Vaginal Yeast Infections

Exams and Tests

Your doctor may be able to diagnose your vaginal symptoms based on your medical history and a vaginal examination.

If your vaginal symptoms are not typical of a vaginal yeast infection, your doctor can look for signs of yeast or other organisms using a wet mount test of vaginal discharge.

You may have other tests if you have vaginal yeast infections that are severe or that keep coming back (recur), such as:

  • A vaginal culture. This test can confirm that you have a yeast infection. A sample of vaginal discharge can be taken during a wet mount test. If more than the normal amount of yeast grows in the sample over a short period of time (a few days), then your symptoms are likely caused by a yeast infection.
  • A blood test to find out if you may have diabetes or another health problem that makes you more likely to get yeast infections.

Although a yeast infection can be detected during a routine Pap test, this type of test is not typically done to diagnose vaginal infections.


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Author: Sandy Jocoy, RN Last Updated: June 17, 2008
Medical Review: Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine
Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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