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SYMPTOMS |
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DIAGNOSIS |
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SELF-CARE |
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Are you having a vaginal discharge of normal
color, consistency and smell, but the amount has
increased? |
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This may be normal, related to hormone changes
or use of oral contraceptives. |
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See your doctor if the condition worsens or
becomes bothersome. |
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| 2.
Is the discharge white and curd-like, or is
there redness, itching and irritation on the
labia? |
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These symptoms are typical for a yeast infection
or CANDIDIASIS. |
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See your doctor if this is the first time you've
had these symptoms so that he or she can confirm
the diagnosis. Over-the-counter vaginal yeast
medicines are available. Wear cotton underwear
and avoid tight clothing to allow the area to
breathe. |
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| 3.
Is the discharge greenish yellow with an
unpleasant odor? |
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Go to Question
5.* |
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4. Do you have a fever or
abdominal pain? |
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You may have a serious infection,
PELVIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASE (PID), around
your fallopian tubes, ovaries and uterus. |
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URGENT
See your doctor promptly. |
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Your discharge may be from a venereal infection,
TRICHOMONIASIS, or
BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS. |
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See your doctor. |
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*5. Is the odor worse than the
discharge? |
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A
FOREIGN BODY, such as a forgotten tampon or
contraceptive device, may cause odor and
irritation. |
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Remove the object and call your doctor if the
irritation doesn't stop. |
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| 6.
Do you have a painful or itchy rash over the
labia or the skin near the vagina? |
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YEAST INFECTIONS are common. Other FUNGAL
INFECTIONS and IRRITATION from feminine hygiene
sprays can also cause this rash. |
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Wear cotton underwear and keep the area as dry
as possible. If only the skin is affected, use
an over-the-counter antifungal cream. See your
doctor if these simple measures don't help. |
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| 7.
Do you have a tender swelling of the vaginal
opening or swelling of one labia? |
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This swelling might be from an INFECTION in a
mucous gland or an ABSCESS or infection in the
labia. |
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URGENT
Promptly see your doctor. |
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8. Do you have a sore or raw
area on the outside or inside of the vagina? |
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HERPES infections and other
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES often start
with a sore. |
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See your doctor. |
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| 9.
Do you have pain with intercourse? |
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Go to Question
12.** |
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10. Does your vagina seem dry, or do you have
itching and irritation of the vagina? |
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Painful intercourse can be due to INFECTION and
HORMONE DEFICIENCY. |
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You may need to see your doctor to make sure you
do not have an infection or hormone deficiency.
Vaginal dryness can be relieved with vaginal
lubricants. |
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11. Are you anxious about having sex? |
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Painful intercourse can be due to VAGINISMUS
(vaginal muscle spasm). |
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See your doctor if you think you may have
vaginismus. Treatment is available. |
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**12. Do you have pain with
urination? |
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You may have a bladder infection, or CYSTITIS. |
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See your doctor. Drinking cranberry juice has
been shown to protect some women from getting
bladder infections, but it doesn't cure them
once they start. |
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13. Do you leak urine when you cough, laugh or
lift an object? |
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This is a symptom of STRESS INCONTINENCE, a
common condition after having children. |
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Discuss the problem with your doctor. You can
strengthen your bladder with Kegel exercises.
Frequently emptying your bladder helps prevent
this problem; protective shields or adult
diapers may be needed. Surgery may also be an
option. |
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| For more
information, please consult your doctor. If you
think the problem is serious, call right away. |
