BV: bacterial vaginosis; CHL: chlamydia trachomatis; GC: neisseria gonorrhoeae coccus; KOH: potassium hydroxide; NAAT: nucleic acid amplification test; VVC: vulvovaginal candidiasis.
* Vulvovaginal symptoms, including vaginal discharge, may result from multiple etiologies. Infection is a common working diagnosis but is not the only cause that must be considered.
¶ Physical examination of the patient is needed before any treatment is started. Treatment based on symptoms or patient self-diagnosis is not adequate.
Δ Microscopy and laboratory findings, and resultant diagnoses, may be altered by active menstruation, recent vaginal intercourse, and/or over-the-counter treatment.
◊ Those with risk factors for HIV acquisition are offered HIV testing.
§ Additional discussion of the differential diagnosis and evaluation of vaginal discharge based on persistent symptoms is presented in related UpToDate content.Do you want to add Medilib to your home screen?