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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 or 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 take medicine?
- Does my partner also need to be tested or treated?
- Are there any special instructions for taking the medicine?
- Are there any over-the-counter products that will treat my condition?
- What can I do if my symptoms return after treatment?
In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, don't hesitate to ask questions during your appointment at any time that you don't understand something.
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? Are they, for instance, 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?
- 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.
- Vaginal discharge: Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines 2006. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment/2006/vaginal-discharge.htm. Accessed Dec. 31, 2008.
- 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/115153683-6/787438538/1524/148.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-02951-3..50025-X--cesec14_766. Accessed Dec. 31, 2008.
- Mashburn J. Etiology, diagnosis, and management of vaginitis. Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health. 2006;51:423.
- 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.
