Vaginal Yeast Infections
When To Call a Doctor
Use the following guidelines for seeking medical care when you have vaginal symptoms.
Call your health professional immediately if you:
- Develop lower abdominal pain and a fever higher than 38.3°C (101°F) along with a vaginal discharge. This may indicate pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
- Are pregnant and have symptoms of a vaginal infection or a urinary tract infection (UTI).
Call your health professional for an appointment within 1 week if you:
- Develop an unusual vaginal discharge, and this is the first time you have had an infection that might be a vaginal yeast infection.
- Have unusual vaginal itching.
- Have pain during sex or urination.
- Develop any other symptoms that may indicate a vaginal infection.
- Continue to have symptoms despite home treatment with a non-prescription medication.
- Have symptoms return within 2 months, and you have not been taking antibiotics.
Watchful Waiting
If you are sure your symptoms are caused by a vaginal yeast infection, waiting several days to see if the symptoms clear up on their own is not harmful, especially if you expect your menstrual period within that time. Sometimes a menstrual period will relieve the symptoms of a mild yeast infection. If your symptoms continue, you can use non-prescription medication. If symptoms continue after treatment, see your health professional.
Who To See
Your family doctor or general practitioner can diagnose and treat a vaginal yeast infection. If you have a recurrent yeast infection, you may be referred to a specialist, such as a gynecologist.
To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment
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| Author: | Amy Fackler, MA Carrie Henley | Last Updated: August 9, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology | |
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