Diagnosis of Candidal Vaginitis Pelvic examination Vaginal pH and microscopy Culture, if vaginitis is persistent or recurrent Criteria for diagnosing candidal vaginitis include Typical discharge (a thick, white, curd-like vaginal discharge) Vaginal pH is < 4.5 Budding yeast, pseudohyphae, or mycelia visible on a wet mount, especially with potassium hydroxide (KOH) If symptoms suggest candidal vaginitis but signs (including vulvar irritation) are absent and microscopy does not detect fungal elements, fungal culture is done.