Abstract: Self diagnostic devices and methods for detecting a physical condition of a female based on a property of a vaginal secretion of the female are provided. The device comprises: a region of the device which receives the vaginal secretion from a body of the female and changes in appearance based on whether the vaginal secretion has a selected physical property; and a mounting mechanism for mounting the region of the device on the body adjacent to and external from the vagina such that the region receives secretions from the vagina and does not substantially lose water or other volatile components of the vaginal secretion due to vaporization. The device can be used for convenient diagnosis of vaginal infections such as infections caused by yeast, bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms.

Abstract: A method and device for distinguishing between yeast infection and other secretion-causing conditions makes use of the observation that secretions caused by yeast infection generally have a pH of less than about 4.5, whereas most other conditions cause less acid secretions. The device is for use by the woman having the secretions and does not involve introducing anything into the body nor does it require special skills or training. A material that indicates pH by a color change is mounted on a catamenial pad, pantyliner or the like worn on the body so as to be wetted by the secretions draining from the vagina. Observation of the color of the wetted material enables the user, by simple comparison to a color chart, to determine whether she has a yeast infection that is treatable by medicine available without medical prescription or whether she should instead see a physician because yeast treatment would be ineffectual and would delay proper treatment.