Are you prepared for your candida test?

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Are medical procedures involved in your candida test? Know what to expect when you go in to see your doctor for your yeast infection.

So you have the classic symptoms of a yeast infection. You make an appointment to see your doctor. I've listed below the medical procedure you can expect from your doctor (as part of the candida test) to help her diagnose whether you have a yeast infection. These procedures are broken down by yeast infection symptoms.

Abnormal vaginal discharge

• The discharge is associated with abdominal discomfort, pain, or fever.
  
• The problem occurs in a child who has not reached puberty.
  
• The discharge may be caused by taking a drug.
  
• The problem persists for longer than 2 weeks or becomes worse.
  
• A sexually transmitted disease is suspected.

The physical examination part of the candida test may include a pelvic examination.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

• A culture of the mouth of the womb (cervix) (if venereal disease is suspected)
  
• Microscopic examination of vaginal discharge specimen, also called a wet prep. This tests for cause of the infection of the vagina. It does not include the urinary tract.

How the wet prep in a candida test is performed
You will be asked to lie on your back with your feet in the stirrups. A pelvic examination will be done, and a speculum (an instrument used to dilate the body passage in order to examine the interior) will be inserted into your vagina and opened slightly. A sterile, moist cotton swab is inserted, and a sample of the discharge is taken. The swab is removed and then the speculum. Slides are prepared, one with a salt solution and one with a potassium hydroxide solution, then viewed under a microscope.

What is involved in the wet prep?
To prepare for your wet prep candida test, be sure you do not do the following, at least 24 hours before your doctor's appointment --

• No douching
• No sex
• No treatment - i.e. you haven't been treating yourself with any OTC or prescribed medication

There may be a slight discomfort with the pelvic examination. Now ladies, we all know how uncomfortable a pap smear test is, right? While this test is not quiet as bad, I think we can all agree that having a steel, cold speculum inserted into your vaginal is definitely not a joy ride. Here's a little "trick" I do to make my wet prep (and pap smear) test more bearable. As your doctor, registered nurse, or nurse practitioner prepares to perform the wet prep, casually say to her -- "Can I have the gentle cycle, please?" And don't forget to say this with a smile! Ladies, you have no idea how many times this line has saved me from an unpleasant pelvic examination! So, give this line a shot next time you're up for a wet prep (for candida test) or pap smear.

If the candida testing reveals a yeast infection, your doctor may suggest an antifungal, over-the-counter (OTC) medication. These come in a couple of forms -- suppositories or creams. There are also a variety of formulations -- 1 day, 3 days, or 7 days treatment strengths. I prefer the 3 or 7 days treatment strengths such as Monistat (miconazole) or Lotrimin AF (yes, I know this is for athlete's foot, but trust me, it works just the same) to treat my yeast infections.

OR your doctor may prescribe Diflucan (fluconazole) if the candida test reveals candida overgrowth. Get your Diflucan prescription filled according to your health plan policy or find your online choice here at a reputable merchant associated with the National Association Boards of Pharmacy

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Vaginal and labial itching, burning

Remember, call your doctor if ...

• Symptoms worsen or persist longer than 1 week.
  
• There is unusual vaginal bleeding or swelling.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

• Culture and microscopic exam of vaginal discharge (also called a wet prep)
  
• Pap smear (also called a papanicolaou test). The Pap smear can detect cancerous or precancerous conditions of the cervix
  
• Urine and blood studies (including hormone levels)
  
• Skin biopsies of the vulvar area

How the pap smear (a possible component in the candida test) is performed
You will be asked to lie on your back with your feet in the stirrups. A pelvic examination will be done, and a speculum (an instrument used to open the walls of the vaginal canal in order to examine the interior) will be inserted into your vagina and opened slightly. A sample of cells from the outside and the canal of the cervix is taken by gently scraping the outside of the cervix with a wooden or plastic spatula, then inserting a small brush that looks like a pipe cleaner into the canal.

The cells are placed on a glass slide and sprayed with a fixative, or put in a bottle containing a preservative, then sent to the lab for examination.

What is involved in a pap smear test?
To prepare for your pap smear (may be a component of the candida test), be sure you do not do the following, at least 24 hours before your doctor's appointment --

• No douching
• Do not use tampons
• No sex
• No tub bathing

Make sure you do not schedule your Pap smear test while you are menstruating. The blood and cells from the endometrial cavity may obscure the accuracy of the test.

Some things you should do --

• Let your doctor know if you had a prior abnormal Pap smear result
• Let you doctor know if you might be pregnant
• Let your doctor know if you are taking any medications or birth control pills
• Empty your bladder just before the test

Again, as with the wet prep, there may be some discomfort. Additionally, there may be a feeling of pressure during the procedure. A small amount of bleeding may occur after the test.

If the candida test reveals a yeast infection, your doctor may suggest an antifungal, over-the-counter (OTC) medication. I prefer the 3 or 7 day treatments from Monistat (miconazole) or Lotrimin AF to treat my yeast infections. Another option is Vagistat 1 (tioconazole, 1 day treatment).

OR your doctor may prescribe Diflucan (fluconazole) if the candida test reveals candida overgrowth. Fill your prescription at this online choice here at a reputable merchant and find relief with the results of your candida test. This merchant is associated with the National Association Boards of Pharmacy so you know you're dealing with a reputable company.

When indicated, your doctor may also prescribe steroid creams or lotions to reduce inflammation. (link to hydrocortizone) Click here to see an example of this product. I would caution against using this too often or for too long as hydrocortizones tends to thin your dermal (skin) walls -- not a good thing when your skin is already inflammed and itchy!

Also, ointments containing hormones may be ordered, and benzodiazepines or antihistamines may be prescribed for nighttime relief. A product I like to use is Vagisil. For a stronger version of Vagisil, click here.

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Pain with intercourse

Unless this problem is obviously caused by the physical symptoms of one person, the couple involved should see the doctor together. Physical examination may include a pelvic examination (for women, see above "Abnormal vaginal discharge" and "Vaginal and labial itching, burning"), a prostate examination (for men), and a rectal examination. If a physical problem is suspected, appropriate tests will be ordered.

If the candida test reveals a yeast infection, your doctor may prescribe antimicrobial and or anti-inflammatory medications. Again, here're the product breakdowns --

• OTC antifungal medication
  • Monistat (miconazole)
  • Lotrimin AF (yes, I know this is for athlete's foot, but trust me, it works just the same)
  • Vagistat 1 (tioconazole, 1 day treatment)
    
    
• Prescription
  • Diflucan (fluconazole)
    
    
• Anti-inflammatory, anti-itch
  • Hydrocortizone
  • Vagisil
  • Stronger version of Vagisil
    

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Painful urination

With previous bladder or kidney infections, a more detailed history and physical are needed, and extra laboratory studies may be necessary. In women with a vaginal discharge, an examination of the vagina and any discharge is necessary. Men who have penile discharge will need to have a urethral swab done. Additionally your doctor may order an office urine dipstick test. Based on those results, a urine culture may be ordered. DNA probes for gonorrhea or chlamydia may also be obtained.

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* Photo courtesy of Vinícius Zimmer/www.obraprima-id.com.br