Vaginal thrush is usually easily diagnosed.
If you visit your GP because you think you may have vaginal thrush, your GP will ask you about:
- your symptoms
- whether you've had thrush before
- whether you've already used any over-the-counter (OTC) medications to treat thrush
- whether you're prone to developing thrush. For example, if you're taking antibiotics for another condition
Your GP can be fairly certain that you have thrush if you have the typical symptoms of vulval itching and a thick, creamy discharge. But sometimes you may need further tests to be absolutely sure of the diagnosis.
Tests for thrush
Your GP may want to perform further tests to confirm that you have thrush if:
- you've already used anti-thrush treatment but it hasn't worked
- the thrush keeps returning
- your symptoms are particularly severe
- you may have a sexually transmitted infection (STI)
Your GP can do several tests to confirm that you have thrush. They include:
- a vaginal swab
- pH test
- blood test
Vaginal swab
During this test, a swab – which is similar to a cotton bud – is used to take a sample of the secretion from inside your vagina. The sample is then analysed in a laboratory.
The sample will show whether you have a yeast infection or whether your symptoms are being caused by a sexually transmitted infection, such as trichomoniasis.
If can also establish the type of fungus that's causing your thrush.
Testing the pH level
Your GP may want to test the pH (alkaline/acid balance) of your vagina if the treatment for your thrush hasn't worked, and your thrush keeps returning. To do this, a swab is 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 normal. A pH above 4.5 may be a sign of a common vaginal infection called bacterial vaginosis.
Blood test
Your GP may test the glucose level of your blood if they suspect that you could have diabetes. This condition is caused by too much glucose in the blood. It's likely to cause other symptoms, such as increased thirst and urinating more often.
Now, read about treatments for thrush.
