Yeast Infection Test Provides Accurate Diagnosis

For most healthy people, physicians can diagnose a Candida infection without performing yeast infection tests. In cases where a patient has not a previous yeast infection, a test may be required for accurate diagnosis. If the infection does not go away after a normal course of treatment or if involves more than one area of the body, more extensive tests may needed.

Yeast infection is caused by Candida albicans, a fungal infection that often infects the vagina. Since other types of vaginal infections show similar symptoms, yeast infection is diagnosed by performing a test that involves inspecting the vaginal secretions under a microscope. If diagnosed and treated properly, yeast infection is not usually dangerous and is easy to cure in most cases.

The only definitive way to diagnose a vaginal yeast infection is to complete a full gynecologic exam and laboratory test. This exam includes using a specialized instrument (speculum) to hold open the vagina. The yeast infection exam can be uncomfortable because of pressure against the tissues. The doctor takes a swab of the discharge and may obtain cultures to rule out other diseases. To perform the test, a swab of yeast is mixed with a drop of potassium hydroxide and is placed on a slide. If yeast is present, a specific branching pattern is seen through the microscope.

The doctor may then insert two fingers into the vagina and gently press on the uterus, ovaries and surrounding areas to check for any tenderness or other problems that can accompany yeast infections. They doctor may also take blood and urine specimens after this exam. Women should not douche or have sexual intercourse 1-2 days before the yeast infection exam because doing so may make the diagnosis more difficult.

In the case of toddlers with yeast infections, the diagnostic test involves microscopic testing of skin scraping for the affected area. Yeast infections are common in toddlers because they thrive in warm, web environments like diapers. If a typical diaper rash doesn't clear up after two days of treatment, then you should consult your pediatrician to determine if your toddler may be suffering from a yeast infection. Yeast infections in toddler than go untreated can cause severe discomfort.

Because yeast infection symptoms often vary from person to person, only a test performed by a physician can provide an accurate, definitive diagnosis. Studies show that 50% of people who think they have a yeast infection actually have another type of problem. If you suspect you have a yeast infection you should consult your doctor to schedule a yeast infection test.

Learn more about hydrogen peroxide for yeast infections on our site. You'll also find other information such as yeast infection and skin and candida yeast infection. YeastInfectionTreatment.org is a comprehensive resource to help individuals with yeast infection to identify symptoms, prevention and treatment options.