How to Assess Vaginal Infections in the Wilderness

Vaginal infections can be difficult to diagnose and treat in the backcountry. Since some vaginal infections can lead to severe illness or infertility it is important to catch these early.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Prevention

1. Change tampons and pads regularly.
2. Use soap and water to clean the vaginal area well on a daily basis, especially the skin between the vagina and anus. When traveling with a group, this may mean making sure you give yourself the time to take solo walks with your water bottle and soap.
3. Wear cotton underwear and pants that are not constricting.
4. Hydrate well.
5. Avoid stress.
6. Avoid the intake of sugar, caffeine and alcohol, which can alter normal pH of the vagina.

Vaginal Infections

7. Look for the signs and symptoms of vaginal infections: foul-smelling discharge, abnormal discharge, redness and itching in or around the vagina, burning or discomfort during urination.
8. Treat infections immediately in the field with an improvised vaginal douche or with over-the-counter vaginal suppositories (See "How to Treat Vaginal Infections in the Wilderness").
9. Monitor for the signs and symptoms of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease and evacuate immediately if any of the symptoms are present.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

10. Look for the signs and symptoms of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: skin rash, abdominal pain, pain in the upper right quadrant, lower back pain or leg pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, swollen abdomen, swollen lymph nodes, irregular vaginal bleeding or discharge, pain with intercourse.
11. Evacuate immediately and see a doctor if PID is suspected.

Tips & Warnings

• It is nearly impossible to diagnose the kind of vaginal infection a person has while in the field. Initial backcountry treatment will be the same for fungal, bacterial or parasitic infections.
• Untreated PID can lead to infertility.
• Evacuate for any of the following conditions: symptoms do not decrease within 48 hours, symptoms include pelvic pain, fever or chills, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain with bleeding, foul-smelling discharge.
• This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.