Exposure to Sexually Transmitted Diseases
When To See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:
Are you a sexually active woman and you have developed symptoms of an STD?
See significance of a woman with STD symptoms if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review conditions and behaviors that may increase your risk of becoming infected with a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
Note: If you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions:
- Do not have sexual contact or activity while waiting for your appointment. This will reduce the possible spread of infection to your partner.
- Do not douche. Douching changes the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina. Douching may flush an infection up into your uterus or fallopian tubes and cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to the following question.
Yes Have you suddenly developed severe pelvic pain?
Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Do you have mild to moderate pelvic pain and you know or think you have a fever?
Yes Do you have abnormal vaginal bleeding and you know or think you have a fever?
Yes Do you have vaginal bleeding with sexual intercourse and you know or think you have a fever?
Yes Do you have vaginal discharge that smells bad and you know or think you have a fever?
Yes Do you have new itching, tingling, pain, or burning of the genitals?
Yes Do you have new sores, lumps, blisters, or a rash on the genitals or in the groin area?
Yes Do you have pain or burning on urination in the past 24 hours?
Yes After oral sex, have you had a sore throat or sores in your mouth or on your tongue?
Yes After anal sex, have you had sores, pain, or discharge in your rectal area?
You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Has new mild pelvic pain continued for 24 hours, but you do not have other symptoms?
Yes Has new pain with intercourse continued for 24 hours, but you do not have other symptoms?
If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
| Author: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA | Last Updated: February 9, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH - Infectious Disease | |
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