If you’ve ever had vaginitis, you recognize it immediately the second time around. You might feel like your vagina is on fire. Urinating likely causes a stinging sensation. You have a foul-smelling discharge on your underwear.
Vaginitis is a condition that really can’t wait. When it’s unbearable to urinate, you need medical attention right away. Unlike many medical practices, Schaumburg Immediate Care provides same-day appointments and provides service at night and over the weekends.
Your expert provider with Schaumburg Immediate Care examines your discharge under a microscope, examines your vagina and pelvic area, and may have you provide a urine sample which we look at while you wait. Our medical staff diagnoses and prescribes treatment for vaginitis at your appointment so you get same-day relief from painful symptoms.
Your treatment depends on the type of vaginitis you have. Bacteria, yeast, or even a parasite can cause vaginitis.
After experiencing vaginitis, you want to know whether it can be prevented in the future. The answer is yes. You can take steps to help prevent vaginitis.
You probably already know that you should always wipe yourself from front to back when you finish urinating and having bowel movements. Your vagina is made to clean itself. When you shower, simply wash the outside of your vulva with mild, unscented soap and water.
Make sure your hands are clean when you’re inserting a tampon, and make sure any object that you insert in your vagina is clean, such as a vibrator or plastic applicator for estrogen cream.
Don’t use soaps or sprays infused with fragrances, which can make your vaginitis worse. Bubble baths may irritate your vagina.
Douching can upset your vagina’s normal pH balance and can actually cause an infection. Before the advent of birth control pills, douching with an antiseptic was a primitive form of birth control; it didn’t work well.
Bacteria thrive in moist environments. Avoid sitting for hours in a wet bathing suit. Wear cotton underwear that breathes. Change your underwear every day. When you’re menstruating, don’t forget to change your tampons regularly.
Although you may love skintight pants, don’t wear them every day. Avoid tight thongs. Let your vagina breathe.
For all of your primary and immediate care needs, call Schaumburg Immediate Care or book an appointment through our online portal.
