Women's Health

Use the following guidelines for seeking medical care when you have vaginal symptoms.

Call your doctor immediately if you:

• Have lower abdominal pain and a fever higher than 101�F (38.3�C) along with a vaginal discharge. This may point to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
• Are pregnant and have symptoms of a vaginal infection or a urinary tract infection (UTI).

Call your doctor for an appointment within 1 week if you:

• Have 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.
• Have any other symptoms that may point to a vaginal infection.
• Continue to have symptoms despite home treatment with a nonprescription medicine.
• 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 nonprescription medicine. If symptoms continue after treatment, see your doctor.

Who to see

Health professionals who can diagnose and treat a vaginal yeast infection include:

• Physician assistants.
• Nurse practitioners.
• Family medicine doctors.
• Internists.
• Gynecologists.

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.