Yeast Infection Test - Truth About Testing For Yeast Infection

Yeast Infection Treatment

A Yeast infection test is generally required for someone who has never experienced it before however, for those who have then the diagnosis by a doctor can be straightforward. But it raises the concern about people who assume they have Yeast infection from what they read and this is a practice not encouraged.

Unless you have the knowledge and training in this area then seeking medical confirmation is a smart move. Generally, yeast infection is easy to spot but this is not a green light for you to confirm your own diagnosis.

Are Yeast Infection Tests Necessary?

If a yeast infection is so easy to diagnose then why should you get a yeast infection test? The reason for this is because there are other vaginal infections that can have similar symptoms to a yeast infection.

Therefore, a doctor will need to do a microscopic examination of the vaginal secretions to inspect them in order to confirm a diagnosis. It is normally easy to treat and doesn’t become dangerous as long as it is diagnosed and treated properly.

What You Can Expect During A Test

A full yeast infection test that includes a gynecologic exam and a laboratory test is the only way to get a definitive diagnosis of a vaginal infection. Included in this exam is a specialized instrument called a speculum to help hold open the vagina. Because of the pressure against the tissues there can be some uncomfortable feelings with a yeast infection test.

A doctor will often take a few swabs of the discharge and then obtain cultures to rule out other diseases while performing a test of potassium hydroxide mixed with the discharge on a slide. The doctor will see a specific branching pattern under the microscope if yeast in present.

Next the doctor will check for other problems that can accompany infections by inserting two fingers into the vagina and gently pressing on the uterus, ovaries and surrounding areas to look for tenderness or other problems.

In addition, some doctors will choose to take blood and urine specimens. A diagnosis can be made more difficult if a woman has sexual intercourse or a douche about one to two days before the yeast infection test.

In the case of a yeast infection in a toddler a microscopic examination is done of a skin scraping from the affected area. Infections are likely to happen in toddlers since they thrive in areas that are warm and wet such as diapers.

You should take your child to a pediatrician if a typical diaper rash doesn’t clear up after two days of treatment since a test should be done for a yeast infection. Severe discomfort can result if a yeast infection is left untreated in toddlers.

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