How will my doctor test for a vaginal infection?

How will my doctor test for a vaginal infection?

Michael Tahery (Obstetrician & Gynecologist) gives expert video advice on: What is the difference between a yeast infection and bacterial vaginitis?; How did I get a vaginal yeast infection?; How will my doctor test for a vaginal infection? and more...

A doctor's testing for vaginal infection is simply a wet smear in the office, which is a pelvic exam, using a speculum in the vaginal area. We insert a Q-tip into the fluid and a discharge is collected from the vaginal area. We smear that onto a little slide and then we apply the different agents that we need to identify that organism. We look at it under the microscope, and that usually tells us what is causing the problem and if there is a vaginal infection. If that doesn't give us all the information that we need, then we can do DNA cultures in the office or we can do sent-out cultures where they also can identify the type of yeast or the type of bacteria, and the ability of these organisms compared to different anti-microbial or anti-fungal agents.