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
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
A retained tampon accompanied by sudden fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, a widespread rash, dizziness, confusion, or severe weakness needs emergency assessment because these can be signs of toxic shock syndrome.
This is rare, but it requires immediate care.
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
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek prompt medical advice if you are pregnant and develop new vaginal symptoms, or if a child has genital discharge, bleeding, significant pain, or persistent itching.
Get urgent medical help if symptoms occur with:
Fever and worsening lower abdominal or pelvic pain
Severe pain, fainting, repeated vomiting, or feeling very unwell
Heavy vaginal bleeding
Pregnancy with significant pain, bleeding, or possible fluid leakage
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine medical appointment if this is your first episode, the cause is uncertain, symptoms keep returning, or treatment has not worked.
Assessment is also appropriate for new symptoms after menopause, persistent vulval skin changes, bleeding after sex, sores, or unusual discharge.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Vulvovaginitis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.