Vaginal Problems

Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

If you have any of the following symptoms, evaluate those symptoms first.

• You are pregnant or think you might be pregnant: Go to the topic Pregnancy-Related Problems.
• You have symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection (STI): Go to the topic Exposure to Sexually Transmitted Infections.
  • Do not have sex until you have been treated by your doctor.
  • Your partner or partners may need to be evaluated and possibly treated as well.
• Burning with urination, frequent urination, or flank pain: Go to the topic Urinary Problems, Age 12 and Older.

Note:

If you plan to see a doctor, do not douche, use vaginal creams or suppositories, or have sex for 48 hours before your appointment.

Yes	Do you have pelvic or lower abdominal pain with other symptoms?
Yes	Do you think your vaginal symptoms may be caused by sexual abuse?
Yes	Do you have a rash, sore, blister, or lump in your vaginal area?
Yes	Do you have vaginal itching or a change in your vaginal discharge?
Yes	Do you think you have a vaginal infection?
Yes	Do you think your vaginal symptoms may be caused by a medicine?
Yes	Do you feel a bulging into your vagina or increased pelvic pressure with movement?
Yes	Do you have pain or bleeding with sex?
Yes	Are you unable to remove an object from your vagina?
Yes	Do you have vaginal symptoms that have not improved with treatment?

Other Symptoms to Watch For

Do you have any of the following symptoms?

• Sexual problems: Go to the topic Sexual Problems in Women.

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: December 10, 2007
Medical Review:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology
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