How to Test for a Yeast Infection

If you’ve landed here, it’s likely because you think you have a vaginal yeast infection. Good news: you’ve come to the right place.

We know yeast infections are uncomfortable and you probably want to get rid of it ASAP, but even though it’s easy to pick up over-the-counter antifungal or itch-relief vaginal creams, it’s important to take a yeast infection test before you treat. 

Many other infections share similar symptoms and 69% of people who self-diagnose themselves with a vaginal yeast infection don’t have one, so it’s better not to jump to conclusions. Getting tested for (and confirming) the presence of yeast will make treatment easier, and also help you avoid wasting money on unnecessary over-the-counter treatments, which can sometimes make symptoms worse. 

Here’s how to test for a yeast infection if you suspect you have one. 

1. Ask your OB-GYN for a yeast infection test

Going to the doctor can be time-consuming and expensive, but when you have vaginal symptoms (especially for the first time) it’s worth it to go in, get an exam, and ask for a test. 

How do doctors test for a yeast infection? 

To diagnose yeast infections, doctors will do a physical examination first. Yeast infections often cause redness and irritation in and around your vagina, which your doctor will be able to see during a pelvic exam. They will also check for the presence of abnormal vaginal discharge, which has that trademark white, clumpy cottage cheese look.

Most doctors will also carry PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests that check for the presence of the Candida fungus — specifically Candida albicans, the culprit behind up to 90% of vaginal yeast infections. The PCR test involves collecting a sample of vaginal fluid with a sterile cotton swab (which looks like a long Q-tip) that will then be analyzed under a microscope in a lab to test for yeast. 

If you have recurrent yeast infections, ask your doctor for a test that checks for multiple species of Candida, such as C. glabrata, which is responsible for around 5% of cases, plus C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis, and C. krusei. 

PCR results take 1-3 days, but we know firsthand how uncomfortable symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection can be, so ask your doctor what you can do for temporary relief (such as hydrocortisone ointment) if you need a solution sooner than your prescription can be filled. 

2. Take an at-home yeast infection test

If you don’t have time to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider, or you’d rather do an at-home yeast infection test kit, you can take an at-home vaginal microbiome test (like Evvy’s) so you know exactly what might be behind your symptoms. 

Many of the symptoms associated with a yeast infection — burning, itching, inflammation, abnormal vaginal discharge, and pain with sex and urination — overlap with those of other vaginal infections and conditions such as: 

• Aerobic vaginitis
• Bacterial vaginosis 
• Cytolytic vaginosis 
• Vulvar dermatitis 
• Vulvar lichen sclerosus 
• Vulvar lichen planus 
• Sexually transmitted infections.

For this reason, vaginal symptoms (and what’s triggering them) can turn into a multi-season mystery show faster than you can say “vaginal microbiome.”  

Unlike a Google search of “What does a yeast infection feel like” that leaves you guessing or a PCR test, which only looks for the presence of certain microbes, an Evvy test will check for 700+ types of bacteria and fungi in your vaginal microbiome, and report on their relative amounts. Evvy's Expanded PCR Panel also tests for the four most common sexually transmitted infections (chlamydia, gonorrhea, Mycoplasma genitalium, and trich), 10 antibiotic resistances, and 11 common microbes like Ureaplasma and Gardnerella.

Knowing this information can help you and your doctor find the right yeast infection treatment and make a plan for maintaining vaginal health that feels good for you and your body.

After you get your Evvy results…. 

First, meet your microbiome! Every Evvy test comes with results that offer a detailed breakdown of the microbes in your vagina in addition to the research and any health outcomes associated with them. 

Then, take a look at your custom vaginal health plan. It will suggest personalized next steps you can take (like promoting protective bacteria and reducing disruptive bacteria) based on your test results to ensure your vagina is in its optimal state. 

Finally, book a free, 20-minute coaching call with one of our vaginal health coaches. We know how easy it can be to feel alone when something is up down there. An informed and empathetic ear goes a long way, and we’re here to answer any questions you may have and guide you through your vaginal health journey — sans gaslighting. 

Eligible users will also receive a personalized treatment plan through Evvy Clinical Care. Our team of Evvy-affiliated healthcare providers will work with you to create a custom program that fits your unique needs and includes prescription medication and research-based supplements. Our partner pharmacy uses only top-quality medical-grade ingredients to formulate each prescription, so you can trust you're getting the appropriate treatment.

FAQs

How do they test for yeast infection?

After checking for physical symptoms (like unusual discharge, redness, or irritation), your healthcare provider will collect a sample of vaginal fluid with a swab. That sample will be sent to a lab for microscopic examination to check if there's yeast present. Alternatively, you can take an at-home yeast infection test like Evvy to look for Candida (the fungi behind yeast infections) from the comfort and privacy of your house. 

Does a yeast infection show in urine tests?

Yes, some molecular tests can detect a yeast infection from a urine sample. That said, it’s not the most effective way to test for a yeast infection so doctors don’t use it much. 

Can you test yourself at home for a yeast infection?

Yes, you can take an at-home yeast infection test. Whether the doctor’s office gives you anxiety or you just don’t have the time to go to a clinic, you can buy yeast infection test kits, like from Evvy, that you can do from the comfort of your own home. Evvy works just like a test your doctor would take, and at-home tests can be just as effective for diagnosing yeast infections. The only difference is that you do the swab yourself and then mail the sample back to a lab. Eligible Evvy users will also receive a personalized treatment plan designed by a healthcare provider.

How long does a yeast infection test take?

The test itself only takes a few minutes, and you should receive your test results within a couple of days (depending on the type of test you took, and the lab that is analyzing your results).