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Warning-sign checks

Vaginal discharge: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services for severe or sudden abdominal pain, fainting, confusion, difficulty breathing, or heavy bleeding.

    If pregnancy is possible, severe pain, faintness, or shoulder-tip pain also needs emergency assessment.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek prompt testing if you may have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection.

    Avoid sexual contact, or use condoms, until you have received advice and any recommended testing.

    Seek same-day medical care if discharge occurs with:

    • Fever or chills
    • Lower abdominal or pelvic pain
    • Vomiting or feeling significantly unwell
    • Pregnancy with pain or vaginal bleeding
    • A retained tampon that you cannot remove

    These symptoms can sometimes occur with pelvic inflammatory disease, which is an infection involving the womb, fallopian tubes, or nearby tissues.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if the discharge is new or keeps returning, or if it has an unusual smell, colour, or texture.

    You should also book an appointment for itching, soreness, pain during sex, burning when urinating, or bleeding between periods or after sex.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Vaginal discharge. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.