How is VVC diagnosed?

After performing a medical examination of the vulva and vagina, a medical practitioner will collect a sample of vaginal discharge to observe under a microscope, which allows them to apply a specific solution that makes it possible to see hyphal Candida (the form in which they can cause disease).

If a woman has symptoms of VVC but the microscopy doesn’t reveal any Candida, another sample may be applied to a cell culture plate that promotes microbial growth, and if Candida are present, they will be observable in a few days.