Should You Go to an Urgent Care for Vaginitis
There are two basic types of vaginitis. The first is superficial and usually caused by Candida Albicans (the overgrowth of yeast). This type of infection should be treated with an antifungal cream or suppository. The second, more severe form requires a prescription pill called metronidazole to help clear it up. Metronidazole is typically administered orally and takes anywhere from one to four days to start taking effect. Many women find that they’re still in pain during those few days, which leaves them wondering whether they should go to an urgent care center for treatment instead. Though most symptoms of vaginitis will subside within a few days with home treatments, it’s good to keep your options open.
Symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) And Yeast Infection. The most common symptom of bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an unusual vaginal discharge that has a strong fishy odor, according to the Mayo Clinic. Women who have BV may also experience some vaginal itching or burning, especially when they urinate or have sexual intercourse. Some women may also experience bleeding after sex. If symptoms continue for more than three weeks despite home treatment efforts, seek medical care from your primary care physician or your OB/GYN. Another type of infection—yeast infection—can cause vaginal itching and discomfort as well as a watery yellow-colored discharge with a mild foul odor.
Vaginitis is an infection of any part of your vaginal area and/or vulva. It happens when normal bacteria (usually lactobacilli) that live in your vagina get out of balance. The most common symptoms are abnormal discharge, pain or burning with urination, and itching or swelling. Women who’ve never had vaginitis before should be treated by a doctor because they could have a sexually transmitted disease, like gonorrhea or chlamydia, which require antibiotics to cure. However, if it’s not an STI but just irritation from laundry detergent or soap — then an urgent care center is fine for treatment as long as you aren’t experiencing any severe side effects like severe fever or vomiting.
It’s no secret that regular, annual gynecological visits are essential for a woman’s wellness. These routine exams are designed to screen for and address any issues before they become serious enough to require immediate medical attention. When your doctor notices anything abnormal during a checkup, she will likely recommend an immediate visit to her office or suggest she refer you to an urgent care center for evaluation. Yet there are some conditions that may seem urgent but actually aren’t and others that don’t require urgent care at all. Here is a list of ten things that do and don’t need medical attention right away—and how to tell when it is time to seek urgent care
