Vaginal problems include pain, discharge, abdominal bleeding, irritation, and/or infections. Infections may or may not be sexually transmitted. Common vaginal problems include bacterial vaginosis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), vaginal yeast infections, and sexually transmitted infections.

Prevention of Yeast Infections:

• Avoid products that change the vaginal environment(douches, feminine hygiene sprays)
• Use unscented toilet paper.
• Limit your intake of sugar. Sugar promotes the growth of yeast.
• Eat yogurt and milk that contains live cultures of lactobacilus and acidophilus.
• Take showers. Avoid bubble baths.
• Keep the vagina clean and dry.
• Wear cotton or cotton-lined underwear.
• Don't wear tight restrictive garments (girdles, tight blue jeans)
• Wear knee or thigh highs instead of pantyhose.

Urgent

Do you have any of the following:

• Vaginal pain that spreads upward to the pelvis and you are unable to walk due to the pain.
• Very heavy vaginal bleeding along with dizziness or lightheadedness, pale and moist skin, extreme shortness of breath, severe abdominal pain
• Vaginal irritation or pain with fever and shaking chills, pain in one or both sides or your back, nausea/vomiting

Self-Care for Yeast Infections
If you have a history of yeast infections and current symptoms are the same and you have used an over-the-counter remedy successfully in the past, use the same or similar product (such as Monistat and Gyne-Lotrimin). Avoid having sexual intercourse until symptoms are completely gone, as re-infection may occur. If symptoms do not clear up, or if they return after treatment, see a health care provider.

For possible vaginal infections/problems, make an appointment at the ECU Student Health Service.