What a vaginal culture is
A vaginal culture is a simple laboratory test that looks for the organisms responsible for a vaginal infection. A sample of discharge is taken from the vagina or the cervix with a swab and sent to the laboratory, where the organism is identified and its sensitivity to medication is tested.
When it is recommended
- Increased vaginal discharge, or discharge with an unpleasant smell or an unusual appearance.
- Itching, burning or irritation in the area.
- Pain during intercourse or when passing urine.
- Recurrent vaginitis, or an infection that has not cleared with the initial treatment.
- As part of a fertility work-up, or before an intravaginal procedure.
The procedure
The sample is taken in the office, takes a few seconds and is painless. For a reliable result it is best not to have douched, used vaginal preparations or had intercourse in the previous 24 hours, and not to have taken antibiotics. Targeted treatment is then given on the basis of the culture and the sensitivity testing.