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We tested a new pH self-test kit from Disc-chem that claims to help differentiate common vaginal infections so you can seek the right treatment option.
Actor Femme Home
Urinary Tract Infection Test
Cost R42.95
Available at Dis-Chem
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The gatekeepers of patriarchy are quite a laughable bunch.
Amid upholding ridiculous standards such as vaginas having to smell like vanilla oil and taste like pineapples, did it ever occur to them that a vagina should maybe taste and smell exactly like a vagina?
Unfortunately, the myths and shame surrounding vaginal health is a conundrum that often leaves patriarchy with the last laugh.
As if it isn’t hard enough to endure your own uterus lining waging war against you, and the costly sanitary products, one also has to endure slut-shaming and a general lack of compassion from healthcare workers. Perhaps, a home testing kit for urinary tract infections (UTI) is exactly what we need.
In the true spirit of “Dorah, the infection-kit testing explorer”, I went on a Dis-Chem date and a Clicks convention. I had heard about a new product launched by Clicks stores.
It’s a pH self-test kit that helps differentiate common vaginal infections and helps you seek the right treatment option. But after visiting a branch and contacting the Clicks client services centre I was told it was not available.
Dis-Chem did have UTI home test kits available. The box has two urine test strips, just like the doctors’.
Pros: An easy-to-use colour chart at the back of the box helps you analyse the results. Instructions and a patient information leaflet are also included.
I found it very helpful as it explains what a UTI is, its causes, symptoms, warnings, precautions and answers to frequently asked questions.
The directions are easy to follow.
Cons: The test strips gave me different results. I bought another box which gave me different results.
My results were inconclusive. The results become invalid after 60 seconds, so if you take too long to compare them to the colour chart they will be useless.
If the pouches are not adequately sealed, or are exposed to high humidity they can give you a positive result. Vaginal discharge can cause contamination on some specimens thus resulting in positive outcomes.
The colour development is also not proportionate to the amount of bacteria present.
The test detects nitrate-only-producing bacteria, so a negative result cannot rule out a UTI or other infections. Urine containing menstrual blood often tests positive.
So, sadly, I would not recommend the use of the test to check if you have vaginal infections.
