When should I consult a physician ?

Your physician can diagnose an inflammation of the vagina as bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, yeast infection, or possibly another condition.

Changes that signal something wrong include an increase in vaginal discharge, change in the color or smell of discharge, irritation, itch, or burning of the vulva. While not menstruating, any discharge stained with blood would be the sign of a problem. Any of these symptoms justify a visit to your physician.

Changes occur when the normal balance of vaginal bacteria is upset by using antibiotics, douches, bubble baths, common soaps, or feminine “hygiene” sprays. They can also result from diabetes, intercourse, pregnancy, aging, or other infections.

If you suffer yeast infection from time to time, and know you have it again, you can try over-the-counter vaginal creams such as miconazole, clortrimazole, or butaconazole nitrate, which can also be applied to the vulva to relieve itching.

However, if you have any question about the diagnosis, consult a physician because vaginitis is caused by many other things besides yeast. Plus accurate self diagnosis is unlikely and losing time with the wrong treatment allows symptoms to get worse.

For 24 hours before examination, do not have intercourse or use douche, feminine hygiene products, or tampons, which can interfere with an accurate diagnosis.