What is Canestest?
Canestest is a self-test kit which helps you assess whether you are suffering from thrush or bacterial vaginosis. A healthy vagina has an acidic pH which is designed to keep a balance of good and bad bacteria, and any change to this pH may suggest a bacterial infection. Therefore, Canestest tests for a higher than normal pH to self-diagnose bacterial vaginosis. If the pH is normal, it is more likely that the symptoms being experienced are thrush.
How do I use Canestest?
Unwrap the Canestest swab from the packaging, being very careful not to allow the swab to come into contact with anything.
Holding the Canestest swab by the handle, insert the yellow tip into the vagina.
Rotate the swab, then remove. Wait 10 seconds to see if the colour changes.
If your Canestest swab did not change colour after 10 seconds, it means you may have thrush. We have a number of safe and effective treatments, such as Canesten Cream, Canesten Duo and Fluconazole.
If your Canestest swab changed colour to blue or green, it means that you may have a bacterial vaginosis. In this case, you should consult your doctor.
What are the precautions and contraindications when using Canestest?
- To ensure that the test results are as accurate as possible, do not use Canestest if you have any of the following conditions:
- It is less than one day before, or the day after your period
- You notice any signs of menstruation or any other signs of vaginal bleeding
- It has been less than 12 hours since sexual intercourse or vaginal douching
Having any of the conditions above may affect the test results and can cause false positive results
- Make sure not to insert the swab deeper than the handling points of the swab.
- If you are pregnant, make sure to consult with your GP prior to taking the test to ensure that the test results are interpreted correctly and the right medication is prescribed by a medical professional.
- Do not use Canestest if you are menopausal or post-menopausal as some women may have an elevated vaginal pH. As a result, a false positive result might be received even though you are not suffering from bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis.