How do healthcare professionals diagnose yeast infections. What are the most effective treatments for vaginitis. When should you seek medical attention for vaginal symptoms. How can you prevent recurrent yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis.

Understanding Vaginitis: Types, Symptoms, and Causes

Vaginitis is a common condition affecting many women at some point in their lives. It refers to inflammation or infection of the vagina, often accompanied by discomfort, discharge, and other symptoms. The three main types of vaginitis are yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis (BV), and trichomoniasis.

What is a yeast infection?

A yeast infection, also known as candidiasis, is caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans. This type of vaginitis is characterized by intense itching, redness, and a thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge. Yeast infections are not considered sexually transmitted infections (STIs), but sexual activity can sometimes contribute to their development.

What is bacterial vaginosis?

Bacterial vaginosis occurs when there’s an imbalance in the normal bacterial flora of the vagina. It’s often marked by a thin, grayish-white discharge with a fishy odor, particularly noticeable after sexual intercourse. Unlike yeast infections, BV is not typically associated with significant itching or irritation.

Trichomoniasis: The sexually transmitted vaginitis

Trichomoniasis, caused by a protozoan parasite, is the only form of vaginitis that’s considered a sexually transmitted infection. Symptoms may include a frothy, greenish-yellow discharge, vaginal itching, and in some cases, pain during urination or intercourse.

Diagnostic Approaches for Yeast Infections and Other Forms of Vaginitis

Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment of vaginitis. Healthcare providers employ various methods to determine the underlying cause of vaginal symptoms.

Physical examination and medical history

The diagnostic process typically begins with a thorough review of the patient’s medical history and a physical examination. The healthcare provider will inquire about symptoms, their duration, and any factors that might have triggered the condition.

Microscopic examination of vaginal discharge

One of the primary diagnostic tools for vaginitis is microscopic examination of a sample of vaginal discharge. This can help identify the presence of yeast cells, clue cells (indicative of bacterial vaginosis), or the Trichomonas parasite.

pH testing of vaginal secretions

Measuring the pH of vaginal secretions can provide valuable diagnostic information. A normal vaginal pH is typically between 3.8 and 4.5. Elevated pH levels may suggest bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis, while yeast infections usually don’t significantly alter vaginal pH.

Culture tests for challenging cases

In some instances, particularly when symptoms persist despite initial treatment, a healthcare provider may order a culture test. This involves growing microorganisms from a vaginal sample in a laboratory setting to identify the specific pathogen causing the infection.

Treatment Options for Vaginitis: Tailored Approaches for Different Causes

The treatment for vaginitis varies depending on the underlying cause. Healthcare providers aim to alleviate symptoms and address the root of the problem to prevent recurrence.

Antifungal medications for yeast infections

Yeast infections are typically treated with antifungal medications. These may be available over-the-counter or by prescription, and come in various forms including creams, suppositories, and oral tablets. Common antifungal drugs include fluconazole, miconazole, and clotrimazole.

Antibiotics for bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is usually treated with antibiotics. The most commonly prescribed medications are metronidazole and clindamycin, which can be administered orally or as vaginal gels or creams. It’s crucial to complete the full course of antibiotics even if symptoms improve before finishing the medication.

Antiprotozoal drugs for trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is typically treated with oral antiprotozoal medications, most commonly metronidazole or tinidazole. It’s important that sexual partners also receive treatment to prevent reinfection.

Prevention Strategies: Maintaining Vaginal Health and Reducing Infection Risk

While not all cases of vaginitis can be prevented, there are several steps women can take to reduce their risk of developing these infections.

Proper hygiene practices

Maintaining good vaginal hygiene is essential for preventing vaginitis. This includes wiping from front to back after using the toilet, avoiding douching, and wearing breathable, cotton underwear.

Dietary considerations

Some studies suggest that consuming probiotic-rich foods or supplements may help maintain a healthy vaginal microbiome. Additionally, limiting sugar intake may help prevent yeast overgrowth.

Sexual health practices

Using condoms during sexual intercourse can help prevent the transmission of trichomoniasis and may reduce the risk of developing bacterial vaginosis. It’s also important to urinate after sexual activity to help flush out any bacteria that may have entered the urethra.

When to Seek Medical Attention: Recognizing the Need for Professional Care

While mild cases of vaginitis may sometimes resolve on their own, there are several scenarios in which it’s important to consult a healthcare provider.

Persistent or recurring symptoms

If vaginal symptoms persist for more than a week or recur frequently, it’s advisable to seek medical attention. This could indicate a resistant infection or an underlying condition that needs to be addressed.

Unusual or severe symptoms

Symptoms such as severe pain, unusually heavy discharge, or bleeding outside of menstruation warrant prompt medical evaluation. These could be signs of a more serious condition.

Risk factors for complications

Certain groups, such as pregnant women or those with weakened immune systems, should seek medical care promptly if they develop symptoms of vaginitis, as they may be at higher risk for complications.

The Role of Over-the-Counter Treatments: Benefits and Limitations

Over-the-counter (OTC) treatments can be effective for uncomplicated yeast infections, but it’s important to understand their appropriate use and limitations.

When to consider OTC treatments

If you’ve previously been diagnosed with a yeast infection and are experiencing similar symptoms, it may be appropriate to try an OTC antifungal treatment. However, if it’s your first suspected yeast infection or if symptoms don’t improve with OTC treatment, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider.

Limitations of self-diagnosis

It’s important to note that self-diagnosis can be unreliable. Many women who self-diagnose yeast infections actually have other types of vaginitis or different conditions altogether. Misdiagnosis can lead to ineffective treatment and potentially allow an underlying condition to worsen.

Potential risks of inappropriate treatment

Using antifungal treatments when you don’t actually have a yeast infection can contribute to antifungal resistance and may mask other conditions that require different treatments. This underscores the importance of accurate diagnosis before starting any treatment regimen.

Lifestyle Factors and Vaginitis: Understanding the Connections

Various lifestyle factors can influence a woman’s susceptibility to vaginitis. Understanding these connections can help in prevention and management of vaginal infections.

Impact of stress and immune function

Chronic stress can weaken the immune system, potentially making the body more susceptible to infections, including vaginitis. Practicing stress-reduction techniques and maintaining overall health can help support immune function.

Clothing choices and vaginal health

Tight-fitting clothes and synthetic materials can create a warm, moist environment that’s conducive to the growth of yeast and bacteria. Opting for breathable, cotton underwear and avoiding overly tight pants can help maintain a healthy vaginal environment.

Hormonal influences on vaginal flora

Hormonal changes, such as those occurring during pregnancy, menopause, or with the use of hormonal contraceptives, can affect the vaginal microbiome. This can sometimes lead to an increased risk of vaginitis. Women experiencing recurrent infections may want to discuss hormonal factors with their healthcare provider.

Future Directions in Vaginitis Research and Treatment

As our understanding of vaginal health continues to evolve, new approaches to diagnosing and treating vaginitis are emerging.

Advancements in diagnostic technologies

Researchers are developing new diagnostic tools that may allow for faster, more accurate identification of the causes of vaginitis. These include molecular diagnostic techniques that can detect multiple pathogens simultaneously.

Exploring the vaginal microbiome

There’s growing interest in understanding the complex ecosystem of microorganisms that inhabit the vagina. This research may lead to new strategies for maintaining vaginal health and preventing infections.

Novel treatment approaches

Scientists are investigating new treatment options for vaginitis, including probiotics and bacteriophage therapy. These approaches aim to restore and maintain a healthy vaginal microbiome rather than simply eliminating harmful microorganisms.

Understanding vaginitis, its causes, and treatment options is crucial for maintaining vaginal health. While over-the-counter treatments can be effective for uncomplicated yeast infections, it’s important to seek medical attention for persistent or unusual symptoms. By practicing good hygiene, making informed lifestyle choices, and seeking appropriate medical care when needed, women can effectively manage and prevent many cases of vaginitis. As research in this field continues to advance, we can look forward to even more effective strategies for diagnosing, treating, and preventing these common vaginal infections.

How Do I Get Testing & Treatment For Vaginitis & Yeast Infections?

In This Section

• Vaginitis (yeast infection & bacterial vaginosis)

• How do I get checked and treated for vaginitis?

• How do I prevent vaginitis?

• What is a yeast infection?

• What is bacterial vaginosis?

A nurse or doctor can tell if you have vaginitis, and help figure out why it happened. Vaginitis treatments vary depending on what’s causing the problem.

Do I have to go to the doctor if I have vaginitis?

If you have symptoms of vaginitis, it’s a good idea to see your nurse, doctor, or local Planned Parenthood health center. Vaginitis isn’t usually a major health problem, but if you don’t get it treated it can become serious.

There are many different causes of vaginitis, and STDs like gonorrhea and chlamydia can have symptoms that are really similar to vaginitis. Seeing a doctor is the best way to find out exactly what’s going on, so you can get the right treatment.

To see what’s causing your vaginitis, your doctor may do an exam, look at a sample of your vaginal discharge under a microscope, or do other tests, like a urine test.

If your doctor has diagnosed you with a vaginal yeast infections before and you’re having the same symptoms, you can try an over-the-counter yeast infection medicine. But if you’re not sure, see your doctor or go to a Planned Parenthood health center. And if you used an over-the-counter medicine but your symptoms don’t go away, see a doctor.

What are the treatments for vaginitis?

Vaginitis is usually easy to cure.  The type of vaginitis treatment that’s best for you depends on:

• what’s causing your vaginitis

• how bad your symptoms are

• whether you’re pregnant

If your vaginitis is caused by a yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, or trich, your doctor may give you a prescription for creams, suppositories, vaginal tablets, or pills. You can also get medicated creams or suppositories for yeast infections (like Monistat) at the drugstore without a prescription. Trich is the only type of vaginitis that’s sexually transmitted. So if you have trich it’s very important for your sexual partners to get treated, too.

If your vaginitis is caused by an allergy or irritation, the symptoms will usually go away when you stop using whatever’s causing the problem. Sometimes you might need to use a cream to help clear up your vaginitis. In rare cases of really bad allergic reactions, you may need emergency medical help.

If your vaginitis is caused by low levels of estrogen, your doctor may give you a prescription for creams, pills, or vaginal rings that release estrogen into your body.

No matter what type of vaginitis treatment you need, make sure you:

• Don’t use anybody else’s medicine. Even if your symptoms are similar, you may have a different infection or need a different kind of treatment.

• Don’t use old medicine. It may not work anymore, and it could even make the infection worse.

• Carefully follow your doctor’s instructions or the directions that come with your treatment.

• Use ALL of your medicine. The infection can come back if you don’t take all your medicine, even if your symptoms stop and even if you have your period.

• Go to a follow-up appointment with your doctor to make sure the treatment worked.

During your vaginitis treatment:

• Don’t put anything in your vagina except medicine or tampons. Take a break from oral or vaginal sex until you feel better.

• If you have your period, it’s okay to use tampons or menstrual cups, unless it’s the kind of medicine you put into your vagina. If that’s the case, use pads instead.

• If you’re using gels or creams inside your vagina, you can use unscented pads or panty liners to help keep the medicine from leaking onto your clothes.

How can I ease irritating symptoms of vaginitis?

Even though vaginitis can be super itchy and irritating, try not to scratch. It can cause more irritation or cuts in your skin, which can spread germs and lead to more infection. There are over-the-counter vaginal creams that you can use on your vulva to help calm the irritation. Your doctor can also give you tips on relieving burning and itching.

Avoid sex until your infection or irritation goes away (especially if you have trich, because it’s a sexually transmitted infection that you and your partner can pass back and forth). Friction from sex and your partner’s body fluids can cause more irritation or make it harder to heal. And some medicines that you use in your vagina have oil in them, which can cause condoms to break.

Where can I get checked and treated for vaginitis?

You can get checked and treated for vaginitis at your local Planned Parenthood health center, community or reproductive health clinics, or your ob/gyn or family doctor.

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3 Best At-Home Yeast Infection Tests of 2022

Test Quick Guide

Vaginal yeast infections are a common cause of vaginitis and vulvovaginitis, a condition in which the vagina and/or vulva becomes inflamed and irritated. Vaginitis is usually caused by an imbalance of normal vaginal microorganisms resulting in an overgrowth of vaginal yeast. Certain sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can cause similar symptoms. Vaginal yeast infections are most often seen in patients that are immunosuppressed, have diabetes, are pregnant, or have recently used a broad-spectrum antibiotic.

At-home yeast infection tests enable you to narrow down the possible causes of vaginitis. These tests use a sample of vaginal discharge to provide information about possible causes of vaginitis and facilitate a conversation with your doctor or gynecologist.

Testing for yeast with an at-home test is not as thorough as testing done at a clinic or doctor’s office, and at-home testing is not a replacement for medical care administered by a professional.

About the Test

Purpose of the test

The purpose of yeast infection testing is to determine if vaginitis is caused by yeast or by a different microorganism such as bacteria or some other organism associated with a sexually transmitted disease.

Vaginitis often causes uncomfortable vaginal symptoms such as:

• Itching
• Irritation
• Pain during sex or when urinating
• Burning
• Swelling
• Vaginal discharge

There are several options when looking for a cause of vaginitis, including physician-ordered and at-home tests. The following information describes the purposes of at-home and physician-ordered vaginal yeast infection tests.

Purpose of an at-home vaginal yeast infection test

An at-home yeast infection test allows you to look for evidence of a vaginal yeast infection in the privacy of your home. There are several types of at-home yeast infection tests that are available for purchase, including vaginal pH test strips and self-collection kits that allow you to collect a sample at home and mail it to a laboratory for nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT).

Although these at-home tests can provide information about whether a yeast infection is the likely cause of your symptoms, determining the cause of vaginal symptoms should be done by a trained professional. Doctors have access to additional tests that may be used to accurately diagnose the cause of your symptoms.

Purpose of a physician-ordered vaginal yeast test

Physician-ordered vaginal yeast infection testing is performed to diagnose the cause of vaginitis so that appropriate treatment can be started.

To diagnose the cause of vaginitis, your doctor may ask about your symptoms, examine the affected area, and take a sample of vaginal discharge. Several tests may be conducted on this sample of vaginal discharge that help to determine the cause of your symptoms.

What does the test measure?

Vaginal yeast infections are caused by a type of fungus called Candida. Small amounts of Candida are normally present in your mouth, digestive tract, and skin. Also, small amounts of yeast can be found in your vagina without causing any symptoms.

Under normal circumstances, Candida and other microscopic organisms in the vagina keep each other in balance. However, a yeast infection may occur if conditions change in a way that promotes an overgrowth of yeast. This abnormal overgrowth of yeast can lead to uncomfortable symptoms.

Yeast is not the only disorder that can cause symptoms of vaginitis. Other common types of vaginal infections include bacterial vaginosis (BV) and a sexually transmitted parasite called trichomonas that causes trichomoniasis. While most vaginitis is caused by infections, other causes of symptoms include chemical irritations and low hormone levels.

There are a number of commercially available at-home tests that provide information about the cause of vaginitis. The two types of tests available are described in the following sections.

At-home vaginal pH testing

A number of at-home vaginal tests use pH testing to provide information about whether your symptoms are likely caused by an infection.

A measurement of vaginal pH describes the acidity of vaginal discharge on a scale ranging from 1 to 14. Lower numbers indicate that a substance is more acidic. The normal environment of the vagina is relatively acidic, with a normal pH of 4.0 to 4.5 for people during their fertile years. Vaginal yeast infections are generally associated with a normal vaginal pH, while trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis tend to cause a high vaginal pH. At-home pH tests can help you rule out these non-yeast causes of vaginitis.

Knowing the pH of your vaginal discharge may help narrow down what underlying problem is causing vaginal symptoms. However, changes or increases in your vaginal pH do not always indicate that you have a vaginal infection, so it’s important to discuss your results with a doctor or gynecologist.

At-Home NAAT Testing

Some at-home vaginitis tests use nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) in a laboratory to determine if vaginitis is caused by yeast or something else. This test method analyzes the DNA and RNA in samples of vaginal discharge to identify bacteria, fungi, or parasites. DNA and RNA carry genetic information for living things, including microorganisms that cause infection.

At-home vaginal yeast infection tests that use NAAT testing may focus on detecting just one type of infection or several potential causes of vaginitis. In addition to yeast, they may look for bacteria and sexually transmitted diseases that cause similar symptoms, such as trichomoniasis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea.

It’s important to check the product information accompanying your test kit to find out exactly which microorganisms it can detect.

When should I get an at-home vaginal yeast test?

There are no expert guidelines for when it’s appropriate to use an at-home vaginal yeast infection test. If you have symptoms of vaginitis (inflammation of vagina) or vulvovaginitis (inflammation of both vagina and vulva), it is best to see a health care provider. If getting in to see a doctor or nurse promptly is difficult, at-home vaginal yeast infection tests can provide information about whether your vaginal symptoms may be caused by an infection.

At-home vaginal yeast testing can not detect all cases of vaginitis. It is important to talk to your health care provider about your symptoms in order to access appropriate testing and treatment.

Benefits and Downsides of At-Home Vaginal Yeast Test

Every medical test is associated with risks and benefits. Learning about the pros and cons of at-home vaginal yeast testing may help you decide whether at-home testing is the right approach for you.

The potential benefits of at-home vaginal yeast testing include:

• Privacy and convenience: At-home vaginal yeast test kits allow you to conduct testing at your home.
• Easy sample collection: At-home test samples can be easily self-collected.
• Combining with STD tests: Some at-home vaginal yeast infection tests offer panels or packages of tests that include tests for vaginal yeast infections and common STDs, allowing people to screen for STDs using the same test samples.
• Transparent pricing: The costs of testing in a medical setting may be uncertain and depend on what and how many tests are performed. With at-home testing, your out-of-pocket costs are clear.

The potential risks of at-home yeast infection testing include:

• Limited test options: When you have vaginal yeast testing in a medical setting, multiple tests may be done, including a physical exam, examination under a microscope of vaginal discharge, and a culture, if needed. These options are not available through at-home testing.
• pH testing is of limited value for some people: The normal vaginal pH is higher in people before they are old enough to menstruate as well as after menopause. Because of this, testing pH is of limited value for people in these age groups.
• Overdiagnosis and overtreatment: Because vaginal pH is not a conclusive test, at-home vaginal pH tests may lead people to use treatments for vaginal yeast infections that they don’t need.
• Additional testing may be required: Patients who receive abnormal test results on an at-home vaginal yeast test may need to have the test repeated through a doctor’s office or laboratory.

Types of At-Home Vaginal Yeast Tests

Commercially available at-home vaginal yeast infection tests either measure vaginal pH or use NAAT technology to detect the presence of yeast, bacteria, or sexually transmitted disease.

Some of our picks for the best available options are described below.

Best Subscription pH Test
Stix – Vaginal pH Test for Yeast Infections

Price: $11
Type: Self-test
Sample: Vaginal secretions
Tests for: Vaginal pH
Results timeline: Within 2 minutes

The Vaginal pH Test for Yeast Infections from Stix is our pick for best subscription pH yeast infection test. In addition to offering individual tests, Stix test kit helps you measure your vaginal pH on a regular basis by offering a subscription program that will send you a test kit every two, four, eight, or twelve weeks. This kit does not diagnose yeast infections directly, but it can help you determine whether a non-yeast cause of vaginitis may be present.

This test kit includes everything you need to test vaginal pH at home, including a test strip, cotton applicator, and detailed instructions. To conduct the test, simply insert the cotton applicator into the vagina for about five seconds, then remove and rub the cotton swab on the yellow portion of the test strip. To read your vaginal pH test result, compare the test strip to the color chart on the test kit’s foil pouch.

An abnormally high pH test result with symptoms of vaginitis indicates you may have bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis. A normal pH level with symptoms of vaginitis indicates you may have a yeast infection.

In addition to the Vaginal pH Test for Yeast Infections, Stix offers several other products related to yeast infections, including probiotics, treatments, and combo packages that allow you to both test for and treat yeast infections from home.

Best NAAT Test
LetsGetChecked – Home Vaginitis Test Kit

Price: $199 (Get 25% off with your exclusive Testing.com discount code. Use code TESTING25 at checkout.)
Type: Self-collection
Sample: Vaginal secretions
Tests for: Bacterial Vaginosis, Candida Species, Trichomonas
Results timeline: Within 2 to 5 days

The Home Vaginitis Test Kit from LetsGetChecked is our pick for best at-home NAAT test. This panel of tests detects three of the most common causes of irritation in the vagina.

Collecting a sample for the Home Vaginitis Test Kit is simple using the instructions and video tutorials provided by LetsGetChecked. For accurate results, be sure to wait to collect your sample until after your menstrual period and at least 48 hours after sex or using vaginal creams or gels.

Once your sample is packaged and mailed using the prepaid shipping envelope, test results are available within 2 to 5 days after the CLIA-certified laboratory receives your sample. LetsGetChecked provides results through a secure online result dashboard and the LetsGetChecked smartphone app.

Please contact UPS to arrange a pickup before you collect your sample. You should collect your sample on the same day as the scheduled pickup. Visit the UPS pickup scheduling page or call 1-800-742-5877 to schedule a pickup to return your sample. You’ll be asked to provide some information including your tracking number, address and pickup day and time. Please keep your tracking number to help you monitor your package.

As part of your purchase, the company includes a review of your results by a LetsGetChecked physician and a 1-on-1 call to provide guidance and treatment options based on your test results. If your results are positive and require treatment, medications can be sent directly to your home.

Most Comprehensive NAAT Test
my LAB Box – 5 Panel At Home Vaginal Health Test Pack – save 20% by using code Testing20 at checkout

Price: $199
Type: Self-collection
Sample: Vaginal secretions
Tests for: Bacterial Vaginosis, Candida Species, Trichomoniasis, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea
Results timeline: Within 2 to 5 days

Combining testing for a vaginal yeast infection with routine STD testing can save time and money. The 5 Panel At Home Vaginal Health Test Pack from myLAB BOX is our choice for the most comprehensive NAAT yeast infection test.

The 5 Panel At Home Vaginal Health Test Pack includes everything you need to test for five potential causes of abnormal vaginal discharge, including yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and the sexually transmitted diseases trichomoniasis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea.

Order this package online and a test kit is shipped from myLAB BOX to your home in discreet packaging. Collecting a sample of vaginal secretions is simple and takes just 5 minutes from start to finish. Instructions provided in the test kit walk you through using a swab to collect your sample and package it for free return shipping.

Within two to five days after your sample is received by the CLIA-certified laboratory, you can access your results on myLAB BOX’s secure online portal. If your test results are positive, myLAB BOX provides a free phone consultation to discuss your results and provide treatment if needed.

Interpreting At-Home Vaginal Yeast Test Results

Interpreting your at-home vaginal yeast test result depends upon what kind of test is used.

Interpreting a vaginal pH test requires comparing a test strip to a color chart included with your kit. After testing your sample of vaginal discharge, you can immediately compare the color to the test kit and find your vaginal pH.

A pH in the normal range indicates that vaginal yeast is a potential cause of your symptoms. While results indicating a normal vaginal pH in the presence of symptoms of vaginitis suggest that you may have a yeast infection, it is possible that your symptoms are caused by something else. You should contact your doctor to discuss whether to make an office appointment for additional testing.

An abnormal result showing an elevated pH could be caused by several conditions, including:

• Bacterial vaginosis (BV)
• Trichomoniasis
• Having both BV and a yeast infection at the same time

Regardless of your vaginal pH test result, it is important to contact your health care provider to discuss any vaginal symptoms that you’re experiencing.

If you purchase an NAAT test kit, you will be able to view your test results on a secure online platform after your sample is received and analyzed in the lab. Test results will indicate which microorganisms were tested and whether they were detected or not detected.

If microorganisms are not detected, your report may indicate that your results are normal. If microorganisms are detected, your results may be described as abnormal.

It’s important to talk to your doctor about the results of at-home NAAT testing. The company that provided your test kit may also help arrange a consultation with a health professional.

Are test results accurate?

Research has shown that self-testing vaginal pH as well as collecting samples at home for NAAT testing are similar in accuracy to testing performed by health care providers. However, at-home vaginal yeast infection testing is not a replacement for physician-ordered tests and you should talk to your doctor before treating a suspected yeast infection.

It is also important to follow the instructions that come with your test kit carefully. Sometimes pH testing is inaccurate because certain substances, including medications used in the vagina, menstrual blood, semen, douches, and lubricants, can temporarily raise vaginal pH.

Do I need follow-up tests?

A health care provider may recommend retesting to confirm the results of an at-home vaginal yeast infection test. Your health care provider may also wish to order additional tests that can only be performed in a medical setting, such as examining vaginal discharge under a microscope or performing a culture of vaginal discharge.

Follow-up testing may also be recommended if your symptoms persist or come back after treatment for a vaginal yeast infection.

Questions for your doctor after at-home vaginal yeast testing

After taking an at-home vaginal yeast infection test, it is important to speak with your health care provider about the test results. Questions that might be helpful include:

• What does my at-home vaginal yeast infection test result mean about my health?
• Are any follow-up tests needed to confirm my at-home test results?
• Is there anything that I can do to reduce my risk of yeast infections?

At-home vaginal yeast infection testing vs. physician-ordered vaginal yeast infection testing

Yeast infection testing uses samples of vaginal discharge to diagnose the cause of symptoms related to vaginitis. At-home and physician-ordered testing differs in several ways, including the type of tests available and the established role of each approach.

When testing is performed by a medical provider, the provider is able to choose from a variety of tests based on a patient’s symptoms and the results of a physical exam. In contrast, at-home testing options are limited to vaginal pH and NAAT testing.

Although some at-home test companies facilitate access to a medical professional after abnormal test results, these consultations are usually restricted to discussing the test result. When vaginal yeast infection testing is performed by a medical professional, visits typically include further guidance related to your reproductive and sexual health.

One of the most important differences between at-home and physician-ordered tests is their established medical role. Although research suggests that the accuracy of at-home tests may be comparable to testing conducted by a medical provider, there are few guidelines regarding the appropriate use of at-home vaginal yeast infection tests.

• Trichomonas Test
  Learn More
• Fungal Tests
  Learn More
• Chlamydia Testing
  Learn More
• Gonorrhea Test
  Learn More

Resources

• MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Vaginal Yeast Infection
  Learn More
• CDC: Vaginal Candidiasis
  Learn More
• MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Vaginitis – Self-Care
  Learn More
• Office on Women’s Health: Vaginal Yeast Infections
  Learn More

Sources

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Yeast infections (fungus) in women

Every woman will experience a yeast infection at some point in her life. A yeast infection is an irritating infection of the vagina and vulva that causes itching, discharge, and irritation. This is a type of vaginitis caused by an overgrowth of a yeast known as Candida albicans and is often easily treated at home, but can sometimes be severe enough to require a visit to a doctor.

On average, three out of four women experience a yeast infection. Some women have several throughout their lives. Although this disease is not considered a sexually transmitted disease, the fungus can be spread through oral contact with the female genitalia. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of a yeast infection and when you should see your OB/GYN.

Signs and symptoms of yeast infections

Signs and symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection can range from mild to more severe. These include the following:

• burning sensation, especially when urinating or during intercourse;
• itching and irritation in the vagina and vulva;
• redness and swelling of the vulva;
• thick, white or greyish vaginal discharge resembling cottage cheese;
• vaginal rash;
• pain and soreness in the vagina;
• watery vaginal discharge.

Yeast infection risk factors

There are certain risk factors that can lead to the development of a yeast infection. These include the following:

• taking antibiotics;
• lack of sleep;
• hormonal imbalance during the menstrual cycle;
• taking hormone therapy or oral contraceptives;
• stress;
• malnutrition, especially when eating too many sugary foods;
• pregnancy;
• diabetes;
• weakened immune system;
• wearing clothes that are too tight.

A yeast infection can be caused by a number of reasons, but the most common cause is the fungus Candida albicans. The vagina has a natural balance of this substance, as well as other bacteria. However, in some cases there may be an overgrowth of Candida, leading to the development of a yeast infection. As a result, you may experience a combination of classic symptoms such as burning, itching, and soreness. Even women who are not sexually active can develop this infection.

Sometimes other types of Candida can also cause a yeast infection, but most drugs, especially over-the-counter ones, are for Candida albicans. If you develop a yeast infection caused by another type of Candida, treatment may be more difficult. If more aggressive treatment is needed, you may need to make an appointment with an OB/GYN.

Diagnosis of yeast infections

When you visit your OB/GYN, the doctor will run a test to determine if you have a yeast infection:

• Review of medical history, including any past vaginal infections or sexually transmitted diseases.
• Visual examination of the pelvis, external and internal parts of the vagina.
• Biosampling, a sample of vaginal secretions, to determine what type of fungus is causing the infection.

Yeast infection treatment

Treatment for a simple yeast infection is usually straightforward for most women and may include the following options:

• Prescription antifungal cream, ointment, suppositories, or tablets that last one, three, or seven days.
• Single dose oral preparations
• An over-the-counter antifungal cream or suppository that lasts three to seven days.

For more complex yeast infections, a doctor may suggest the following treatment options:

• Prescription antifungal cream, ointment, suppositories, or tablets that last up to 14 days.
• Multi-dose oral preparations.
• Maintenance plan for recurrent yeast infections. (This type of treatment usually lasts longer than 14 days and may require oral medication once a week for six months or vaginal suppositories once a week.)

Visit your obstetrician-gynecologist. A yeast infection can be uncomfortable and affect your emotional state, but the problem is treatable. Check with your doctor so you can take action in time to avoid infection in the future.

What is a yeast infection?

Most healthy women have yeast in their vagina. But sometimes the yeast grows too strong and leads to infection. Yeast infections can be very annoying and unpleasant.

What causes yeast infections?

Vaginal yeast infection, also sometimes called vulvovaginal candidiasis, occurs when the healthy yeast that normally lives in the vagina gets out of control. This often results in itching and other annoying symptoms. The medical name for a yeast infection is “ candidiasis ” because they are usually caused by a type of yeast called candida.

When the immune system is reduced, the normal yeast that lives in the vagina can grow too large and lead to infection. Causes that may cause changes in your vaginal environment:

• normal changes in hormone levels (as during the menstrual cycle)
• antibiotics, cortisone and other drugs
• pregnancy
• diabetes mellitus
• weak immune system
• natural reaction to another person’s genital chemistry

Yeast infections can also occur on the penises and scrotum, but not as often. They can cause redness and irritation on your penis or scrotum.

Yeast infections are not STDs (these are infections that are passed from one person to another during vaginal, anal and oral sex). They are not contagious and cannot be passed on to another person during sex. But sexual contact sometimes leads to yeast infections—your body chemistry can react to the other person’s natural genital yeast and the bacteria that causes the yeast to grow.

People can also get a yeast infection in their mouth, throat, or tongue—this is called thrush.

What are the symptoms of a yeast infection?

Yeast infections often cause a curdled, white, lumpy vaginal discharge that usually does not smell (or smells only slightly different than usual).

Most yeast infections result in itching, burning and/or redness in or around the vagina. Vaginal itching usually gets worse the longer you have the infection. Sex may be uncomfortable or painful. In extreme cases, you may get cracks or sores on your vagina or vulva. If you have severe irritation, you may experience pain when urinating.

How to treat yeast infections?

Yeast infections can usually be easily treated in a few days with an antifungal medication. You can purchase medicated creams or suppositories for yeast infections.

Be sure to follow instructions and take all medicines, even if your symptoms go away before you are done. You can also treat yeast infections with one tablet (diflucan or fluconazole). Need a prescription from a doctor to get a yeast infection pill.

Do not have vaginal or oral sex until you have completed treatment and the infection has gone. Friction from sex may cause more irritation or make treatment more difficult. Some medications you use inside your vagina contain oil, which can cause condoms to break.

Even though yeast infections can be very itchy, try not to scratch the itch. This can aggravate irritation or scratch the skin, through which germs can spread and lead to more infections. There are over-the-counter creams that can be used on the vulva to soothe irritation. Your doctor can also give you tips to relieve burning and itching.

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