A healthy vagina naturally has a balance of yeast and bacteria. A yeast infection, also referred to as "monilia" or "candidiasis," occurs when that balance is disrupted and there is an overgrowth of yeast (candida). Yeast infection symptoms can include redness, itching and irritation in the vagina and vulva, pain or a burning sensation during sex and urination, and a thick discharge with a consistency similar to cottage cheese.

1. Carefully remove the pH test strip and the cotton swab from their pouches. Set them on a flat surface in a well lit area, like your bathroom counter. Be sure not to touch the test area of the pH test strip or the cotton part of the cotton swab. 

2. Stand up and place one foot on the toilet seat or another firm surface. 

3. With one hand, hold the cotton swab at the base and with the other hand, gently spread apart your labia (the folds of skin that cover the opening of the vagina). 

4. Gently insert the cotton side of the swab about halfway into your vagina. Tilt the cotton swab so the tip touches the wall of your vagina. Hold it there for 5 seconds. 

5. Carefully remove the cotton swab from your vagina. Be sure not to touch the tip of the cotton swab against anything so that the sample stays clean. 

6. Gently wipe the cotton swab across the test area on the pH test strip. The color on the test area should start changing right away. 

7. Match the color on the test area to the closest color block on the pH test pouch's color chart. For most accurate results, immediately compare the test area to the color chart. 

8. Record your results (we recommend taking a picture on your phone) and compare them to the table on the pouch for next steps. 

Urinary tract infections happen when bacteria enter the urethra, travel up the urinary tract, and multiply. As the bacteria spread, your urinary tract becomes inflamed and infected, leading to discomfort. Symptoms of UTIs can include painful burning when you urinate and a frequent urge to urinate. You may also notice that your urine is slightly cloudy, or even bloody, and smells like ammonia. UTIs don’t usually affect your discharge but might turn it a yellowish-green color.

Our UTI test is the same test you take at the doctor, and a simple, one-step process. First, wipe your urethra (where you pee from) with one of the pH balanced wipes. Then, pee on the test strip pads. After letting the results develop for two minutes, compare the test strip pads to the color chart on the test wrapper. Check out our full instructions here.

If your UTI test shows a positive result, share the results with your primary care provider. If your doctor has a web portal, we recommend messaging and uploading there. If not, give them a call and ask where you can send a photo of the test results. While you wait for a prescription or next steps from your doctor, drink lots of water, as staying hydrated helps flush your urinary tract of bacteria. If you're experiencing pain and discomfort, check out our UTI fast-acting pain relief to help alleviate UTI symptoms.

Our tests are clinically-tested at detecting common forms of UTIs. Remember, only a full urinalysis can detect every type of UTI. So if you have symptoms (even if you tested negative), please contact your primary care provider for assessment and treatment.