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A Doctor Might Suggest A Yeast Infection Test |
By:
Leigh Day |
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Most of the time physicians don’t need a yeast infection test to make a diagnosis in healthy individuals. However, if someone hasn’t had a previous yeast infection then a test may be needed in order to make an accurate diagnosis. A doctor may also do more extensive tests if there is not improvement with a normal course of treatment.
Why Get A Test
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 of a yeast infection. A yeast infection is normally easy to treat and doesn’t become dangerous as long as it is diagnosed and treated properly.
What Is Involved
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 yeast 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 yeast 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. Yeast 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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Article Source: http://www.statssheet.com/articles/article53233.html |
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