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Vaginal Yeast Infections - When To Call a Doctor
SYMPTOMS & TREATMENTS
- Topic Overview
-
Health Tools
- Cause
- Symptoms
- What Happens
- What Increases Your Risk
- When To Call a Doctor
- Exams and Tests
- Treatment Overview
- Prevention
- Home Treatment
- Medications
- Surgery
- Other Treatment
- Other Places To Get Help
- Related Information
- References
- Credits
Use the following guidelines for seeking medical care when you have vaginal symptoms.
Call your doctor immediately if you:
- Develop lower abdominal pain and a fever higher than 101°F (38.3°C) along with a vaginal discharge. This may indicate 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:
- Develop 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.
- Develop any other symptoms that may indicate 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:
To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: June 8, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | Sarah Anne Marshall, MD - Family Medicine Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology | |
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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