Testing vaginal pH is very important in order to ensure your safety from various yeast and bacterial vaginal infections. The gynecologists test the vaginal pH to determine the acidity or alkalinity of vaginal secretions. Regular testing of vaginal pH is very important in order to ensure early diagnosis of symptoms and treatment of infections. This can help you to combat the problem before it becomes worse. However, if you are thinking that you have to visit your gynecologist every time for a test, then we will suggest you to have a look at the home vaginal pH test kit. These kits are very easy to use and you can interpret the results in moments. It is a very quick and approachable way to keep a track of vaginal secretions. This article is an attempt to make you familiar with its usage and interpretation of results.
Why should I use the test kit?
On experiencing unusual vaginal symptoms like burning, itching, foul vaginal odor, or an abnormal vaginal discharge, there is a need to test your vaginal pH. This will help you to decide if you need medical treatment. However, you must keep in mind the fact that this test is not able to diagnose HIV, herpes, syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, or group B streptococcus. Most of the vaginal symptoms arise because of the vaginal yeast infection. This test can help you to make sure that the symptoms are because of vaginal yeast infections by ruling out other types of vaginal infections.
How do I use the home vaginal pH test kit?
Using a home vaginal pH test kit is very easy and anyone without any previous experience can use it effectively. The home vaginal pH test kit includes a piece of pH test paper and a color chart, which is used for determining the results of your vaginal test. To perform the test, simply hold the pH test paper against your vagina wall for a few seconds. After that you will observe that the color of the test paper changes. Compare the color of this paper with the color chart. However, it may happen that you will not be able to find an exact match, in that case select a color with which your test results most closely resembles.
How can I interpret the results of my home vaginal pH test kit?
The pH value of a substance is defined on a scale of value ranging from 1 to 14, where 7 represents the neutral nature of the substance, values less than 7 represent acidic nature of the substance and values greater than 7 represents basic nature of the substance. Normal vaginal pH is in between 3.8 and 4.5, that means slightly acidic. If the vaginal pH values are higher or lower than this range, the it is an abnormal vaginal pH. High acidity is indicated by low vaginal pH and vice-versa. Abnormal vaginal pH normally happens because of vaginal infection. However, it is also a fact that your vaginal pH may be normal even if you are having an infection. This happens because some vaginal infections do no affect the vaginal pH.
High value of vaginal pH indicates that you are most likely having bacterial vaginosis (BV) and not a yeast infection. The bacterial vaginosis cannot be treated using OTC medications; they are only helpful in vaginal yeast infections. It is better to consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. On the other hand, if your vaginal pH is above the normal value then it may be because of vaginal yeast infection. You can try one of the OTC medications if you have had previous yeast infections diagnosed by a doctor. However, if the OTC medication for vaginal yeast infections proves to be ineffective in relieving you from the vaginal symptoms or infection, then it is better to consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Via: Womenshealth