Douching washes away the discharge and may make the tests less accurate. Don't use a deodorant on your vulva. It may mask odors that are important symptoms. And it may make an irritation worse. Don't schedule your visit during your period.
Menstrual flow makes diagnosis more difficult.
Don't put off going because you have abnormal bleeding. That might mean you have a serious problem. For vaginitis caused by infection, your clinician may prescribe creams, suppositories, vaginal tablets, or oral antibiotics. For vaginitis caused by lack of estrogen, symptoms are usually relieved by replacing the estrogen. Vaginal creams or oral tablets may be used.