HealthInfo Waitaha Canterbury
Understanding your vaginal swab results
Te mārama ki ō hua whakamātaunga miri ā-tara
Vaginal swabs are taken to test for infections. You may have a vaginal swab if you have an abnormal vaginal discharge, discomfort or itch.
You may also have one as part of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) check-up.
You may be able to take the swab yourself.
Possible results
Normal vaginal flora: This means there were no signs of infections from your swab.
You might also get some other results.
Chlamydia positive: This means that you have chlamydia, a sexually transmitted disease that may not cause any symptoms.
Neisseria gonorrhoea positive: This means that you have gonorrhoea a sexually transmitted disease that may not cause any symptoms.
Bacterial vaginosis (BV): This means that some of your normal vaginal bugs have grown more than others, which can cause vaginal discharge. Bacterial vaginosis isn't sexually transmitted.
Candidiasis: This is commonly called thrush and can cause vaginal discharge and itch. It isn't sexually transmitted.
Trichomonas vaginalis (TV): Trichomonas is a sexually transmitted infection, which can cause vaginal discharge and discomfort.
Next steps
If you have bacterial vaginosis but no symptoms, you may not need any treatment as it can get better on its own. But if you have symptoms, you'll be treated with an antibiotic.
If your results show candidiasis (thrush), you'll be treated with an antifungal cream that you apply to your vagina with an applicator, antifungal tablets or a combination of the two.
If you have trichomonas, chlamydia or gonorrhoea, you'll be treated with antibiotics. Your sexual partner should be treated at the same time.
Talk to your general practice team if you have any questions about your vaginal swab.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed October 2022.
SourcesReview key: HIUTR-269145
