The Canestest Self-Test offers individuals a convenient way to get an initial indication of common vaginal infections like thrush or bacterial vaginosis from the privacy of their home. It quickly identifies potential issues by measuring vaginal pH, providing results in just 10 seconds. However, it's crucial to remember that this test is for "initial diagnosis" and not a substitute for professional medical advice, especially given certain conditions that can affect accuracy.
Rapid Results: Provides an initial indication of infection within just 10 seconds.
Home Comfort: Allows for discreet self-testing for common vaginal infections.
pH-Based Diagnosis: Utilizes changes in vaginal pH levels to help distinguish between bacterial vaginosis and thrush.
Clinically Tested: Designed for reliability in detecting common vaginal conditions.
Easy-to-Use Swab: Simple application for user convenience.
Differentiates Symptoms: Helps link specific symptoms (discharge, odor, itching) to probable conditions.
Convenient Home Use: Test in the privacy and comfort of your own home.
Quick Results: Get an indication of infection within 10 seconds.
Initial Diagnostic Tool: Helps differentiate between common infections like thrush and BV.
Empowers Users: Provides a first step in understanding vaginal health concerns.
Not a Definitive Diagnosis: Does not replace a doctor's confirmed diagnosis.
Usage Restrictions: Cannot be used during menstruation, bleeding, or after recent sexual activity/douching.
Potential Inaccuracy for Menopausal Women: Elevated pH levels can lead to false results.
Limited Scope: Only tests for thrush and bacterial vaginosis, not other infections.
Convenient Home Use: Test in the privacy and comfort of your own home.
Quick Results: Get an indication of infection within 10 seconds.
Initial Diagnostic Tool: Helps differentiate between common infections like thrush and BV.
Empowers Users: Provides a first step in understanding vaginal health concerns.
Not a Definitive Diagnosis: Does not replace a doctor's confirmed diagnosis.
Usage Restrictions: Cannot be used during menstruation, bleeding, or after recent sexual activity/douching.
Potential Inaccuracy for Menopausal Women: Elevated pH levels can lead to false results.
Limited Scope: Only tests for thrush and bacterial vaginosis, not other infections.
The Canestest Self-Test works by measuring your vaginal pH level, a key indicator that can help distinguish between common vaginal infections. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) typically causes an elevated vaginal pH (above 4.5), while thrush usually doesn't significantly alter pH.
To use, you'll insert the swab, wait 10 seconds, and observe the color change to determine your result.
Symptoms often associated with Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) include: a thin white or grey discharge, vaginal pain, itching, burning, and notably, a 'fish-like' odor.
Symptoms often associated with Thrush include: soreness or stinging, a white discharge (which typically doesn't smell), itching and irritation, and redness.
When to use:
Use the Canestest when you experience any of the symptoms listed above and wish to get a quick indication of the likely cause before consulting a healthcare professional. For example, if you have a strong 'fish-like' odor, the test can help confirm if a pH imbalance (suggesting BV) is present. If you have intense itching but no strong odor, the test can help rule out BV, pointing towards thrush.
Preparation: Ensure your hands are clean and dry. Open the foil pouch and remove the swab.
Insertion: Hold the swab by the handle and insert the yellow tip gently into your vagina, rotating it a few times to collect a sample from the vaginal wall.
Result: Remove the swab and wait 10 seconds. Observe the color change on the yellow tip. Compare the color to the provided color chart to interpret your result.
Disposal: Safely dispose of the used swab after reading the result.
To ensure accurate results and avoid misleading readings, do not use the Canestest Self-Test under the following conditions:
Menstruation: If you are within one day before or after your menstrual period.
Vaginal Bleeding: If you are experiencing any signs of vaginal bleeding.
Recent Sexual Activity: If you have had sexual intercourse within the last 12 hours.
Recent Douching: If you have used a vaginal douche within the last 12 hours.
Menopause: Be aware that menopausal women may naturally have an elevated vaginal pH, which could lead to inaccurate results with this test.
Store the test kit in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
Do not use the test if the packaging is damaged or expired.
The swab is for single use only; do not attempt to reuse it.