Genital candidiasis (yeast infection) is one of several types of genital disorders, many of which exhibit similar symptoms. Proper diagnosis is essential to effective treatment. Many people diagnose themselves with a yeast infection based on the symptoms and past experience with the condition. However, the misdiagnosis of yeast infections is common. A study conducted by the American Social Health Association found that 70 percent of women self-treated vaginal infections before calling a healthcare provider. Most often, the women mistook a bacterial infection for a yeast infection. Other problems that people may assume are yeast infections may be irritation from sexual intercourse or tampons (in women), or an allergic reaction.

Following self-diagnosis, people may choose to use over-the-counter (OTC) medications for treatment. Roughly two-thirds of all OTC medications sold to treat yeast infections were used by people who did not have the condition, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For this reason, people should consult their physician the first time symptoms of a possible yeast infection occur or if they are unsure if they have a yeast infection. In addition, all women who are (or may be) pregnant or breastfeeding must consult their obstetrician-gynecologist (ObGyn) before beginning any treatment. There are some medications that cannot be used by these women.

To diagnose a yeast infection, physicians usually first rely on the symptoms described by the patient. It is important to pay close attention to the symptoms, particularly the time when they first occurred, type of discharge and location of irritation. Women are advised not to douche prior their physician’s appointment as it may mask the symptoms or make accurate testing more difficult.

The physician will obtain the patient’s medical history, including current symptoms. For women, the physician will conduct a pelvic examination. The examination will focus on signs of inflammation or irritation in and around the vagina as well as any vaginal discharge.

The physician may conduct a slide test to analyze the vaginal discharge in women or fluid from the penis in men. In a slide test, the physician will obtain a sample of the genital secretions for a quick examination under a microscope for the presence of yeast organisms, such as Candida. This test is sufficient for diagnosing yeast infection in first-time patients and those with occasional infections. However, in both women and men, cases of recurrent or resistant yeast infections may require further analysis with a genital culture, which is used to identify the presence of other disorders as well as sexually transmitted diseases. The analysis can also aid in diagnosing yeast infections caused by less typical fungi that are often resistant to common yeast therapies.