Canestest - Self Test Kit for Vaginal Infections

What is the Canestest self-test kit?

Canestest is a self-test kit for vaginal infections such as bacterial vaginosis (BV) and thrush.

Canestest self-test is easy to use and means that you can diagnose your problem quickly and discreetly. Using this product will ensure that you get the right treatment for the right condition, which is vital for maintaining vaginal health.

You can buy a Canestest self-test kit for vaginal infections over the counter. This allows you to discreetly test for infection and seek treatment swiftly if required.

How does Canestest work?

Canestest identifies whether the normal pH levels in your vagina are unusually high. The user can then interpret this reading alongside the symptoms chart on the product's packet. By getting a reading of your vagina's pH level and keeping an eye on your symptoms, you will be able to work out what you are suffering from and what you need to do to resolve the problem, ensuring you are prescribed the right treatment.

What is the difference between thrush and bacterial vaginosis?

Thrush and bacterial vaginosis are both common vaginal infections. While they require different forms of treatment and are very different conditions, they often exhibit similar symptoms. For this reason, it can be difficult for women to identify which condition they have, particularly if they have never suffered from either before.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a bacterial infection that can cause a fishy smell and watery discharge that is a grey colour. This symptom is particularly common after having sex. However, half of the women who suffer from BV do not exhibit any symptoms at all. It is not usually painful or itchy.

On the other hand, thrush is the result of an overgrowth of yeast in the vagina and does cause soreness and itching. It is also common to have a white discharge that does not have any odour. Furthermore, you may experience pain and stinging during sex and while urinating.

What do my results mean and what treatment is available?

• If there is no colour change after 10 seconds, you may have thrush. Check the symptoms table, which can be found on the pack.
• If the swab changes to a blue or green colour, you may be suffering from bacterial vaginosis. Check the symptoms table on the pack.
• If the swab changes to a yellow-green colour, you may be suffering from trichomoniasis. This condition normally includes symptoms like a bad smell, frothy discharge and pain while urinating. You should speak to your doctor if you think you may have trichomoniasis. If they suspect you have this condition, you may need to have a screening test.

Who can use Canestest?

This product is suitable for women who fear they may have common vaginal infections, such as thrush or bacterial vaginosis (BV).

Your results may not be accurate:

• If you are going through the menopause
• If you are pregnant
• If you take the test in the 24 hours before or after you period
• If you take the test less than 12 hours after vaginal douching or having sexual intercourse

Always read the information that comes with the test kit for full details.

Can you buy Canestest over the counter?

You do not need a prescription for Canestest, so it can be bought over the counter from your local chemist.

Can you buy Canestest online in the UK?

You can buy Canestest online from Medicine Direct. We offer speedy UK delivery, and if you place your order by 2pm we can have your product with you the very next day.

Treatments for thrush and bacterial vaginosis

Whichever problem you are suffering from, Medicine Direct stocks various medications to help clear both BV and thrush swiftly and effectively.  

Fluconazole tablets can be taken as a single-dose medicine to effectively treat thrush in both men and women. This medicine kills the bacteria that causes thrush and normally relieves the problem within a few days.

Clotrimazole, a topical cream, provides effective treatment for thrush. This medicine also kills the yeast that causes the infection.

Canestest cream contains clotrimazole as the active ingredient. This topical treatment works in the same way as generic Clotrimazole cream and can clear the symptoms of thrush within a week.

A popular prescription treatment for bacterial vaginosis (BV) is Metronidazole 400mg tablets, which is an antibiotic and antiprotozoal medication. This prescription-only medicine (POM) stops the bacteria and parasites from growing, allowing the body time to heal properly.

Balance Activ wipes can be purchased without a prescription. One pack contains seven wipes, one for each day of the week. This is a seven-day treatment and works by restoring the natural pH balance of the vagina.