Vaginal discharge

Vaginal discharge is a common symptom for which many women seek medical advice. Initial presentation is usually either to a general practitioner, practice nurse or to a department of genito-urinary medicine. Women seen in gynaecology clinics with this symptom have usually been investigated for infection on at least one occasion prior to referral.

Bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections are the most frequently encountered causes of a vaginal discharge. However, there are numerous other potential aetiologies, both infective and non-infective, that need to be considered in the differential diagnosis. In cases with an infective aetiology, management is dependent on isolation of the causative agent, instigation of appropriate antimicrobial therapy and, where appropriate, treatment and follow-up of both patients and their sexual contacts.