About the Fungal Infections Test

What can I expect from the test?

In the past, testing for fungal infections required a swab of the vaginal lining. Today's state-of-the-art tests do not require any vaginal swabbing and instead rely on the simple submission of a small urine sample. Because of this, you should refrain from urinating for about an hour before your appointment.

When you enter our clinic, you will be asked for your name and date of birth, to verify your appointment. You will then be handed a collection cup and directed to a private room to provide a sample of your urine. When you're done providing the sample, you can leave. The process is completely private and takes just a few minutes.

What does the test screen for?

This test screens for the presence of four common organisms that cause the majority of female fungal infections:

• Candida albicans
• Candida glabrata
• Candida parapsilosis
• Candida tropicalis

What are the symptoms of a fungal infection?

Fungal infections, also known as bacterial vaginosis (BV) or yeast infections are the most common vaginal conditions in women ages 15-44 and can increase your chances of getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI). A fungal infection occurs when there is too much of a certain bacteria in the vagina. This changes the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina, allowing that bacteria to multiply in large numbers. Once the populations of normal vaginal bacteria have been overtaken, symptoms often occur.

Many women with fungal infections do not have symptoms. If you do have symptoms, you may notice a thin white or gray vaginal discharge; pain, itching, or burning in the vagina; a strong fish-like odor, especially after sex; burning when peeing; and itching around the outside of the vagina.

How do you contract a fungal infection?

Fungal infections are exclusive to individuals with vaginas. Men cannot contract fungal infections.

Researchers do not know the cause of fungal infections. However, we do know the condition most often occurs in those who are sexually active. A fungal infection results when there is an imbalance of "good" and "harmful" bacteria in a vagina. Douching, not using condoms, and having new or multiple sex partners can upset the normal balance of vaginal bacteria, increasing your risk of getting a fungal infection. You cannot get a fungal infection from toilet seats, bedding, or swimming pools.

Because healthcare providers and scientists do not completely understand how fungal infections spread, they also don't know how best to prevent them. We do know that you can lower your risk of getting a fungal infection by not having sex, limiting your number of sex partners, not douching, and using condoms the right way every time you have sex.

How long does it take to get my test results?

If you test at one of our Twin Cities locations, you will receive your test results within one business day. If you test at our Bemidji or Rochester clinics, test results are available within two business days.

What does a positive test result mean?

If your test returns a positive result that means that you have an active infection and need treatment. If your test returns a negative result that means the bacteria were not found in your urine and you do not currently have an active infection.

What treatment is available?

If you test positive for a fungal infection, you can schedule a convenient telemedicine visit with one of our providers to discuss treatment options and next steps. Our provider will prescribe the appropriate medication, either an antifungal cream or an oral antifungal medication, such as fluconazole or ibrexafungerp.