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Taking a bacterial vaginosis (BV) test at home can reveal whether you have a bacterial infection and help inform your next steps. Here are five tests to consider.
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common but often uncomfortable vaginal infection. Once doctors diagnose BV, it is easily treatable. The first step is determining whether you have it.
Read on to learn more about BV test kits to use at home and what to consider as possible next steps.
- Results in: 20 seconds
- Collection method: vaginal swab
- Price: $
Healthline’s review
Naturelandâs pH test strips test for BV and other vaginal conditions and are one of the least expensive options on our list.
We like that the results are easy to read and that the box, depending on your count preferences, comes with 10 to 120 individually wrapped packages.
We also appreciate that you get your results in under a minute.
Natureland is an established dietary supplement and personal care company aiming to improve vaginal health and well-being.
These vaginal health pH strips test the pH levels in the vagina to identify any irregularities. Wrapped and sealed in aluminum pouches, each test returns results in approximately 20 seconds.
To use these tests, you take a sample of your vaginal discharge with a cotton swab (which does not come with the kit), then apply the swab to one of the color pads on one of the strips. The pad color will change depending on the pH levels in the vagina in about 10 to 20 seconds.
Using the scale on the bottle indicating a normal and abnormal pH balance, you then match your color pad result to the matching color on the scale. The instruction manual provides a table to help you identify whether you may have BV versus a yeast infection or trichomoniasis.
This test is an excellent value for the price point and offers speedy results. However, it canât identity the exact cause of the pH level it indicates via the color scale.
The supplied manual helps guide you in the right direction based on whether youâre experiencing specific symptoms and which color result you receive. You have to provide your own cotton swabs for your sample, which may factor into the lower price point.
Pros & cons
- includes more than 40 pH strips
- results within 20 seconds
- only tests for vaginal pH
- doesn’t provide cotton swabs
Product details
- Accepts insurance: no
- Follow-up guidance: no
- Returns: free returns within 30 days
- Shipping: free shipping for Prime members
- Results in: 1 to 5 days
- Collection method: vaginal swab
- Price: $$$
Healthline’s review
MyLAB Box aims to offer the most accurate, complete testing for BV and other vaginal conditions at home.
The brand works with CAP and CLIA certified labs in the United States for accuracy, so unlike tests that only measure for abnormal pH, this test offers specific results.
Along with testing for BV, yeast infections, and trich, like some of its competitors, it also tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea, making it the most thorough at-home vaginal test option.
It takes approximately 5 minutes for sample collection via the swab method.
Within 2 to 5 days of returning your sample, myLAB Box sends your results digitally.
Youâll also receive a free doctor consultation to discuss results if theyâre positive for BV.
MyLAB Box also sends its tests as discreetly as possible. You can order the test online, and once you receive it in the mail, you can complete it and return it with the prepaid shipping label.
Pros & cons
- tests for 5 conditions
- free physician consultation for positive results
- FSA/HSA accepted
- discreet packaging
- only one test in the kit
- pricier than other options
- unavailable in New York
Product details
- Accepts insurance: FSA/HSA only
- Follow-up guidance: yes
- Returns: full refund if canceled before shipment
- Shipping: free shipping
Best for one-step results
- Results in: 10 seconds
- Collection method: vaginal swab
- Price: $
Healthline’s review
The FloriSense Vaginal Health Test analyzes the pH in a personâs vagina to identify whether thereâs an infection. It provides results within 10 seconds of taking the test.
It uses a swab to test for BV and only requires one step for results, unlike tests that require a swab and a strip.
If the swab changes color, it indicates whether you have certain infections, such as trich or BV.
The box contains two swabs and detailed information and instructions.
Pros & cons
- quick results
- affordable
- easy to use
- no specific diagnosis offered
- can present a false reading
Product details
- Accepts insurance: no
- Follow-up guidance: no
- Returns: free returns within 30 days
- Results in: seconds
- Collection method: vaginal swab
- Price: $
Healthline’s review
This option from CVS Health is an affordable and easy way to help diagnose common vaginal infections. Itâs recommended for people experiencing typical symptoms, such as abnormal discharge, itching, and burning.
Each package comes with two tests, detailed instructions on how to use them, and an explanation of what the results mean.
The sample is a vaginal swab. If the entire swab turns yellow, your pH level is normal. If only the tip turns yellow, you may have an infection.
This accessible pick is a good choice if you canât wait for a test kit to be shipped or if you are traveling.
Pros & cons
- available at CVS drugstores
- affordable
- two tests per kit
- only measures pH levels
- not for people in perimenopause or menopause
- short testing window
Product details
- Accepts insurance: FSA/HSA only
- Follow-up guidance: no
- Returns: returns within 60 days
- Shipping: free shipping on orders over $35
Best with telehealth support
- Results in: 2 to 5 days
- Collection method: vaginal swab
- Price: $$$
Use code âHEALTHLINE25″ for 25% off
Healthline’s review
LetsGetChecked is a popular health and diagnostics company offering a multitude of at-home tests, including this Vaginitis Test kit, which tests for BV, candida vaginitis, and trich.
The vaginal swab test arrives in discreet packaging and comes with a prepaid shipping label.
Results from CLIA certified and ISO accredited laboratories are ready in just 2 to 5 days.
Though it costs an additional $39, a virtual consultation appointment for treatment options is available.
This test is available on Amazon, but some reviewers say their Amazon-bought test kit arrived expired.
At this time, the company says it cannot prescribe treatments via its telehealth consultations in the following states:
- Arizona
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Mississippi
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- West Virginia
Pros & cons
- Telehealth support and prescriptions available in many states
- also detects candida vaginitis and trichomoniasis
- discreet, unmarked packaging
- virtual medical consultation is $39
- cannot use while pregnant or menstruating
- expensive compared with other options
- will not detect most STIs
- prescriptions via telehealth not available nationwide
Product details
- Accepts insurance: FSA/HSA only
- Follow-up guidance: no
- Returns: refunds on unused kits within 14 days
- Shipping: free shipping
To select some of the best at-home BV tests, we researched the types of tests people can use at home. It was important for us to consider certain factors, such as:
- the price of the tests
- how discreet the packaging is
- how quickly you receive results
- customer reviews and ratings
We also chose a mixture of generic at-home BV tests and lab-tested at-home BV tests.
Some tests wonât tell you if you have BV specifically but will rather indicate whether the pH levels in your vagina are not balanced.
If you have reason to think you may have BV or another infection after taking a test, itâs best to seek additional consultation from a qualified healthcare professional.
BV is an infection that develops from an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina. Itâs a common vaginal condition, but some people may be more prone to it.
Risk factors for BV include:
You might suspect you have BV if youâre experiencing symptoms like:
While it can be uncomfortable, BV is usually not serious. And sometimes, BV goes away on its own.
But complications can occur, including an increase in the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. BV can also lead to pregnancy complications, including preterm birth or low birth weight.
Symptoms of BV may also mimic those of other vaginal infections, such as yeast infections and trichomoniasis, a common STI. So getting an accurate diagnosis is important for developing an appropriate treatment plan.
If youâre also experiencing fever or chills or youâre pregnant, itâs a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional for a thorough examination.
With at-home BV tests, you generally insert a testing swab into your vagina to collect a sample to measure your pH. Some tests may require you to supply your own cotton swab and then dab the swab on a test strip.
Some BV test kits reveal results within seconds. If the test requires sending your sample to a lab, results may take a few days.
Tests that send your sample to a lab are considered more accurate. They may also test for additional bacteria and certain STIs.
Depending on the test manufacturer, you may also be able to receive treatment via a telehealth appointment, but this option varies by U.S. state.
If youâve had BV before and are familiar with the symptoms, an at-home BV test kit might support what you already suspect is going on. And using a testing service with the option for treatment via telehealth might save you a trip to the doctor.
But most BV test kits, especially the more affordable ones that skip the labs, only measure the level of pH present, which can indicate the presence of an infection. They may not provide enough information to determine the type of infection.
This distinction could matter for treatment. In this way, itâs best to think of these tests as a possible first step but not a conclusive diagnosis.
And while other vaginal conditions with similar symptoms, like yeast infections, do not require a prescription for treatment, BV generally requires antibiotics to clear up, according to Monte Swarup, MD, FACOG, a board certified OB-GYN in Chandler, AZ. Currently, there are no over-the-counter BV treatments approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
A doctor may prescribe an antibiotic like clindamycin, metronidazole, or tinidazole in pill, gel, or cream form. You may be able to get treatment through telemedicine services, including Nurx or Wisp.
After being treated, BV typically clears up within 5 to 7 days.
What can be mistaken as BV?
Due to similar symptoms like vaginal itching and painful urination, BV can be mistaken as a yeast infection.
According to Monte Swarup, MD, FACOG, BV can be mistaken for other infections, including trichomoniasis, a common STI. This is why he recommends a pelvic exam from a healthcare professional to rule out other possibilities and receive the proper treatment right away.
How do I check for BV without going to the doctor?
You can test for BV at home using one of the test kits on our list.
But consulting with a health professional is important, as other conditions can mimic those of BV.
Also you need a prescription to treat BV, as over-the-counter options may only address symptoms and not get rid of the infection.
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BV is a common and easily treatable vaginal infection. If you think you may have BV, an at-home BV test may help determine whether you have abnormal pH, which is one indicator of BV.
Some tests require sending your sample to a lab, which can offer accurate results and a possible telehealth visit to receive treatment, usually an antibiotic.
If your at-home test results (those without lab and telehealth support) indicate that your pH levels are abnormal or you have a vaginal infection, talk with a healthcare professional.
Additionally, if youâre experiencing general discomfort or itching, burning, or unusual discharge, visit a healthcare professional.
