Most docs are not easy to reach--even I can't return all of my patients' phone calls every day. But some symptoms may have you reaching for the phone regardless. Before you call, check out my guide to self-treatment below.
- You have funky discharge. If you've never had it before, and you think it's a yeast infection ("thanks, WebMD!"), try a course of an over-the-counter yeast cream. If you don't get relief within a few days, don't try another tube or even another brand--you likely don't have a yeast infection, and need to have an exam. And if you've had a new guy in your life recently, and haven't used condoms consistently, get thee to your gyno pronto.
- You have itching or odor, but no discharge. You may not have an
infection, so you can try some vulvar hygiene changes--white cotton
underwear, mild soap, loose clothing. If your bottom's still burning
after a few weeks, see your doc.
- You have occasional symptoms of the above. Could be almost
anything; schedule an exam when your symptoms are flaring, so your gyno
has the best odds of finding the problem.
- You have burning when you pee. If accompanied by frequent
urination and a sense of urgency to get to the ladies' room, you've
most likely got a bladder infection, or UTI. This will only get better
with antibiotics (and not the leftovers you've got in your medicine
cabinet). Cranberry juice will not help, and over-the-counter Urostat
may give you temporary relief but will just delay definitive treatment.
- You have pain during sex. If you think you're not aroused
enough, demand more foreplay and use a lubricant. But if you're truly
turned on and are experiencing burning or outright pain, please call
your gyno--sex shouldn't hurt.
Have you ever had a hard time reaching your gyno when you were in distress?
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