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Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staff
What you can do
So that your doctor can observe and evaluate any vaginal discharge you have, avoid using tampons and don't douche before your appointment.
Also make a list of medications or supplements you're taking and any allergies you have. Write down questions to ask your doctor. Some basic questions include:
- Can I do anything to prevent vaginitis?
- What signs and symptoms should I watch out for?
- Do I need to use medicine?
- Are there any special instructions for using the medicine?
- Are there any over-the-counter products that will treat my condition?
- What can I do if my symptoms return after treatment?
- Does my partner also need to be tested or treated?
Don't hesitate to ask further questions if your doctor's explanations and instructions are unclear.
Questions your doctor may ask
Be prepared to answer questions your doctor may have, such as:
- What vaginal symptoms are you experiencing?
- Do you notice a strong vaginal odor?
- How long have you had your symptoms?
- Do your symptoms seem tied to your menstrual cycle? For instance, are symptoms more intense just before or just after your period?
- Have you tried any over-the-counter products to treat your condition?
- Are you sexually active?
- Are you pregnant?
- Do you use scented soap or bubble bath?
- Do you douche or use feminine hygiene spray?
- What medications or vitamin supplements do you regularly take?
References
- Eschenbach DA. Pelvic and sexually transmitted infections. In: Gibb RS, et al. Danforth's Obstetrics and Gynecology. 10th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2008:608.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, et al. Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines, 2010. MMWR Recommendations and Reports. 2010;59:1. http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5912a1.htm. Accessed Jan. 4, 2011.
- Eckert LO, et al. Infections of the lower genital tract: Vulva, vagina, cervix, toxic shock syndrome, HIV infections. In: Katz VL, et al. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/208746819-4/0/1524/0.html. Accessed Jan. 4, 2011.
- Nyirjesy P. Vulvovaginal candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis. Infectious Disease Clinics of North America. 2008;22:637.
- Castelo-Branco C, et al. Management of post-menopausal vaginal atrophy and atrophic vaginitis. Maturitas. 2005;52(suppl):S46.
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Vaginitis. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2006;107:1195.
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