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5 At-Home Bacterial Vaginosis Tests To Consider
Dr. Green and Dr. Purdy suggest the following brand-name test kits to assess for bacterial vaginosis at home. Some can be purchased online, while others may be found over the counter in stores.
MyLAB V-Box Vaginal Health TestPrice: $189Test Type: Vaginal swabResult Time: Two to five daysOverview:This testing kit from myLab can screen for five common vaginal conditions, including yeast infections, STIs and bacterial vaginosis, making it handy for those who'd prefer to screen for multiple conditions.
It includes a prepaid postage envelope to ship a vaginal swab sample to a HIPAA-compliant laboratory. In the event of a positive bacterial vaginosis test, myLab also offers consultations and possible treatment via telehealth, depending on your state.
Shop Now: Mylabbox's Website
LetsGetChecked: Vaginitis TestPrice: $199Test Type: Vaginal swabResult Time: Two to five daysOverview:The Let'sGetChecked home vaginitis kit tests for bacterial vaginosis, candida and trichomonas. The test kit comes with everything needed to take a vaginal swab sample, and the company also offers video tutorials for guidance.
Once your sample arrives at the lab, the company promises results within two to five days, with a lab report available to view online. Depending on your state, you may also be eligible for a telehealth consultation for an additional $39.
Shop Now: LetsGetChecked's Website
AZO Vaginal pH TestPrice: $15.99 for two testsTest Type: Vaginal swabResult Time: 30 secondsOverview:These pH strips by AZO can be purchased online, or over the counter at supermarkets or drug stores. The kit includes two individually wrapped pH tests and two vaginal swabs for $15.99. Although they won't offer more extensive information from a lab screening, they can provide insight into vaginal pH levels before seeking professional help. Results should typically develop within 30 seconds.
Shop Now: Amazon
CVS Health Feminine pH Test Strips, 50 CTPrice: $19.99 for 50 testsTest type: Vaginal swabResult Time: 15 secondsOverview:This pH test from CVS includes 50 paper pH test strips with an easy-to-read color-coding system. "This is a great option for those who need a quick test," adds Dr. Purdy. Although affordable, the tests aren't individually wrapped, making it important to store them in a low-humidity environment.
Shop Now: CVS
Natureland Vaginal Health pH Test Strips for Yeast Infection, BVPrice: $14.97 for 40 testsTest Type: Vaginal swabResult Time: 20 secondsOverview:Natureland's pH test strips are an option for those who'd prefer to order online from retailers like Amazon, says Dr. Purdy. Natureland's pH test strips are made from plastic rather than paper, keeping them from absorbing the swab sample; the company claims this could lower the possibility of contamination. Each box contains 40 individually wrapped packages with a color key on the tin to determine pH values. Results are available in under 20 seconds.
Shop Now: Amazon
Bacterial Vaginosis And HIV
Key pointsBacterial vaginosis (BV) is a condition which occurs when the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina becomes disrupted. This can result in an over-growth of certain bacteria, which can be accompanied by unpleasant symptoms.
It is a very common condition and can affect any woman or person with a vagina. It is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and is easily treated with antibiotics.
Having bacterial vaginosis increases your risk of acquiring HIV and STIs including herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV), chlamydia and gonorrhoea. For people living with HIV, having bacterial vaginosis increases the risk of passing on HIV during sex and childbirth. However, this is not the case if you are receiving HIV treatment and have an undetectable viral load.
Causes of bacterial vaginosisWhat causes the imbalance of bacteria in the vagina which leads to bacterial vaginosis is not fully understood. Since you can develop bacterial vaginosis without having ever had sex it is not classified as an STI, but sexual activity appears to increase the likelihood of developing it. For reasons that remain unclear, there are higher rates of bacterial vaginosis among lesbian, bisexual and other women who have sex with women than among heterosexual women.
These activities can increase the risk of developing bacterial vaginosis:
Bacterial vaginosis is common during pregnancy.
These activities can reduce the risk of developing bacterial vaginosis:
Studies have also shown a reduced risk of bacterial vaginosis in women whose male sexual partners are circumcised.
SymptomsBacterial vaginosis is often asymptomatic, meaning you experience no symptoms at all. When they do occur, symptoms can include changes to vaginal discharge, including turning grey or whitish, watery or developing a fishy smell. This may be worse after sex.
Bacterial vaginosis is not usually associated with itchiness, irritation, sores, blisters, or vaginal bleeding. If you have any of these symptoms, seek advice from your GP or sexual health clinic.
DiagnosisIf you think you have bacterial vaginosis, you can go to your GP or a sexual health clinic. A doctor or nurse will examine you to look for signs of bacterial vaginosis. They may be able to diagnose bacterial vaginosis straight away because of the distinctive appearance of the discharge.
If not, they will probably use a swab to collect a sample from your vagina. A swab looks like a cotton bud and collecting a sample only takes a minute or two. It shouldn't be painful, but it may feel a little uncomfortable. The sample will then be sent to a lab for testing and you should get your results within a few days.
They may also test you for sexually transmitted infections if the symptoms are similar.
Sexual health screens are freely available from NHS genitourinary medicine (GUM) and sexual health clinics. Many HIV clinics also provide sexual health screens and tests for bacterial vaginosis as part of their routine care.
TreatmentBacterial vaginosis sometimes goes away by itself as the balance of bacteria in the vagina corrects itself. If bacterial vaginosis is not bothering you, it is not always necessary to have it treated. However, it can increase the chance of acquiring HIV or passing it on if you have a detectable viral load. Treatment for bacterial vaginosis is recommended if you have a different HIV status from your partner and one of you has a detectable viral load.
Glossary bacterial vaginosisA condition caused by the overgrowth of certain species of the bacteria that are normally present in the vagina.
symptomAny perceptible, subjective change in the body or its functions that signals the presence of a disease or condition, as reported by the patient.
sexually transmitted infections (STIs)Although HIV can be sexually transmitted, the term is most often used to refer to chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, herpes, scabies, trichomonas vaginalis, etc.
detectable viral loadWhen viral load is detectable, this indicates that HIV is replicating in the body. If the person is taking HIV treatment but their viral load is detectable, the treatment is not working properly. There may still be a risk of HIV transmission to sexual partners.
It is also important to be treated if you are going to have a surgical procedure that involves going through the neck of your womb (the cervix). If bacterial vaginosis is transmitted from the cervix into the womb during a procedure, you can develop a serious condition called pelvic inflammatory disease.
If you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, you may also want to be treated. There is some evidence that bacterial vaginosis can increase the risk of premature birth, especially if you have had a miscarriage, premature baby or baby with a low birth weight before. There is also a greater risk of passing on HIV to a baby during delivery. You can safely take treatment during pregnancy.
If you have a same-sex partner, your doctor or nurse may also recommend that they are treated.
Treatment is with antibiotics, usually either metronidazole or clindamycin. It can be given as tablets (a single larger dose or doses over seven days) or a vaginal gel over five to seven days. It is important that you take all the treatment prescribed to you. You will need to avoid alcohol during treatment and for 48 hours after you have finished it, as it will make you feel very sick.
There is a lot of information online about complementary therapies to prevent or treat bacterial vaginosis, such as probiotics. However, the evidence of their effectiveness is inconclusive and therefore their use is not recommended by clinicians.
It is common for bacterial vaginosis to recur after treatment, so you may require another course of treatment at a later date. If you have frequent bouts of bacterial vaginosis, your doctor may recommend preventive treatment with antibiotics.
Using condoms can help reduce the risk of bacterial vaginosis recurring. The vaginal gel can weaken latex, so you will need to use non-latex condoms while using this treatment.
Acknowledgements
Thanks to Dr Phillip Hay for his advice.
Doctors Say Bacterial Vaginosis Home Remedies Can Help *After* You've Cleared An Infection
Are you feeling less-than-great down there lately? Unpleasant symptoms like itching, burning and discharge are typical of two very common conditions: bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections. If you're like most women, you've probably wondered about bacterial vaginosis home remedies.
"Almost everyone who comes to see me with vaginal discomfort has tried something they looked up on the internet first, and it usually compounds the problem," says Rebecca Levy-Gantt, DO, an OBGYN in private practice in Napa, California, and the author of Perimenopause for Dummies. "Garlic is very nice on spaghetti, but please don't put garlic in your vagina. It disrupts the pH balance."
Here's what you need to know about the most common vaginal infections and how to treat them. Plus, learn how to prevent future flare-ups with bacterial vaginosis home remedies.
What is bacterial vaginosis?Bacterial vaginosis (BV) occurs when the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted. In other words, the bad bugs crowd out the good ones. Unlike a yeast infection, it's caused by bacteria, not yeast. BV is particularly prevalent among women in their reproductive years. It's probably BV and not a yeast infection if the discharge is thin, gray and foamy, or has a fishy smell, says Jennifer M. Blaber, MD, clinical assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Stony Brook Medicine. (Click through to learn how balancing your vaginal pH can ease itching and odor.)
Several factors can contribute to BV by changing the balance of bacteria in the vagina. This results in too many bad microbes and not enough beneficial ones. Common causes include:
Multiple or new sexual partners
Using scented products in the vagina
A natural lack of lactobacilli bacteria
"BV is not an STD," assures Dr. Blaber. It can occur in women who are not sexually active.
What is a yeast infection?"A yeast infection is characterized by inflammation caused by an overgrowth of a fungus in the Candida family," says Dr. Blaber. Candida is usually present in small amounts in the vagina. When its balance is disturbed, it can lead to an infection.
KATERYNA KON/Getty
Yeast infection symptoms differ from BV in that the discharge is thicker and there isn't a strong odor. "The classic yeast infection symptoms are a cottage cheese-type discharge and itching," says Dr. Levy-Gantt.
Some of the most common causes of yeast infection include:
Antibiotic use, which kills beneficial bacteria in the vagina
Hormone fluctuations
Certain health conditions such as diabetes
Even women who have never had issues can start getting yeast infections as they progress through pregnancy, perimenopause or menopause, says Dr. Levy-Gantt. It's the changing hormones that alter the vaginal microbiome.
"After your period, you're also more vulnerable to a yeast infection because blood changes your vagina's pH," adds Dr. Levy-Gantt.
Related: Ob/Gyns: If Your Yeast Infection Doesn't Go Away After Treatment, It May Be *This*
Do home remedies for bacterial vaginosis work?It's complicated. Dr. Blaber and Dr. Levy-Gantt say there aren't great evidence-based home remedies that reliably cure either bacterial vaginosis or yeast infection. The best way to treat bacterial vaginosis is with a prescription antibiotic. And the best way to treat yeast infections is with a prescription antifungal.
If you've had yeast infections before and had success with an over-the-counter treatment like Monistat, it's OK to use it if you can't get in to see your doctor. "Just get the three- or seven-day formulas," Dr. Blaber advises. "The one-day formula has a different active ingredient that can lead to secondary infections."
That being said, many women have gotten relief from natural fixes. And there are home remedies for both bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections that can help prevent the conditions from flaring up again in the future once you've cured an active infection.
Home remedies for bacterial vaginosis and yeast infectionsIf you are experiencing anything that doesn't feel right, visit your gynecologist. "Go at the first sign or symptom — that means even a vague feeling of vaginal discomfort or irritation," says Dr. Levy-Gantt. Putting it off is likely to mean more discomfort, medication and expense than necessary.
Once your infection is cleared up, you can help reduce your risk of recurrences from both bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections with these home remedies.
1. Opt for a boric acid suppositoryThis is one of the most widely-known home remedies for both bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections. A Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine study found that 77% of women were satisfied with boric acid treatment for their recurrent infections. The women were prescribed an initial regimen of boric acid daily for seven to 14 days after a flare up. This was followed by maintenance doses of boric acid two to three times a week for 13 months.
FotoDuets/Getty
"If we properly treat the issue first, boric acid may be used as a maintenance treatment," says Dr. Levy-Gantt. One to try: NutraBlast Boric Acid Vaginal Suppositories (Buy on Amazon, $14.99). (Click through to see our best natural yeast infection cures.)
2. Use vitamin C this wayIn a small study in the Journal of Clinical Medicine Research, researchers looked at women who had been cured of a bacterial vaginosis episode by antibiotics. When they inserted a 250 mg vitamin C tablet into their vagina once daily for six days, it prevented a recurrence of BV for 86% of them. Vitamin C may prevent infections by restoring a healthy pH level in the vagina to enhance the body's ability to fight off bad bacteria.
3. Savor probiotic-rich yogurt"Since the depletion of good vaginal bacteria (lactobacillus) is the root cause of BV, it makes sense to replenish them," says Barbara DePree, MD, a certified menopause practitioner and founder of MiddlesexMD.Com. "Studies have shown a 60% reduction in infections in women who eat probiotic-enhanced yogurt daily for 30 days." (Click through for a simple recipe to make yogurt at home).
Not a fan of yogurt? Dr. DePree advises taking a probiotic with lactobacillus once daily to help ward off future infections. One to try: Nature's Way Women's Probiotic Pearls (Buy on Amazon, $11.81).
Cavan Images/Getty
Related: Can You Have BV and Yeast Infection At The Same Time? Yes! Ob/Gyns Share the Best At-Home Remedies for Both
4. Consider a vinegar and water comboSince the vagina is "self cleaning", there's no medical reason to douche. And doctors agree you should avoid store-brought douches, which contain fragrances and other ingredients that do more harm than good. Still, "there are people for whom nothing else has worked," says Dr. Levy-Gantt. "For them, I suggest a homemade vinegar and water douche."
This fragrance-free homemade version can be helpful for changing the pH in the vagina to make it more resistant to infections. Combine two parts water with one part vinegar in a peri bottle. One to try: Frida Mom Upside Down Peri Bottle (Buy from Amazon, $12.97).
"Put it in the shower, and twice a week, squeeze it up [the vagina]," Dr. Levy-Gantt says. The vinegar raises PH in the vagina, helping to create an environment where healthy bacteria can flourish. For women with frequent flare ups, it can help ward off both BV and yeast infections.
Healthy habits that block infectionsIn addition to bacterial vaginosis and yeast infection home remedies, there are simple vagina-friendly habits you can adopt to help keep trouble at bay.
Don't use soap, commercial douches or any product advertised as a way to feel fresher "down there," says Dr. Levy-Gantt.
"Wear cotton underwear," says Dr. Blaber. It's a breathable fabric that helps maintain a healthy environment for microbes and prevents moisture from building up,
When being intimate, use condoms, Dr. Blaber advises. This can help prevent picking up BV from bacteria introduced by a new partner.
"Stop shaving," recommends Dr. Levy-Gantt. Your hair is there to protect you from bacteria, she adds.
"Don't linger in wet or sweaty clothes," says Dr. Blaber. It's a fast track to yeast infections.
Cotton underwear helps block vaginal infectionsAlena Mostovich/Getty
For more ways to get relief from vaginal health hassles:
Cure a Yeast Infection Without Meds? Yes! Top Gynecologists Explain Which Natural Remedies to Use When
Balancing Your Vaginal pH Can Put an End to Odors, Itching and Discharge, Say MDs
Ob/Gyns on How to Tell If That Lump Is a Vaginal Skin Tag Or Something More Serious
This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.
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