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