Vaginal Wet Mount Test For Vaginitis: What Happens And What Results ...

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Medical News TodaySubscribeWhat is the wet mount procedure?

Medically reviewed by Holly Ernst, P.A. — Written by Lana Barhum on June 12, 2018

Why is it done?
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Preparation
Procedure
Results
Treatment
Takeaway

A vaginal wet mount test, or vaginal smear, is a gynecological exam. The doctor takes a sample of discharge and sends it for testing. Results can show whether a person has vaginitis, which is a term for a range of infections and other issues.

A doctor may recommend a wet mount test if a person reports vaginal symptoms, including:

itching
odor
pain
unusual discharge

In this article, we explore the wet mount procedure and the issues it can help to diagnose. We also describe how to prepare, what to expect during the test, and what results can show. Finally, we look at treating and preventing various types of vaginitis.

Why is vaginal wet mount testing done?

Doctor preparing for smear test or wet mount — If vaginitis is suspected, then a wet mount test may be used.

A doctor will use this test when they suspect that a person has vaginitis.

Healthcare professionals also use the test when screening for some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and collecting evidence related to sexual assault.

Authors of a study from 2015 found wet mount testing to be more effective at diagnosing vaginosis than simpler and quicker methods, such as pH and standard culture testing.

The authors also concluded that results of vaginal fluid mount microscopy were better able to determine the best course of treatment and prevent recurrent infections.

Symptoms of vaginitis

Vaginitis causes inflammation of the vagina. This is often the result of infection or an imbalance of vaginal bacteria.

Other causes of vaginitis include:

reduced estrogen levels after menopause
hormone fluctuations during and after pregnancy
contact irritants
some skin conditions, including dermatitis

Symptoms of vaginitis include:

itching, irritation, a burning sensation, or swelling in the vagina or vulva
pain during sexual intercourse
pain during urination
mild vaginal bleeding, which is commonly called spotting
changes in vaginal discharge

Changes to the amount, odor, or color of vaginal discharge can help a doctor to identify the type of vaginitis. Types and corresponding changes in discharge are described below.

Bacterial infection

This may also be called bacterial vaginosis (BV). It can cause grey or milky-colored vaginal discharge with a fishy odor.

The odor occurs when the vaginal pH level increases, and it is strongest after sexual intercourse.

However, some people have BV and no symptoms.

Yeast infection

Also called candidiasis, a yeast infection leads to thick, white discharge that can resemble cottage cheese. The discharge does not have an odor.

Trichomoniasis

A parasite causes this STI, which is commonly called trich. Symptoms include frothy, yellow-green vaginal discharge and an unpleasant smell.

The infection can also lead to red sores on the vaginal walls and cervix, which a doctor can see during a pelvic exam.

Vaginal atrophy

This refers to thinning of the vaginal walls, and it affects women who are entering menopause.

The atrophy can lead to atrophic vaginitis, which involves itching, irritation, vaginal dryness, and pain during sexual intercourse.

How is vaginitis diagnosed?

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A doctor will look at a person’s medical history as part of the diagnosis procedure.

A doctor will take a medical history, review symptoms, and perform physical and pelvic exams. During the pelvic exam, the doctor will look for inflammation and abnormal discharge.

Doctors may also perform vaginal pH testing because elevated levels can indicate BV or trichomoniasis.

The test involves applying a sample of discharge to a pH strip. The paper will change color, and numbers assigned to the colors indicate the pH level.

The normal pH range of the vagina is from 3.8–4.5. A pH test is not conclusive. It should be performed alongside other tests, including the vaginal wet mount.

The pH test is also not used to diagnose yeast infections because people with these infections tend to have normal pH levels.

Preparing for a vaginal wet mount

A person does not need to do anything significant to prepare. However, it is important not to use creams or other medications in the vagina for at least 2 days before the test.

A person also should not douche. Douching involves washing the vagina with water and other, sometimes medicated, fluid mixtures. Doctors do not recommend it, because it can lead to infection and irritation.

How is the wet mount test performed?

A person will undress from the waist down and lay on the exam table with their feet suspended in footrests.

The doctor will insert a tool called a speculum into the vagina. This holds it open and allows the doctor to see inside. The procedure is not painful, but the speculum may cause discomfort.

No risks are associated with the wet mount test.

The doctor will use a wet, sterile cotton swab to take a sample of vaginal discharge. They then remove the speculum, and the procedure is over.

What happens after the procedure?

The doctor’s office or clinic sends the sample of vaginal discharge to a lab for testing.

At the lab, the sample is mixed with a saline solution and placed on a slide. This is the wet mount. The sample is then examined under a microscope to check for evidence of an infection.

What the results mean

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A sterile cotton swab is used to take a sample of vaginal discharge.

The test can detect the following types of infection:

BV
trichomoniasis
a yeast infection

If none of these are present, something other than an infection may be causing symptoms.

A person could also have vaginal atrophy.

What are the treatment options?

The following are common treatments for different types of vaginitis:

BV

Doctors often prescribe metronidazole to treat bacterial infections. It is available as a pill or a vaginal gel.

Another prescription medication for BV is clindamycin, a cream that can be applied to the vagina.

Yeast infections

People can treat these infections with over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal creams, including miconazole (Monistat).

A doctor can also prescribe stronger creams, and the prescription antifungal fluconazole (Diflucan) is available as a pill.

Trichomoniasis

Metronidazole (Flagyl) or tinidazole (Tindamax) are often used to treat this infection. Both drugs are available in pill form.

Because trichomoniasis is transmitted through sexual activity, all partners need to be treated to avoid reinfection.

Vaginal atrophy

Doctors treat vaginal atrophy with estrogen. The hormone can be supplemented by using:

tablets
creams
vaginal rings

Managing estrogen levels can reduce the symptoms of atrophic vaginitis.

Non-infectious vaginitis

When an infection is not responsible for vaginitis, doctors will work to determine the cause and recommend ways to avoid it.

Poor hygiene, soaps, laundry products, and scented sanitary napkins and tampons can all cause symptoms of vaginitis.

Takeaway

Practicing good hygiene can often prevent some types of vaginitis, including BV. A person may also be able to prevent noninfectious vaginitis by avoiding triggers and irritants. It is essential to thoroughly rinse soaps from the area and dry it well.

Practicing safe sex and using condoms can help to prevent trichomoniasis. Attend yearly gynecological examinations to catch issues early and ensure that reproductive and sexual organs are in good health.

Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
Women's Health / Gynecology

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Bacterial vaginosis. (2018, April 24)https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/bacterial-vaginosis
Douching. (2018, May 22)https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/douching
Frobenius, W. & Bogdan, C. (2015, April). Diagnostic value of vaginal discharge, wet mount and vaginal pH: An update on the basics of gynecologic infectiology. Geburtshilfe Und Frauenheilkunde, 75(4), 355–366https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4437757
Gaydos, C. A., Beqaij. S., Schwebke, J. R., Lebed, J., Smith, B., Davis, T. E. … Cooper, C. K. (2017, July). Clinical validation of a test for the diagnosis of vaginitis. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 130(1), 181–189https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5635603/
Hainer, B. L., & Gibson, M. V. (2011, April). Vaginitis: Diagnosis and treatment. American Family Physician, 83(7), 807–815https://www.aafp.org/afp/2011/0401/p807.html
Hemalatha, R., Ramalaxmi, B. A., Swetha, E., Balakrishna, N., & Mastromarino, P. (2013, September). Evaluation of vaginal pH for detection of bacterial vaginosis. Indian Journal of Medical Research, 138(3), 354–359https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3818598
Kelly, K. G. (1990). Clinical methods: The history, physical, and laboratory examinations. 3rd edition. Boston, Massachusetts: Butterworthshttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK288/
Nenadić, D., & Pavlović, M. D. (2015, June). Value of bacterial culture of vaginal swabs in diagnosis of vaginal infections. Vojnosanitetski Pregled, 72(6), 523–528https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26226725
Self-study STD modules for clinicians: Vaginitis: Diagnosis and evaluation. (2013, July)https://www2a.cdc.gov/stdtraining/self-study/vaginitis/vaginitis_diagnosis_self_study_from_cdc.html
Sexual assault and abuse and STDs. (2017, January 25)https://www.cdc.gov/std/tg2015/sexual-assault.htm
Trichomoniasis. (2018, May 22)https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/trichomoniasis
Vaginal yeast infections. (2018, May 24)https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/vaginal-yeast-infections

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Medically reviewed by Holly Ernst, P.A. — Written by Lana Barhum on June 12, 2018

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Why is vaginal wet mount testing done?

Symptoms of vaginitis

Bacterial infection

Yeast infection

Trichomoniasis

Vaginal atrophy

How is vaginitis diagnosed?

Preparing for a vaginal wet mount

How is the wet mount test performed?

What happens after the procedure?

What the results mean

What are the treatment options?

BV

Yeast infections

Trichomoniasis

Vaginal atrophy

Non-infectious vaginitis

Takeaway

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