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Vaginitis test (wet mount) How the 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 in 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 the slides are viewed under a microscope.
How to Prepare:
Do not douche for 24-hours before the test.
Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experience, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:
How it Feels:
There may be a slight discomfort with the pelvic examination.
Risks:
There are no risks.
Why this Test is Performed:
The test looks for the cause of the vaginal irritation and discharge.
Normal Values:
There is no indication of an infection.
Abnormal Results:
The most common infections are caused by one or a combination of three sources. A vaginal yeast infection (caused by Candida albicans) is a common cause; resulting in a white, cheesy discharge, severe itching , painful intercourse , and a rash or vaginal inflammation.
Infections caused by a protozoan parasite, ( trichomoniasis ) produce a yellowish, frothy, foul-smelling discharge. Sores can develop on the cervix . There may be pain on urination or intercourse.
The other common cause is a bacterium (gardnerella vaginalis or hemophilus vaginalis) which causes a heavy, white, fishy-smelling discharge. There may be a rash or painful intercourse.
Different treatments are necessary for each type of infection.
Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:
Cost:
Information not available.
Special Considerations:
If the infection is caused by trichomoniasis or a bacterium, the sexual partner should be treated also. This prevents the partners from being re-infected after the treatment.
It is possible to have an inflammation of the vagina from chemical irritation (such as from bubble bath or vaginal spray), mechanical abrasion (a scraping away at the surface), or a lack of estrogen.
This is an illustration of the female reproductive system. Both internal and external views are shown here.
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