The 5 best at-home yeast infection tests of 2025

Yahoo

02-07-2025

An estimated 75% of women will experience at least one yeast infection, or vaginal candidiasis (CV), in their lifetime, and nearly half will experience two or more infections. Unfortunately, yeast infections can be hard to distinguish from other vaginal conditions and sexually transmitted diseases, most notably bacterial vaginosis (BV) and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV), as all three are a type of vaginitis (the clinical word for inflammation of the vagina) that cause similar symptoms including redness, itching, vaginal pain and burning.
The symptoms may be the same, but the treatment for each of these conditions is different, so it's important to determine which one you have. While it's always best to see your health care provider, if you're looking to get answers fast (particularly if you have to wait a few days for an appointment with your primary care doctor), the best at-home yeast infection test kits offer a convenient solution.
Best at-home yeast infection test overall
Other top at-home yeast infection tests we recommend for 2025
Factors to consider when choosing an at-home yeast infection test
How we chose
FAQs
Meet our experts
These home-based tests help you assess your vaginal health to quickly find out if your pH levels are off or if there are other possible factors at play. According to Dr. Alyssa Dweck, board-certified gynecologist and chief medical officer at Bonafide Health, home tests are especially beneficial for "those who have had a definitively diagnosed yeast infection in the past and feel they have another infection." They can also help you garner important information that you can share with your doctor, particularly if you're seeing your provider through a telehealth platform, she says.
However, "for those with recurrent symptoms, a formal in-office culture is advised to check for diagnosis of yeast as opposed to BV, trichomonas or another STI so proper treatment can be initiated," she says. Still, since most yeast infections can be treated without a prescription, at-home tests can be a useful tool. "Over-the-counter yeast remedies, such as Monistat or a generic equivalent, are quite effective for simple yeast vaginitis," Dweck says.
To help you find the best at-home yeast infection test for your needs, we spoke with a panel of medical experts to learn about the various self-administered tests on the market. Then, using my own knowledge as a health care professional and the experts' input, I researched more than 20 different yeast infection and pH tests and rated each based on accuracy, virtual medical support offered — including prescribing doctors on staff — ease of use, the wait time should a sample need to be mailed to a lab and the test kit's price point. Here are the best at-home yeast infection tests for 2025, according to our research and experts. And of course, the market for at-home test kits is expanding, so it's worth noting you can also check out our top picks for best at-home STD tests and best at-home fertility tests too.
Update, Jul. 02, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability. Our No. 1 pick for the best yeast infection test kit changed, as the previous option was from Stix, which is now Winx.
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When choosing the right yeast infection test for you, consider the following factors:
Type of test: When it comes to at-home yeast infection tests, you have the option of either a vaginal pH test (a cheaper option) with on-the-spot results or a lab test for a more accurate, in-depth screening. If you opt for a lab test, also consider what is being tested. Some tests — like the ones from Daye — look at your entire vaginal microbiome and can give you a more detailed understanding of your vaginal health. There are also tests that combine yeast infection and STD screenings, such as the test from MyLab Box.
Accuracy: Lab tests are going to be more accurate than vaginal pH strips. If you choose a lab-based test, make sure to use a reputable company that uses CAP- and CLIA-certified labs for the most accurate results.
Time until results: Lab tests can take anywhere from two to 10 days for results. If you need something sooner, vaginal pH tests offer almost-instant results.
Medical support: Many lab-based tests offer doctor consultations and treatment options for positive results. With some, consultations are included in the price of the initial test, whereas others offer consults for an additional fee.
Cost: The tests on this list range from $14 to $200 (or more, depending on additional testing options). Tests that require lab processing are pricier, while vaginal pH tests offer a more affordable option. Also, consider the cost of shipping, treatment plans and medical support. You may be able to offset the cost of some tests by paying with your HSA or FSA funds.
Privacy: Make sure to choose a company that is HIPAA-compliant and safeguards your information. Additionally, some tests are shipped in discreet packaging.
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To find the best at-home yeast infection test available, our team researched more than 20 different options and compared them based on cost, ease of use and accuracy. We made selections based on my own experience as a health care professional and health journalist along with the expert input of a panel of obstetrician-gynecologists (ob-gyns), reproductive endocrinologists and other health care professionals specializing in female sexual and reproductive health.
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Yeast infections are caused by a type of fungi called candida (a genus of yeast). Candida naturally lives in and on your body, but when there's an overgrowth, it can lead to infections, including oral thrush and vaginal candidiasis.
Dr. Madeline Stark, an ob-gyn based in Chicago, notes that there are certain risk factors that can make vaginal yeast infections more likely:
Diabetes — Yeast feeds on glucose, so women who have elevated blood glucose levels are often at a higher risk.
Antibiotics — Since antibiotics kill bacteria, including good bacteria, yeast can grow unchecked.
Compromised immunity — being immunocompromised makes it harder for the immune system to prevent infection.
Increased estrogen — Yeast infections are more common in women with higher levels of estrogen, such as women who are pregnant or on hormonal birth control.
There are two different types of at-home yeast infection tests: 100% at-home vaginal pH tests and lab-based tests where you take a sample at home, then ship the sample to a predetermined lab using the shipping materials included with the test kit.
Vaginal pH tests are done entirely at home and results are ready in a matter of minutes. These tests measure your vaginal pH levels to help determine whether you have an infection. Different infections are associated with different pH levels. When you have a yeast infection, symptoms of burning, itching and discomfort are typically associated with a normal pH. With BV and trich, your pH levels are typically much higher, so by process of elimination it's possible to determine which of the three infections you may be experiencing.
Lab-based tests are much more accurate, says Stark. With these tests, only the sample collection is done at home. The testing process is done in a lab using nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT), which can detect the presence of yeast.
Probably not, says Dr. Stephanie Hack, board-certified ob-gyn, "While a mild yeast infection can occasionally resolve on its own, most of the time, untreated infections will only get worse."
Stark adds, "In some cases, symptoms of itching, irritation and increased discharge can occur and then resolve within a few days, which can be mistaken for a mild infection." But, she says, "In this scenario, it's more likely that yeast was not the culprit."
Yeast infections are usually not contagious, says Hack, however it is possible to transmit an infection to a partner. "A large amount of yeast could be introduced into the vagina through a yeast infection on the glans penis," she says, adding that the passage of yeast can go both ways. Some men, as many as 15%, can develop an itchy rash on their penis after unprotected sex with a partner who has a yeast infection.
Yeast infections can cause irritation, inflammation and discomfort of the vagina and vulva, says Dr. Jill Purdie, board-certified ob-gyn. Symptoms can vary, but they typically include:
Vaginal itching
A burning sensation when urinating or during intercourse
Redness or swelling of the vulva
Pain or soreness
Red, scaly rash
An abnormal discharge — it can be thin and watery or thick, white and clumpy with a cottage cheese-like appearance
Discharge is generally odor-free
It's important to note that symptoms can vary so it's always a good idea to consult a healthcare provider, especially if you've never had a yeast infection before.
Yeast infections are treated with a type of antifungal medication called azoles, says Stark. It comes in either topical or oral form and there are over-the-counter and prescription options available. Over-the-counter medications include topical creams, ointments and vaginal suppositories, while oral medications require a prescription. There is also a prescription-strength cream available.
Both topical and oral antifungals have similar effectiveness, Stark says, so treatment is typically based on individual preference. The only exception, she says, is during pregnancy. Topical medications are recommended for women who are pregnant, especially during the first trimester.
It depends on the type of test you choose, Purdie says. Tests which are based on vaginal pH are far more limited. If your vaginal pH is higher than normal, it can be indicative of a yeast infection, but these kinds of tests can't tell you for sure if you have an infection. Lab-based tests, on the other hand, actually check your vaginal fluid for the presence of yeast or other bacteria, so they are the equivalent to the type of testing that you'd receive at a doctor's office.
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Dr. Alyssa Dweck, gynecologist and chief medical officer at Bonafide Health
Dr. Stephanie Hack, obstetrician and gynecologist
Dr. Madeline Stark, obstetrician and gynecologist
Dr. Jill Purdie, obstetrician
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Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.