Summary
Differentials
Common
- Bacterial vaginosis
- Trichomoniasis
- Vulvovaginal candidiasis
- Chlamydia trachomatis infection
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection
- Mycoplasma genitalium
- Irritant and allergic vaginitis
- Physiological leucorrhoea in adults
- Foreign body in children
- Non-specific vaginitis
- Physiological leucorrhoea in children
Uncommon
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection
- Streptococcal vaginitis in adults
- Genital schistosomiasis
- Entamoeba gingivalis plus intrauterine device (IUD)
- Inadequate hygiene
- Foreign body in adults
- Contraceptive vaginal ring-related
- Atrophic vaginitis
- Postpuerperal atrophic vaginitis; lochia
- Behcet's syndrome
- Desquamative inflammatory vaginitis
- Erosive lichen planus
- Postsurgical
- Postradiation
- Cervical cancer
- Carcinoma of the fallopian tube
- Pinworm infection
- Streptococcal vaginitis in children
- Sexual abuse
- Transmitted maternal birth canal infection
- Prolapsing fibroid
- Vaginal fistula
- Lymphoma of genital tract
Contributors
Authors
Jenell S. Coleman, MD, MPH, FACOG
Associate Professor Division Director, Gynecologic Specialties Medical Director
JHOC Women’s Health Center Director
JHOC Resident Continuity Clinic Co-Director
JHOC Colposcopy Clinic
Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Baltimore
MD
Disclosures
JC is an author of a reference cited in this topic.
Acknowledgements
Dr Jenell Coleman would like to gratefully acknowledge Dr Veronica Gomez-Lobo and Dr Isabelle Guichard, previous contributors to this topic. VGL and IG declare that they have no competing interests.
Peer reviewers
David Chelmow, MD
Chair
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond
VA
Disclosures
DC declares that he has no competing interests.
Lesley Bacon, FFSRH, MRCGP
Consultant in Sexual and Reproductive Health
Lewisham Primary Care Trust
Waldron Health Centre
London
UK
Disclosures
LB was a member of the group that produced the 2006 Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health guidance on the management of women with vaginal discharge presenting in non-GU setting.
Guidelines
- British Association for Sexual Health and HIV national guideline for the management of vulvovaginal candidiasis (2019)
- Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021
GuidelinesPatient leaflets
Chlamydia
Genital herpes
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