Finding out about a female infection used to take weeks, or at least days, and cost tens of thousands of dollars. I had to see a gynaecologist, have a lab test, wait for the results, and experience the feeling of uncertainty. The use of rapid pregnancy tests and COVID tests is now commonplace, and many women are also learning about new rapid tests for women that provide immediate, accurate results at a lower cost.

The delicate pH balance of the vagina

The acidic pH of the vagina is of paramount importance in protecting against pathogens. Inadequate chemistry creates negative conditions for pathogens, they cannot reproduce properly in such a medium, so even if they do get in, a pH between 3.8 and 4.4 prevents them from colonising and multiplying. This is thanks to the Lactobacilli in the vagina that produce this medium.

If the balance of the vaginal flora is upset due to a problem (e.g. antibiotic treatment, excessive intimate hygiene), the acidity of the vagina decreases, which in turn creates the opportunity for pathogens (various fungi and bacteria) to multiply. The most common symptoms are itching, burning sensation, dryness, increased vaginal discharge, smelly vaginal discharge. In pregnant women, it can also cause not only unpleasant but also dangerous symptoms: premature birth, premature rupture of the uterus, contamination of the amniotic fluid and bacterial infection of the foetus.

Fortunately, the upset balance is easy to check. A viola
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Vaginal pH Test, a quick test that shows the current pH value in a bar graph in the comfort of your home, will give you an answer within one minute if your chemistry is in the right zone. If everything is fine, you can relax, if it has moved into the abnormal range, you should consult your doctor about restoring healthy flora. The earlier treatment starts, the faster and more certain the recovery.

Did you know that vaginal PH can also affect pregnancy? Worth testing!

New generation of pregnancy tests

In addition to the well-established traditional pregnancy tests, extra rapid pregnancy tests are now available that can detect pregnancy within days of conception. The principle of the test is to detect the HCG hormone, which researchers have rightly linked to fertility for almost a century.

After a few days of migration, the fertilised egg travels from the fallopian tube to the uterus, where it becomes embedded in the lining of the uterus. This hormone starts to be produced in the female body from the time the egg is implanted, in the cells of the developing tissue structures and later in the placenta. The implantation usually takes place 6-10 days after ovulation. day of the week. HCG hormone levels increase steadily and sharply for 10-12 weeks after fertilisation, so detecting pregnancy using a test is a simple and reliable method.

The more sensitive a test is, the sooner it will show that a pregnancy has occurred. In the past, it was recommended to do the first tests after the first missed menstrual period, then at the time of expected menses, and as the quality of the tests has improved, they have been recommended for the days before menstruation.

The previous detection limit of 50 IU/l has been reduced over the years to a level of 10-25 IU/l. The majority of tests today can detect HCG hormone in this range. In 2022, however, the premium Austrian-made ^viola® Extra Early Pregnancy Test will be available, giving reliable results from as low as 5 IU/l.

Even a small rise in hormone levels is a sign

Healthy, non-pregnant women have an average HCG hormone level of 3 IU/l, so the ^viola® Extra Early Pregnancy Test detects very small increases in hormone levels before the egg has implanted. This means that it can detect pregnancy with a high degree of certainty from the eighth(!) day of conception until the next menstrual cycle!

Needless to say, a test with high sensitivity and the ability to detect pregnancy as early as possible can be of huge importance to women and their families. Because couples find out the news early, they have more time to protect the health of the new mother and to make lifestyle changes. For a woman working in a dangerous workplace, it is particularly important to find out about her pregnancy as early as possible so that she can protect her foetus at an early stage when it could be at greatest risk. There will also be more time to carefully prepare for the baby’s arrival. And if pregnancy is not wanted, there is also time to think about further options.

Tests for informed family planning

The manufacturer is CARE Diagnostica GmbH, an experienced Austrian company with four decades of experience in the research, development and manufacture of rapid diagnostic tests for professional and home use. He has also created useful tests for women (chlamydia, urinary tract infection, vaginal PH), including the ^viola® Ovulation Test, which, combined with the Extra Early Pregnancy Test, can be an ideal tool for couples planning a baby.

Or would you like to buy it in person? You can now buy viola Vaginal pH and viola Extra Early Pregnancy Tests at drugstores!