Best Over The Counter Yeast Infection Treatment Reviews
How to Check for Yeast Infections: The 4 Best At-Home Vaginal pH Tests
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Yeast infections are a common type of infection. About 75 percent of women have had a yeast infection at least once in their lifetimes. While uncomfortable, yeast infections are typically easy to treat.
But before you can treat them, you first need to identify them.
Vaginal infections are easily diagnosed by a doctor. That’s your best bet since a doctor can tell you for certain whether you have a yeast infection.
Long wait times are often cited as a downfall of universal healthcare systems, but wait times in America have reached a new high, too. The average time to make a physician appointment as a new patient in 15 major U.S. cities is now 24 days, up 30% in just 3 years (2014 to 2018) according to physician recruiting firm Merritt Hawkins.
However, if you can’t make it to a healthcare professional, you may want to try an at-home vaginal pH test. These over-the-counter (OTC) tests determine how acidic your vaginal secretions are. They’re not able to tell you for sure whether you have a yeast infection, but they can help you rule out other types of infections.
- Best drugstore vaginal pH test:CVS Health Feminine Screening Kit for Vaginal Infections
- Easiest vaginal pH test to read:Natureland Vaginal pH Test
- Best discreet vaginal pH test:Stix Vaginal pH Tests
- Best inexpensive vaginal pH test:PGYARD Vaginal pH Test
Pricing guide
At-home vaginal pH tests are relatively affordable. They can be easily found online or at your local drugstore.
Best drugstore vaginal pH test
CVS Health Feminine Screening Kit for Vaginal Infections
It’s easy to find a cheap and effective pH test at your local drugstore. This kit from CVS includes two swabs and lets you know in seconds whether your vaginal pH is abnormal.
Reviewers say it helped them figure out whether they needed to go to their gynecologist for treatment. But reviewers say they wish the kit came with more swabs for the price.
As with any at-home vaginal pH test, it’s important to know that this test can’t tell you for sure whether you have a yeast infection.
Easiest vaginal pH test to read
Natureland Vaginal pH Test
This kit offers 40 pH strips to test the acidity levels in your vaginal discharge. It’s easy to use and read, and it comes with plenty of strips in case there’s an error with your first test.
The strips are individually packaged, which makes them easy to carry and store.
Customers like that the rainbow chart for these strips is easy to read, and the results appear quickly. One reviewer who had to constantly monitor her pH levels said this kit was perfect for determining whether her levels were improving during her treatments.
Best discreet vaginal pH test
Stix Vaginal pH Tests
Stix offers home delivery and is urologist approved. This kit was designed by women with women in mind.
Kits get delivered to your front door in a discreet box and offer quick test results.
Each kit comes with two test swabs and simple instructions. Additionally, for people who need to monitor their pH levels regularly, the brand offers subscription options.
Reviews show satisfaction with the tests among customers who are prone to yeast infections and those looking for affordable options. Others appreciate that the test is discreet and they don’t have to make regular trips to their pharmacy.
Best inexpensive vaginal pH test
PGYARD Vaginal pH Test
This kit comes with 50 strips — 10 strips per pack — and is easy to use for people who need to test their pH regularly. The results are easy to read by following the chart provided by the kit.
Those prone to bacterial vaginosis (BV) and yeast infections say they found this kit to be helpful and accurate during the times they felt an infection developing.
Additionally, people with diabetes who have to keep track of Candida also use this kit and say they found it to be helpful with monitoring.
Some symptoms you may experience if you have a yeast infection are:
- burning
- itching
- thick vaginal discharge that’s white or yellow
If you have any of these symptoms, you may want to get tested for a yeast infection. See a doctor if this is the first infection you’re experiencing, or if you’ve tried self-treating with no improvement.
If you don’t have the ability to see a doctor right away, you can use an at-home pH kit to test whether your vaginal pH levels are off.
The most accurate way to determine whether you have a yeast infection is by receiving a vaginitis test from a doctor.
The doctor will use a sterile cotton swab to retrieve a sample. Then, they’ll examine the sample under a microscope to determine whether there’s an infection.
If you take an at-home pH test, you’ll take one of the included pH strips and hold it against your vaginal wall for a few seconds.
Then, you’ll compare the color of the strip with the chart that came with your kit. This will tell you whether your pH level is off, though it won’t be able to confirm for sure whether you have a yeast infection.
If you suspect you have a yeast infection after taking an at-home pH test, you can self-treat with OTC medication, such as miconazole and clotrimazole.
Calamine or 1 percent hydrocortisone cream can help relieve vulvar itching. Additionally, switching to cotton or other breathable underwear can help prevent symptoms from getting worse.
If you get a diagnosis from a doctor, they may prescribe prescription medication, or you can also take OTC medication.
People with recurrent yeast infections may be treated differently. For instance, a doctor may consider a fungal culture or recommend stronger prescription medication.
Can an at-home test check for yeast infection?
No. At-home pH tests cannot check for yeast infections. They can only tell you whether your vaginal pH is normal.
Keep in mind that a high pH doesn’t necessarily indicate an infection. Similarly, a low or normal pH doesn’t confirm that an infection is present, either.
The most accurate way to know whether you have a yeast infection is to get checked by a doctor.
How do doctors test for yeast infections?
Doctors typically conduct a vaginitis test when testing for an infection. They’ll use a swab to take a sample of your vaginal discharge, which is then examined under a microscope.
This test is the best option to determine whether you have a yeast infection or if it’s another type of infection, such as BV, chlamydia, or trichomoniasis.
Is it OK to take yeast infection medication without getting a test from a doctor first?
It’s safe to self-treat a yeast infection if you’ve had a yeast infection in the past and have similar symptoms. It’s also fine to do if you’ve spoken with a healthcare professional, they confirm your symptoms are related to a yeast infection, and they recommend treatment.
However, in cases of a severe infection, it’s best to consult with a doctor. Not all itches or discharges are from yeast infections.
Set up an in-person appointment with a doctor as soon as you can. If symptoms are severe, you can start OTC miconazole while waiting for your appointment.
We made sure to look at reputable brands with positive feedback from customers who have used the products. We also took into consideration how easy it is to take these tests and how quickly you receive the results.
As previously mentioned, these tests will not tell you for certain whether you have a yeast infection. Instead, they’ll indicate whether your pH levels are off.
While yeast infections typically have low pH levels, some other infections, like BV, have high pH levels.
It’s best to get an official diagnosis and treatment from a doctor if you’re unsure whether your symptoms are caused by an infection.
If you have a yeast infection or suspect you have one, the only way to know for sure is to visit a doctor. At-home tests can only tell you so much about the symptoms you may be experiencing.
Self-treating with an OTC medication may work for mild cases, but severe cases most likely need prescription medication.
As with any infection you may be experiencing, it’s best to consult with a doctor to confirm a diagnosis and receive treatment in a timely manner.
Last medically reviewed on March 8, 2022
Best Over The Counter Yeast Infection Treatment Reviews
Best Over The Counter Yeast Infection Treatment Reviews
What we learned in 20 years of treating yeast infections
Over the years, we have reviewed a very large number of yeast infection treatment options. Some options have proven to be very safe and effective. Others, weren’t so good with many reported side effects.
When we look at the best over the counter yeast infection treatment reviews, we see a very large amount of products and remedies.
These include yeast infection medicine, pills, creams, over the counter (OTC) and prescription.
Natural remedies for yeast infections and candida supplements are also very popular as well.
What is the best treatment for a yeast infection?
So what all the best reviews have in common?
It comes down to two critical parts in the treatment. These have been the core of our natural protocols for candida and yeast infections:
- Treat the cause of the yeast infection and not the symptoms .
Yeast infection can be caused by different reasons, each may require a completely different treatment. - Safety comes first .
Avoid using risky remedies or medication. These can make your infection become worse.
To check if the top causes of candida and yeast infections apply to you: top causes of yeast infections.
Yeast Infection Home Treatment
Yeast infection home treatment is very popular and has proven to be safe and effective when done properly.
As you can see in the table below, the treatment options are different based on the type of the yeast infection you have:
- Multiple yeast infections symptoms typically require a systemic candida treatment (diet, supplements, creams).
- Local issue (no other symptoms present) can be addressed with yeast infection creams.
- Clotrimazole (Desenex, Canesten).
- Butoconazole (Gynazole-1, Mycelex-3).
- Miconazole nitrate (Monistat).
1-day, 3-day, 7-day. - Tioconazole (Trosyd, Gyno-Trosyd).
Yeast Infection Treatment Side Effects
Next to the best over the counter yeast infection treatment reviews, there is a very large number of issues reported.
Side effects during the yeast infection treatment are common. Based on our experience, these are usually a result of:
Harsh yeast infection creams
Many yeast infection creams and vaginal suppositories contain antifungal drugs designed to kill yeast. These drugs may be too strong for some people. Especially considering that the skin is already irritated. Common side effects include: itching, burning, irritation and pain. In some cases these creams can make the yeast infection worse.
For this reason, natural safer alternatives are usually preferred.
Ozonated Olive Oil is a good example of a natural yeast infection cream we use in our yeast infections protocols.
Unlike many antifungal creams that can cause irritation and burning when used topically, Ozonated olive oil has a unique ability to reduce the yeast infection on one hand, while helping to soothe skin irritation and accelerate wound healing at the same time.
- Read the research.
- Best ozonated olive oil products.
aggressive antifungal medication or supplements
Antifungal medication and supplements contain ingredients that kill candida and yeast in your body. While this can be very beneficial in certain cases, it can also backfire if not used correctly. One of the biggest problem we see with antifungals, is that many of them are too aggressive, toxic, and even contain harsh chemicals.
This is a common misconception in the yeast infection treatment.
You do not want to artificially “kill the yeast”. Ideally, you want to help your body to naturally balance the yeast infection. This way, your body can safely eliminate the excess yeast naturally at its own pace.
Mycozil ® is our preferred antifungal product, designed to help cases of “stubborn” candida and yeast infections.
It is one of the most potent natural antifungal supplements we tested. Yet, it is also shown to be very gentle and safe.
Mycozil’s formula contains selected organic and wild crafted ingredients with a long history of traditional use for candida, yeast and fungus issues all around the world for many centuries. These natural ingredients are also backed up by science, demonstrating strong antifungal activity in a large number of studies.
- Read the research.
- Best natural antifungal products.
Healing crises
Healing crises or die off reaction occur when candida yeasts start to die during the treatment. Common symptoms may include flu-like symptoms. Existing symptoms may become more severe as well.
This doesn’t mean that the treatment is working. This usually means that the amount of toxins released by the dying candida is more than what your body can safely handle.
Preventing toxins overload and managing die off symptoms correctly can minimize many unnecessary discomforts and are essential for the success of the yeast infection treatment, your health and well-being.
- Read the research.
- Treat & manage a healing crisis.
Yeast Infection Relief
Yeast infection symptoms can be unbearable at times. Sometimes, all you need (and think about) is how to relieve these symptoms as quick as possible.
This is where many people get in trouble with risky over the counter yeast infection products. Even natural home remedies.
Remember: safety comes first. Especially when you try to self treat at home.
For a safe and gentle natural yeast infection relief at home, see our most popular experts guide:
- The overnight toxins flush – detox drink for multiple symptoms during the yeast infection treatment.
- Male yeast infection – yeast infection cream for men.
- Vaginal yeast infection – vaginal yeast infection cream.
- Skin yeast infection – relief for skin discomforts such as yeast infection rash, eczema, itchy skin.
- Nails yeast infection – help with the nail and toenail infections.
Additional Best Over The Counter Yeast Infection Treatment Reviews
- Apple Cider Vinegar For Yeast Infection.
- Probiotics for yeast infection.
- Yeast Infection Supplements.
Best over the counter yeast infection treatment reviews
