Canestest

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) and thrush are often hard to distinguish from each other, especially if you haven’t encountered them before. Knowing the difference is important, as each requires a different kind of treatment. Canestest was developed to provide a safe and reliable way for women to self-diagnose and choose the right course of action.

How does it do this? The test identifies whether your vaginal PH levels are unusually high, which the user then interprets along with the symptoms chart displayed on the pack. By knowing your vaginal PH and observing your symptoms, it’s possible to work out exactly which infection you’re suffering from – and what’s needed to treat it.

What is Canestest?

In a nutshell, the Canestest test kit offers women a cheap and convenient way to interpret whether they’re suffering from BV or thrush. You can take this BV test at home. The results are immediate and over 90% accurate.

With a simple swab test, you will be able to see if your vaginal PH levels are within the normal range. This, alongside observation of your other symptoms, will help you to understand which vaginal infection you have – and what the steps are for treating it. In addition to identifying BV and thrush, it will also identify trichomoniasis: a common STD.

Thrush & bacterial vaginosis: what’s the difference?

BV and thrush and both common infections, and while they exhibit similar symptoms, they’re not the same and require separate types of treatment. Identifying which infection you have is not always straightforward, especially if you haven’t had one before. So what are the differences?

Thrush is caused by an overgrowth of yeast, leading to itchiness, soreness, and usually some white discharge. By contrast, BV is a bacterial infection, leading to a fishy smell and often accompanied by a grey-white watery discharge. Canestest eliminates the guesswork so you know exactly what you’re dealing with.

How does Canestest work?

Canestest works by measuring your vaginal pH level. The vagina is normally slightly acidic, helping to maintain bacterial balance. Changes to your natural pH level can indicate which infection you’re most likely to have – if your pH levels are high, it’s more likely that you’re suffering from BV. However, if they’re normal, then your symptoms are probably due to thrush. Canestest detects changes in vaginal pH with more than 90% accuracy.

Taking the test, as well as checking your symptoms, will allow you to be clear about whether you have a yeast or bacterial infection, so you can select the appropriate treatment. It’s easy to use and works within seconds, changing colour to indicate the outcome.

Natural treatments for BV and thrush symptoms

If you find yourself suffering from BV or thrush, we recommend choosing a proven medical treatment that will clear the infection quickly, like Metronidazole tablets or Zidoval vaginal gel (for BV) or a Fluconazole capsule or Canesten pessary (for thrush).

How do you use Canestest?

Using the Canestest self test kit is very straightforward, and no more uncomfortable or complicated than using a tampon. The test should not be used less than 24 hours before or after your period. Additionally, you should leave 12 hours following sex or vaginal douching to ensure accurate results.

Canestest instructions

Instructions for use:

1. Unwrap the swab, ensuring that it doesn’t come into contact with anything before insertion.
2. Holding the swab by the handle, insert the yellow tip into your vagina, rotate and remove.
   
3. After 10 seconds, check the tip of the swab to see if the colour has changed.

Interpreting the results

• No colour change after 10 seconds – you may be suffering from thrush. Check the symptoms indicated by the symptoms table. View our range of thrush treatments, such as Canesten Duo, here.
• Swab becomes blue or green – you may be suffering from BV. Check the symptoms indicated by the symptoms table. View our range of BV treatments, such as Canesbalance vaginal gel, here.
• <Swab becomes yellow-green – you may be suffering from trichomoniasis. This is usually accompanied by symptoms such as frothy discharge, bad odour and pain while urinating. If you think you have trichomoniasis, consult your doctor. You may need to undergo a screening test.

Canestest ingredients

The Canestest vaginal self test kit contains one self-diagnostic swab, designed for easy interpretation and 90% accurate results within 10 seconds of use, subject to some exceptions.

Side effects of using Canestest

There are no side effects associated with using the Canestest self test kit. If the results are in any way confusing, consult a pharmacist or doctor before selecting a treatment. Should the swab be at all stained or damaged on opening, do not use.

Canestest usage warnings

Should you be in any way confused about the result when using the Canestest self test kit, consult a medical professional before choosing a course of action. It’s also important to remember that the accuracy of the result can be affected by the following:

• Pregnancy
• Menopause
• Taking the test less than one day before or after your period
• Taking the test less than 12 hours after intercourse or vaginal douching