a health care provider. If you’ve been diagnosed with a yeast infection by a medical professional before, they may not need to see you again and may be able to suggest over-the-counter-medication, like Monistat, or prescribe medication over the phone.

What Else Can Be Mistaken for a Yeast Infection?

The irritation, itching, burning and abnormal discharge that come with a yeast infection is due to a form of inflammation, called vaginitis, that can have many different causes. The most common ones are yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis (BV), trichomoniasis and atrophic vaginitis. It’s difficult to say for sure which infection is causing your discomfort without an exam and/or testing.

Methodology

We collected data on dozens of at-home testing companies, including those that offer sexual health testing for conditions like yeast infections. We assessed them based on data on the cost, accuracy, reputation, diagnostic validity, time-to-results and availability of their at-home tests. We further broadened our search to include companies and products specific to at-home testing for yeast infections. To choose the best home yeast infection tests, we narrowed down our list to seven reputable companies that offer a variety of fully at-home tests and at-home collection kits that are analyzed in CLIA- or CAP-certified labs.

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