Do you phone the doc over an itchy vagina?

[itchymcitchy]

So I understand that this is ridiculous but I'm
Genuinely unsure if phoning the doc for a suspected infection down there is a waste of NHS time. I mean I get that I'm
As important as the next person but what else do you do in this case? Do you just wing it and buy cream not knowing if it's the right thing? Advice please

How old are you ?

19 I know, it's embarrassing

Could it be an STI ? Or do you think it’s thrush ?

You can ask to speak to a pharmacist, they have little consultation rooms usually

Pharmacist or sexual health clinic. They will be able to give you the best information before visiting your GP.

it could be either thrush or BV depending on your systems or potentially an sti which the sexual health clinic will be able to test for and treat.

Just ring them

No, I speak to a pharmacist

And it’s not embarrassing. I’m a nurse, there’s nothing we’ve not seen before .

Also don't be embarrassed, stuff like this is very common

Also - it’s not embarrassing at all- it’s nothing to feel embarrassed about. Most women will get thrush/ urine infection or BV at some point in their lives. Just go get checked and sorted for your own comfort.

Thanks so much. Def not an sti but I'm leaning towards BV. Do I just walk in and ask a pharmacist (I'm mortified at the thought of it)

If you tick the boxes for thrush they will advise that treatment as a first step anyway. Will probably be quicker for yourself to go to the pharmacy and get over the counter treatment for thrush then call GP if after a couple of days it has not got better.

Dont feel embarrassed OP happens to most of us.

If your too embarrassed you can actually buy test kits for BV off the shelf. Use the self scan and no one will know what your buying.

Thanks so much everyone!!!

@ifoundthebread that's a great shout

I’d say it is likely thrush but chat to the local pharmacist (there are oral tablets or pessary or cream) I find the oral tablet really clears is up

boots have a bv gel (green box pack of ten) that’s really good

What's BV please?

Yeah Boots sell home testing kits although some of them you have to show your results to a pharmacist to decipher whether you need antibiotics.