Maintaining vaginal health: 9 symptoms you should never ignore

When your body speaks, you should listen. Most people aren't very good at it, though, and it's tempting to ignore a problem that could signal something bad. Even if you do pay attention to your symptoms, it's not easy to know what they mean. That's why diagnosis is a job for a doctor. But you can use the information here to help you decide how urgently you need to see one.

• Description: May be accompanied by swelling, redness, itching or burning.
• Possible causes: Bacterial vaginosis, an inflammation of the vagina caused by bacteria.
• Response: See your doctor or gynecologist, who will prescribe an oral antibiotic or an antibiotic cream or suppositories; these can clear up the symptoms within a few days.

• Description: May be accompanied by pain during intercourse; symptoms worsen after a menstrual period.
• Possible causes: Chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis or other sexually transmitted infection.
• Response: See your doctor, who will prescribe antibiotic shots or pills. Ask whether your partner should also receive treatment, and avoid intercourse until the infection clears up.

• Description: May be accompanied by swelling, pain during intercourse, and itching; may occur shortly after beginning a course of oral antibiotics.
• Possible causes: A yeast infection.
• Response: See your doctor, who will order a diagnostic test and prescribe an antifungal drug to be administered orally or vaginally.

• Description: Bleeding between menstrual periods.
• Possible causes: Uterine fibroids or cancer of the uterus, vagina, endometrium or ovaries.
• Response: See your doctor, who will order diagnostic tests.

• Description: Bleeding between menstrual periods, possibly accompanied by excess hair growth, acne or infertility.
• Possible causes: Polycystic ovary syndrome.
• Response: See your doctor, who may prescribe medications to control symptoms; in some cases, surgery is necessary.

• Description: Bleeding while using an IUD.
• Possible causes: IUD use can cause occasional spotting.
• Response: See your doctor if bleeding continues or becomes heavy.

• Description: In postmenopausal women, bleeding after intercourse.
• Possible causes: Irritation of vaginal walls that are dry because of decreased estrogen.
• Response: Use an over-the-counter vaginal lubricant or see your doctor for prescription estrogen cream to decrease irritation.

• Description: Bleeding during pregnancy.
• Possible causes: A miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy or other serious complication.
• Response: Call your doctor immediately.

•  Description: May be accompanied by fever or pain in the pelvic or lower abdominal area.
• Possible causes: Pelvic inflammatory disease, an inflammation or infection of the ovaries, fallopian tubes or uterus; can be caused by sexually transmitted bacteria.
• Response: See your doctor. Prompt treatment with antibiotics can prevent damage to your reproductive system that could contribute to infertility, ectopic pregnancy and other reproductive disorders.

Overall, if you are experiencing any abnormalities, your best bet is to visit a doctor. Keep this guide in mind and treat your symptoms quickly for continued vaginal health.