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GuideWisdom™

This WisdomCard managed by: Chris Miller

A vaginal wet mount is a test used by gynecologists to help determine the cause of inflammation in and around the vagina. Performed in the same manner as a pap smear, the vaginal area is swabbed to collect samples of discharge. The swab containing vaginal discharge is held in a saline-filled container and then examined under a microscope so that a diagnosis might be made.¹

Fast Facts:

• -- Vaginal yeast infections, trichomoniasis, and bacterial vaginosis can be detected.²
• -- Do not douche, use tampons or vaginal medications for 24 hours before the test.³
• -- Not performed during menstruation.

Top Resources on Vaginal Wet Mount

• A.D.A.M. (via MedlinePlus): Vaginitis Test - Wet Mount
• Healthwise (via WebMD): Vaginal Wet Mount
• Candid-Solutions: The Wet Prep/Wet Mount Test
• Focus On (via American College of Physicians): Wet Mount Examinations
• University of Hawaii John A Burns School of Medicine: Adolescent Gynecology

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• Vaginismus
• Vaginal Dryness
• Breast Self-Examination

GuideWisdom and Fast Facts References

1. ↑ Healthwise (via WebMD): Vaginal Wet Mount
2. ↑ Healthwise (via Quest Diagnostics): Vaginal Wet Mount: Test Overview
3. ↑ Healthwise (via Quest Diagnostics): Vaginal Wet Mount: How to Prepare

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