Admin_NHT Staff asked 6 years ago - Definition: Inflammation of the vagina due to infection, allergy, or hormonal imbalance is called vaginitis. Microbes that are responsible for this include the Candida, Gardnerella and Trichomonas species.
- How to diagnose? :
The following are the general tests done to ascertain the presence of vaginitis:
- Pelvic exam
- Physical exam
- Wet mount/smear – Microscopical examination of a drop of vaginal discharge. Based on the results of this test, the causative microbe is identified. For example, cells from the vaginal lining, if lined with bacteria (clue cells) indicate bacterial vaginosis while the presence of budding yeasts and parasites indicate infections due to candida and trichomonas species respectively.
- Gram staining of the vaginal fluid is also a diagnostic test for bacterial vaginosis. The result obtained is similar to that of a wet mount. However, trichomonas species cannot be detected in this test.
- pH of the vaginal discharge :
- pH less than 4.5 – normal
- pH greater than 5 – bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis
- With a drop of 10% potassium hydroxide, the vaginal discharge gives off a fishy and unpleasant odor.
- When is it done? :
Usually, pregnant women and sexually active women undergo these tests, especially if the vaginal discharge is thick, milky or grey with an unpleasant fishy odor. Women with vaginal dryness, itching and burning pain during coitus are also advised to take up this test.