Test Vagina
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Test Vagina
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Tracee Cornforth is a freelance writer who covers menstruation, menstrual disorders, and other women's health issues.
Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more .
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Wash your hands. Remove the pH swab from the package by its handle. Do not allow the pH paper to come into contact with anything. Hold the swab handle between your thumb and forefinger so that the test strip is facing your thumb. Spread your labia with your free hand. Insert the swab into your vagina, tilting it so that the paper comes fully in contact with the vaginal wall. Hold for 5 seconds. Remove the swab, being careful not to touch the paper.
When should I use a vaginal pH test?
What does a vaginal pH test diagnose?
Does a normal vaginal pH mean that I don't have an infection?
Do home vaginal pH tests differ from those used by healthcare providers?
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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Anita Sadaty, MD, is board-certified in obstetrics-gynecology. She is a clinical assistant professor at Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine and founder of Redefining Health Medical.
Your gynecologist may already have tested your vaginal pH many times. This allows your healthcare provider to determine the acidity or alkalinity of your vaginal secretions. Why is this information important for them to know, and why should you learn it, too?
You may want to test your vaginal pH if you are experiencing unusual vaginal symptoms, such as itching, burning, a foul vaginal odor, or abnormal vaginal discharge .
This can help you decide whether or not you might need medical treatment. However, you should understand that an at-home test will not help diagnose HIV , chlamydia , herpes , gonorrhea , syphilis , or group B streptococcus. 1
Frequently, when women experience unusual vaginal symptoms, the first thing that comes to mind is vaginal yeast infections . If you experience vaginal symptoms that you think might indicate a vaginal yeast infection, this test can help you rule out other types of infections.
Before you treat yourself using over-the-counter (OTC) medications, you may be well served to confirm the diagnosis with your healthcare provider.
A home vaginal pH test kit generally includes a piece of pH test paper and a color chart for determining your vaginal pH results. The test is performed by placing a test paper against the wall of your vagina and comparing the color change against a reference chart. 1
If your test comes with a color reference chart, compare the color of the strip to obtain the pH value. Other tests will only read "normal" (white) or "abnormal" (blue/green).
For color reference kits, vaginal acidity/alkalinity is measured on a scale of 1 to 14. Normal vaginal pH is 3.8 to 4.5 (slightly acidic). Abnormal values are those that higher or lower than this range. Higher ranges are more alkaline; lower ranges are more acidic. 2
Abnormal vaginal pH frequently indicates the presence of a vaginal infection. However, you should know that not all vaginal infections cause changes to vaginal pH. This means that having a normal vaginal pH test does not necessarily mean that you do not have a vaginal infection. 3
If your vaginal pH is above normal, the most likely reason is that you have bacterial vaginosis (BV) and not a yeast infection. In this case, don't use OTC medications for vaginal yeast infections, because the medication will not treat your BV. 4 Instead, you'll need to see your healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
On the other hand, if your vaginal pH is normal or below normal and you've had previous vaginal yeast infections diagnosed by a healthcare provider, you can try one of the OTC medications for vaginal yeast infections . If this does not cure your vaginal symptoms or infection, see your healthcare provider for the appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
A vaginal pH test is a simple way to measure how acidic or alkaline your vaginal secretions are. Elevated pH levels may signal a vaginal infection. 5
A vaginal pH test involves a paper test strip that, when swabbed over the vagina, changes color. The test strip is then compared to a color reference chart that measures vaginal pH on a scale of 1 to 14. Normal vaginal pH is between 3.8 and 4.5. Anything below 3.8 or above 4.5 are considered abnormal. 5
You should use a vaginal pH test if there are symptoms of a vaginal infection, such as itching, burning, unpleasant odor , or unusual discharge .
A vaginal pH test only measures vaginal acidity. It can not definitively diagnose any medical condition, although an elevated pH (over 4.5) may suggest bacterial vaginosis (BV) , particularly when accompanied by symptoms .
No. You can have a vaginal infection and still have a normal pH. This is especially true if you have a yeast infection . 6 If you have symptoms of a vaginal infection of any sort, see a healthcare provider no matter what the test says.
They are practically identical. With that said, a healthcare provider can perform other exams and tests to diagnose and treat any infection (including sexually transmitted infections ) more definitively. 5
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Vaginal pH .
Michigan Medicine. University of Michigan. Vaginal wet mount .
Mania-Pramanik J, Kerkar S, Mehta P, Potdar S, Salvi V. Use of vaginal pH in diagnosis of infections and its association with reproductive manifestations . J. Clin. Lab. Anal . 2008;22(5):375-379. doi:10.1002/jcla.20273
Johns Hopkins Medicine. Vaginitis .
Food and Drug Administration. Vaginal pH .
Jeanmonod R, Jeanmonod D. Vaginal candidiasis . In: StatPearls [Internet].
By Tracee Cornforth
Tracee Cornforth is a freelance writer who covers menstruation, menstrual disorders, and other women's health issues.
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A bacterial vaginosis test is a way to diagnose bacterial vaginal infection, a common condition. A healthcare provider will take a sample of vaginal discharge. Then they’ll look at the sample under a microscope, identify a specific odor or measure the sample’s pH. If the test reveals bacterial vaginosis, you may need antibiotics.
Government of Alberta. Tests for Bacterial Vaginosis. (https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/Pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=hw3367) Accessed 11/30/2021.
Hainer BL, Gibson MV. Vaginitis. (https://www.aafp.org/afp/2011/0401/p807.html) Am Fam Physician. 2011 Apr 1;83(7):807-15. Accessed 11/30/2021.
Lab Tests Online. Vaginitis and Vaginosis. (https://labtestsonline.org/conditions/vaginitis-and-vaginosis) Accessed 11/30/2021.
U.S. National Library of Medicine. Bacterial Vaginosis Test. (https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/bacterial-vaginosis-test/) Accessed 11/30/2021.
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A bacterial vaginosis test is a way to diagnose a bacterial vaginal infection. It’s sometimes called a vaginal pH test or a wet mount test.
The test uses a sample of fluid from your vagina. Then a healthcare provider does one or more of the following:
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Healthcare providers use this test to determine if you have bacterial vaginosis , a common infection.
A healthy vagina contains a lot of good bacteria and some bad bacteria. But sometimes, there’s an imbalance. When your vagina contains too much bad bacteria and not enough good bacteria, the imbalance leads to bacterial vaginosis. Symptoms may include:
A primary care provider or gynecologist orders the test and collects the sample needed to send to the lab.
The first step of this test is to get a sample of fluid from your vagina. That sample can undergo several types of tests for bacterial vaginosis. The most common are:
Another, less common test uses the sample to look for the genetic material (DNA) of bacteria.
Your healthcare provider will tell you how to prepare for the test. You’ll likely have to avoid certain things for 24 hours prior, as they can interfere with results:
To collect the sample, you take off your clothes from the waist down. You may have a blanket or paper sheet to drape over your legs. Then you lie down on an exam table and place your feet in stirrups to keep your legs up and apart.
Your healthcare provider inserts a medical tool called a speculum into your vagina. The tool may be covered in lubricant (a smooth, clear gel), so it inserts smoothly with little discomfort. The speculum gently spreads your vaginal walls apart so your healthcare provider can see inside your vagina. This part of the process may cause some discomfort or a feeling of pressure and the speculum may feel cold.
Your healthcare provider inserts a long cotton swab or wooden stick into your vagina and gently scrapes a bit of fluid. Finally, the provider removes the speculum and completes the sample collection.
You may have some mild soreness or very light bleeding. But you will feel better quickly, and you won’t have to restrict your activity after the test.
There aren’t any risks associated with a bacterial vaginosis test.
Results from a bacterial vaginosis test performed by a healthcare professional take about one to three days.
Results of a wet mount or whiff test come back as normal or abnormal. A normal result means there is no bacterial infection. An abnormal result confirms vaginal infection.
Results of a pH test come back as a number. Bacterial vaginosis involves a pH that is higher than normal. A normal, healthy vagina has a pH of 3.8 to 4.5, which is slightly acidic. Anything above 4.5 is considered high. A high pH makes the vagina more likely to become infected.
If the results of a bacterial vaginosis test are positive, your healthcare provider may recommend treatment with antibiotics. The medication may be pills that you swallow or creams or gels that you put into your vagina. Your healthcare provider also may recommend internal or external creams to help ease the symptoms.
Treatment is especially important in people who are pregnant or are trying to become pregnant. Bacterial vaginosis can lead to pregnancy complications.
If the results of the bacterial vaginosis test are negative, your healthcare provider may run additional tests to find out what’s causing the symptoms.
Online vendors, pharmacies and others sell kits that allow you to test for bacterial vaginosis or measure vaginal pH at home. They can provide information about your vaginal health without a doctor’s appointment.
To test for bacterial vaginosis at home, you take a sample of your own vaginal fluid by inserting a swab into your vagina. You seal the sample in a container, then mail it to a lab. It may take the lab a few days to a week to process the sample and get results, depending on the kit you choose.
An at-home vaginal pH test includes a swab or a strip of paper you use to obtain a sample of vaginal fluid. The swab or paper will change color when it touches the vaginal fluid. You compare the color to a chart included in the test to determine the pH level. A high pH could indicate bacterial vaginosis or other vaginal infection.
If you choose to use a home testing kit, follow up with a healthcare provider to confirm the results. If the results are negative, your provider can explore other reasons for the symptoms. If the results are positive, you may need treatment with antibiotics or medications to help you manage symptoms.
A bacterial vaginosis test is a way to diagnose bacterial infection in your vagina. It uses a sample of vaginal discharge, which can be examined in several different ways. If you have symptoms of bacterial vaginosis, talk to a healthcare provider about testing and ways to relieve symptoms. Treatment is essential in people who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 11/30/2021.
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services.
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Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Ⓒ 2022 Dotdash Media, Inc. — All rights reserved
Tracee Cornforth is a freelance writer who covers menstruation, menstrual disorders, and other women's health issues.
Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more .
Medically reviewed by
Anita Sadaty, MD
Learn about our
Medical Expert Board
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Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Ⓒ 2022 Dotdash Media, Inc. — All rights reserved
Verywell Health is part of the Dotdash Meredith publishing family.
We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. Review our Privacy Policy
Anita Sadaty, MD, is board-certified in obstetrics-gynecology. She is a clinical assistant professor at Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine and founder of Redefining Health Medical.
While not recommended by medical professionals, some women give themselves vaginal and cervical self-exams. Supporters of these exams say they help women learn what is normal, allowing women to more quickly recognize changes—a way that you can get to know your body better.
A vaginal self-examination is a way to look at your vulva and vagina to better understand your body and to spot problems that may need medical attention. It is not diagnostic since few vaginal diseases can be diagnosed visually.
A vaginal self-exam is not the same as a vulvar examination. When using the term vagina , many people think of the external genitals; however, examining the outside area would be performing a vulvar exam.
Vulvar exams are easier to perform and can detect physical abnormalities that could be caused by genital herpes or HPV. If you see something abnormal on or near your vulva or labia, you should follow up with your healthcare provider for appropriate testing. 1
A vaginal self-exam should never be considered a substitute for an annual pelvic exam, during which a Pap smear and other tests can detect abnormal changes in cervical and vaginal cells. 1
To perform a vaginal self-exam, you will need a strong light such as a flashlight, a mirror, a vaginal lubricant , antiseptic soap or alcohol, and a plastic speculum. Speculums are available at pharmacies that sell medical supplies.
Some people find it easier to have a friend or partner hold the mirror during the exam. Generally speaking, it is best to avoid self-exams during menses as it may be harder to visualize changes or abnormalities.
There may be many reasons why a person may choose to perform a vaginal self-exam. It may be to learn more about their own body or to detect changes indicative of ovulation or pregnancy. For example, the cervix may turn a bluish color during pregnancy (known as Chadwick's sign). 2
Vaginal secretion may thin during ovulation or thicken once fertilization and egg implantation has occurred. Changes in color and texture can indicate an infection. Sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia may manifest with redness, itching, pain, and cervical swelling. 3 Yeast infections may have a cottage-cheese-like discharge and swelling of the labia. 4
If you find an abnormality, do not self-diagnose and treat with over-the-counter or home remedies based on that conclusion. See a healthcare provider and go through appropriate diagnostic pr
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