Diagnosingyeast infectionsis best done by a healthcare provider.
The standard test involves a physical examinationthe condition can cause a clumpy white discharge.
However, that discharge alone is not enough to diagnose a vaginal yeast infection.
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The doctor must also determine whether there is yeast present in the vaginal secretions.
They may not have serious long-term health consequences, but they’re uncomfortable.
Self-Checks/At-Home Testing
Commercially available home tests for diagnosing yeast infections don’t specifically test for yeast infections.
Instead, they are used to determine if the vaginal pH is abnormal.
Just having yeast in the vagina isn’t necessarily a problem.
It’s only a problem when the yeast overgrows.
Lab Tests
The standard test for a yeast infection is a microscopic examination of avaginal smearsample.
Yeast is often visually detectable in such samples.
The vaginal smear can be taken by the doctor.
Note: This punch in of self-smear is different than a home test for yeast.
You take the smear, but the doctor still examines it using a microscope.
Recurrent Infections
If you’ve had recurrent yeast infections or complicated symptoms, other tests are available.
Your doctor may send your vaginal fluid to a laboratory for a yeast culture.
Often, infections that are not curable through standard treatments are resulting from less common types of yeast.
Molecular Tests
Molecular testsare sometimes used in the diagnosis of yeast infections.
As withurine tests for other STIs, these tests can identify very small amounts of yeast in the urine.
This method is less useful for diagnosing a yeast infection than it is for identifying chlamydia or gonorrhea.
Differential Diagnoses
A number of vaginal health conditions have very similar symptoms to a yeast infection.
Without testing, it’s hard to know if you’re getting the right medication.
Frequently Asked Questions
A vaginal yeast infection (vaginal candidiasis) is diagnosed with apelvic exam.
Your doctors will examine the affected area and take a swab of vaginal discharge to view with a microscope.
If theCandidafungus is not readily identified, a sample can be sent to the lab for further evaluation.
A yeast infection can be definitively diagnosed with aculture test.
Results are usually available within a few days.
No preparation is needed.
Yes, there areseveral at-home teststhat can help diagnose a yeast infection.
The tests dont detectCandidafungus; rather, they measure vaginalpHas indicated by a color change on the vaginal swab.
Low acidity (high pH) is indicated by a color change and is more indicative of bacterial vaginosis.
Normal acidity (indicated by a lack of color change) is more indicative of a yeast infection.
BV and TV can be differentiated by high vaginal pH (over 4.5).
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