Bacterial Vaginosis: When To Call A Doctor

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When To Call a Doctor

Bacterial vaginosis can be difficult to distinguish from other types of vaginal infection. Consider the following if you have any signs of vaginal infection.

Call your doctor immediately if you:

• Develop lower abdominal pain and a fever higher than along with a vaginal discharge.
• Are pregnant and have symptoms of a vaginal infection.

Call your doctor for an appointment within 1 week if you:

• Develop an unusual vaginal discharge that has a foul odor, especially noticeable after sex.
• Have unusual vaginal itching.
• Have pain during sex or during urination.
• Develop any other discomfort or discharge that may indicate a vaginal infection.

If you have not been diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis but you have symptoms that cause you concern, see the following topics:

• Vaginal Problems
• Abdominal Pain, Age 12 and Older
• Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding

Watchful Waiting

It's generally recommended that you contact or see your doctor about vaginal symptoms. The only exception to this rule is when you are sure that your vaginal symptoms indicate a vaginal yeast infection. If you have had a yeast infection before and are sure that your problem is a yeast infection rather than bacterial vaginosis, you can consider home treatment with a nonprescription product to treat yeast infections. For more information, see the topic Vaginal Yeast Infections.

If your symptoms are due to a sexually transmitted disease (STD) and not bacterial vaginosis, you may infect a sex partner if you delay treatment. You may also develop more serious complications of STDs such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

• To prevent the spread of a possible infection, avoid sex. Wait until after you have seen your doctor.
• Avoid douching.

Who To See

Doctors who can diagnose and treat bacterial vaginosis include:

• Family medicine doctors.
• Gynecologists.
• Nurse practitioners.
• Internists.
• Physician assistants.

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

Last updated:	March 17, 2008
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH - Infectious Disease
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC