Visit your GP if you have any symptoms of vaginal thrush. Your GP will ask you about:
- your symptoms
- whether you have had thrush before
- whether you have already used any over-the-counter (OTC) medications to treat thrush
- whether you have any risk factors for developing thrush. For example, if you are taking antibiotics for another condition
A diagnosis of thrush is usually based on the presence of symptoms such as vulval itching and a thick, creamy, odourless discharge. In some cases, tests may be needed in order to confirm the diagnosis.
Tests
Your GP may perform tests to confirm a diagnosis of thrush if:
- the recommended treatment does not relieve your symptoms
- the thrush keeps returning
- your symptoms are particularly severe
- you may have a sexually transmitted infection (STI)
During the test, a swab is usually used to take a sample of your vaginal secretion. A swab looks a bit like a cotton bud, but it is smaller, soft and rounded. The swab will collect discharge and cells from the inside of your vagina. These cells are then analysed in a laboratory.
The sample can help to confirm the type of fungus that is causing your thrush, and determine whether your symptoms are being caused by other common conditions, such as trichomoniasis, which is an infection by bacteria called Trichomonas vaginalis (TV).
Testing the pH level
The pH (alkaline/acid balance) of your vagina may be also tested if the treatment for your thrush has not worked, and your thrush keeps returning. To do this, a swab will be taken from inside your vagina and wiped over a piece of specially treated paper. The paper will change colour depending on the pH level.
A pH level of between 4-4.5 is considered to be normal. A pH above 4.5 may be an indication of another common infection called bacterial vaginosis.
Blood test
Your GP may test the glucose level of your blood if they suspect that you could have undiagnosed diabetes. This is a condition that is caused by too much glucose in the blood. It is likely to cause other symptoms, such as increased thirst and urinating more often.
Vagina
The vagina is a tube of muscle that runs from the cervix (the opening of the womb) to the vulva (the external sexual organs).
Vulva
A woman’s external sexual organs, made up of the outer part of the vagina, the clitoris, and the two pairs of lips surrounding the entrance to the vagina (the labia majora and the labia minora).
Discharge
Discharge is when a liquid such as pus oozes from a part of your body.
Bacteria
Bacteria are tiny, single-celled organisms that live in the body. Some can cause illness and disease and some others are good for you.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are medicines that can be used to treat infections caused by micro-organisms, usually bacteria or fungi.
