When You Visit Your Doctor - Vaginitis

Vaginitis

Questions to Discuss with Your Doctor:

• How long have you had this vaginal discomfort?
• Does it itch or burn?
• Do you have vaginal discharge? Does it have a bad odor? What is the consistency?
• Are you pregnant?
• Are you sexually active?
• Is sexual intercourse painful?
• Do you have pain or burning with urination?
• Are you urinating more frequently?
• Do you have urinary incontinence?
• Are you post-menopausal?
• Do you have vaginal dryness?
• Do you have diabetes?
• Have you recently taken antibiotics or corticosteroids?
• Is your immune system suppressed in any way?
• Do you take birth-control pills?
• Do you wear tight pants or synthetic fabrics (nylon)? (These are all predisposing factors for yeast infections).
• Have you or your partner ever had a sexually transmitted disease?
• Do you have fevers, chills, abdominal pain, joint pain, or a rash?

Your Doctor Might Examine the Following Body Structures or Functions:

• Abdominal examination
• Pelvic examination

Your Doctor Might Order the Following Lab Tests or Studies:

• Sample of the vaginal discharge to examine under a microscope (wet smear)
• Cultures of the vaginal discharge