VAGINAL DISCHARGE

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR VAGINAL DISCHARGE

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

You feel weak or very sick
Yellow or green vaginal discharge occurring with a fever
Genital area looks infected (e.g. draining sore, spreading redness) and fever is present
Severe abdominal pain
Constant abdominal pain for more than 2 hours

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If:

You think you need to be seen
Abnormal color of vaginal discharge (i.e. yellow, green, gray)
Bad smelling vaginal discharge
Blood in vaginal discharge (EXCEPTION: normal, regular menstrual period)
Genital area looks infected (e.g. draining sore, spreading redness)
Grouping of small blisters in vaginal area
Pain in vagina or painful rash in vaginal area
Mild lower abdominal pain comes and goes (cramps) than lasts longer than 24 hours
Pain with sexual intercourse
You are pregnant

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If

You have other questions or concerns
You are worried you might have a sexually transmitted disease
Symptoms of a possible "yeast infection" (i.e. white, thick, cottage-cheese-like discharge that is itchy, not bad smelling) and you have not seen a physician for this previously
Home treatment for 3 or more days for a "yeast infection" and you have not improved

Self Care at Home If

Symptoms that are similar to prior yeast infection (i.e. white, thick, cottage-cheese-like discharge that is itchy, not bad smelling) and you don't think you need to be seen
Normal vaginal discharge and you don't think you need to be seen

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 7/2002

See Other Topics:

Urinary Pain, Female

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