Going for a candida testing but don't know what to expect?

• Abnormal vaginal discharge
• Vaginal and labial itching, burning
• Redness and/or inflammation of the vulvar skin
• Pain with intercourse
• Painful urination

When you see your physician about a yeast infection, she will ask you if you have any of the above symptoms. She will obtain your medical history as well as perform a physical examination as part of the candida testing.

I've broken down the questions you may be asked by your doctor (for the candida testing) by each symptom.

Abnormal vaginal discharge

Medical history questions documenting the vaginal discharge in detail for candida testing may include:

• Time pattern
  • When did this begin?
    
  • Does the discharge remain constant throughout the month?
    
    
• Quality
  • What does the discharge look like (color and consistency)?
  • Is there an odor?
  • Is there pain, itching, or burning?
    
    
• Aggravating factors
  • Does your sexual partner have a penile discharge?
  • Do you have multiple sexual partners or sexual partners that you do not know very well?
    
    
• Relieving factors
  • Is there anything that relieves the discharge?
  • Does frequent bathing help?
  • Have over-the-counter creams been tried?
  • Has douching been tried? What kind?
    
    
• Other
  
  • What other symptoms are present?
    
  • Abdominal pain?
    
  • Vaginal itching?
    
  • Fever?
    
  • Vaginal bleeding?
    
  • Rash?
    
  • Warts?
    
  • Other lesions?
    
  • Changes in urination?
    
  • Difficulty or pain on urination?
    
  • Blood in urine?
    
  • Diarrhea?
    
    
• Other important information
  
  • What medications are being taken?
    
  • What is the frequency of sexual activity?
    
  • Do you use condoms?
    
  • Do you have any allergies?
    
  • Have you changed the detergents or soaps that you use?
    
  • Do you frequently wear very tight panties or pants?

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Vaginal and labial itching, burning

Medical history questions for candida testing documenting the vaginal itching in detail may include:

• Time pattern
  
  • When did the itching begin?
    
  • Has it occurred before?
    
    
• Quality
  
  • Is the itching severe?
    
  • Does it limit activities?
    
  • Is it getting better or worse?
    
    
• Location
  
  • Is the itching confined to the interior of the vagina?
    
  • Is the itching on the external vaginal area (vulva)?
    
    
• Aggravating factors
  
  • How often do you bathe?
    
  • Do you usually shower or use the bathtub?
    
  • Do you use scented soap, scented or colored toilet paper or bubble bath?
    
  • Do you frequently swim or participate in water sports?
    
  • Do you wear cotton panties or synthetic ones?
    
  • Do you wear tight pants or tight pantyhose?
    
    
• Relieving factors
  
  • What helps?
    
  • Have over-the-counter creams been tried? What kind?
    
  • Have douches been tried? What kind? How often?
    
    
• Other
  
  • What other symptoms are present?
    
  • Is there a family history of diabetes?
    
  • Is there vaginal bleeding?
    
  • Is there swelling?
    
  • Is there a rash?
    
  • Is there difficulty or pain on urination?
    
    
• Additional important information
  
  • What medications are being taken?
    
  • What is your menstrual history (complete history)?
    
  • Do you have any allergies?
    
  • Are you sexually active?
    
  • Do you use creams, deodorant sprays, or lubricants?
    
  • Do you use contraception? What type?

If the candida testing reveals a yeast infection, your doctor may suggest an antifungal, over-the-counter (OTC) medication. I prefer the 3 or 7 days 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 testing reveals candida overgrowth. Fill your Diflucan prescription here at a reputable merchant associated with the National Association Boards of Pharmacy

When indicated, your doctor may also prescribe steroid creams or lotions to reduce inflammation. (link to hydrocortizone) Click here to see one such 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.

Click here for details into what types of physical and diagnostic tests your doctor would perform as part of your candida testing.

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Pain with intercourse

Medical history questions for candida testing documenting painful intercourse in detail may include:

• Time pattern
  
  • When did it develop?
    
  • Is intercourse painful every time that it is attempted?
    
  • Has intercourse always been painful?
    
    
• Quality
  
  • Is it painful for your spouse, also?
    
  • Does the pain occur during entry?
    
    
• Location
  
  • Specifically, where is the pain? (labia, vagina, entire pelvic area etc.)
    
    
• Aggravating factors
  
  • What are your attitudes towards sex? (Note: many questions may be asked by the health care provider to determine your general and specific attitudes.)
    
  • Has there been a significant traumatic event in the past (rape, child abuse, or similar)?
    
  • What medications are being taken?
    
  • What illnesses, diseases, and disorders are being treated?
    
  • Has there been a significant emotional event recently?
    
    
• Relieving factors
  
  • What have you done to try to make intercourse less painful?
    
  • How well has it worked?
    
    
• Other
  
  • What other symptoms are present?

• OTC antifungal medication
  • Monistat (miconazole)
  • Lotrimin AF
  • Vagistat 1 (tioconazole, 1 day treatment)
    
    
• Prescription
  • Diflucan (fluconazole)
    
    
• Anti-inflammatory, anti-itch
  • Hydrocortizone
  • Vagisil
  • Stronger version of Vagisil
    

Click here for details into what types of physical and diagnostic tests your doctor would perform as part of your candida testing.

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Painful urination

Medical history questions for candida testing documenting painful urination may include the following:

• Time pattern: When did the painful urination begin?
  
  • Quality
    
  • Does the pain occur only during urination?
    
  • Does the pain stop after urination?
    
    
• Location
  
  • Is the pain in the urethra?
    
  • Is there back pain?
    
    
• Other
  
  • What other symptoms are also present?
    
  • Have you had a fever higher than 100 degrees F?
    
  • Is there drainage or discharge between urinations?
    
  • Is there an abnormal urine odor?
    
  • Are there any changes in the volume or frequency of urination?
    
  • Do you have the urge to urinate?
    
  • Was any blood in the urine noticed?
    
  • Are there any rashes or itching in the genital area?
    
    
• What medications are you taking?
  
  • Are you pregnant or could you be pregnant?
    
  • Has there been a previous bladder infection?
    
  • Do you have any allergies to any medications?
    
  • Have you had sexual intercourse with someone who is known to have gonorrhea or chlamydia?
    
  • Has there been a recent change in the brand of soap, detergent, or fabric softener?
    
  • Have you had surgery or radiation to your urinary or sexual organs?

Click here for details into what types of physical and diagnostic tests your doctor would perform as part of your candida testing.

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