Main content Female Genital Problems

    Female Genital Problems



    Preparing For Your Appointment

    To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Reference Making the Most of Your Appointment.

    You can help your doctor diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared to answer the following questions:

    • What are your main symptoms?
    • How long have you had your symptoms?
    • Have you had this problem in the past? If so, do you know what caused the problem at that time? How was it treated?
    • What does your vaginal discharge look and smell like?
    • What was the date of your last menstrual period? If you have been through Reference menopause Opens New Window, how long ago was your last menstrual period?
    • Are you currently using any type of birth control method?
    • What medicines (especially antibiotics) are you taking or have you taken recently, if any?
    • Do you have any symptoms of Reference pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) Opens New Window?
    • What home treatment measures have you tried? Did they help?
    • What nonprescription medicines have you tried? Did they help?
    • Do you have a new sex partner? Do you have more than one sex partner? Does your partner have any symptoms? Have you had sex without using a condom? Do you think you have recently been exposed to a Reference sexually transmitted infection (STI) Opens New Window?
    • Have you been diagnosed and treated for a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the past? If so what was your diagnosis, and what treatment was done?
    • Do you have symptoms of a Reference urinary tract infection Opens New Window, such as pain or burning on urination and a frequent urge to urinate?
    • Do you have any Reference health risks?



    By: Reference Healthwise Staff Last Revised: Reference October 31, 2011
    Medical Review: Reference William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
    Reference H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine


    This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.


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