Vaginal discharge. How to pinpoint the cause

Abstract

Vaginal discharge is a common symptom of genital infection in women. Identifying its source can be challenging, because a large number of pathogens cause vaginal and cervical infection, and several infections may coexist. Patient history and physical examination findings may suggest a diagnosis. Useful tests for etiologic diagnosis include pH analysis of vaginal fluid, the "whiff" test, wet mount examination, culture, and Gram's stain. Once the source of infection has been identified, the patient can be treated, usually with oral antibiotics, oral antifungals, or topical vaginal preparations.