Q:

I think I might have a vaginal infection or yeast infection. I constantly have "stuff' in my underwear, its kind of think, yellowish and smells pretty bad and is pretty itchy. I don't know what to do because I am a clean person. Are there any home remedies I can try to get rid of this? I am sexually active with my boyfriend of two years.  And I have had this problem for about 7 months. If I come into the doctor for this problem do I need to just explain my symptoms and I get meds prescribed? Or do I need to get a pap smear done?

 

A:

There are a number of potential reasons for your change in vaginal secretions, some of which are very routine like a yeast infection and others potentially very serious like chlamydia or gonorrhea infection.  You would need to have a vaginal examination and testing involving a swab examination, not likely a pap smear, to determine what might be causing your symptoms.  Call 650-3400 to set up a women's health appointment for vaginitis --we have very gentle and caring women's health practitioners.

~The Doc