Vaginitis

Last reviewed: 22 Feb 2023
Last updated: 24 Feb 2022

Summary

Definition

History and exam

Key diagnostic factors

  • vaginal discharge
  • dysuria
  • discharge adherent to vaginal mucosa
More key diagnostic factors

Other diagnostic factors

  • prior episodes
  • pruritus
  • vulvodynia
  • vaginal dryness
  • dyspareunia
  • erythema
  • pale epithelium
  • shiny epithelium
  • decreased elasticity
  • friable epithelium
  • fever
  • vaginal bleeding
  • abdominal pain
  • strawberry cervix
Other diagnostic factors

Risk factors

  • douching
  • poor or excessive hygiene
  • antibiotic use
  • change in feminine hygiene products and/or soap
  • HIV infection
  • diabetes
  • black women
  • intrauterine device
  • oral contraceptive pill use
  • latex condom/diaphragm
  • reproductive age
  • menopause
  • multiple or new sex partners
  • tobacco
  • increased frequency of intercourse
  • pregnancy
More risk factors

Diagnostic investigations

1st investigations to order

  • vaginal pH
  • amine "whiff" test of vaginal secretions
  • wet mount microscopy of vaginal secretions
  • Gram stain of vaginal secretions
  • HIV test
  • nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT)
  • venereal disease research laboratory (VDLR) test
  • serum rapid plasma reagin (RPR) test
More 1st investigations to order

Investigations to consider

  • culture of vaginal secretions
  • polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for trichomoniasis on vaginal secretions
  • rapid enzyme tests of vaginal secretions
More investigations to consider

Treatment algorithm

ACUTE

nonpregnant: isolated acute episode

pregnant: isolated acute episode

atrophic vaginitis

irritant or allergic vaginitis

ONGOING

nonpregnant: persistent or recurrent symptoms

pregnant: persistent or recurrent symptoms

Contributors

Authors

Diego S. Illanes, MD, FACOG, FACS
Diego S. Illanes

Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery

Chairman of Obstetrics & Gynecology

Reliant Medical Group

Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology

University of Massachusetts Medical School

Worcester

MA

Disclosures

DSI declares that he has 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.

Jonathon Solnik, MD

Director

Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

Los Angeles

CA

Disclosures

JS declares that he has no competing interests.

  • Vaginitis images
  • Differentials

    • Gonorrhea
    • Chlamydia
    • Cervicitis
    More Differentials
  • Guidelines

    • Sexually transmitted infections treatment guidelines 2021
    • European (IUSTI/WHO) guideline on the management of vaginal discharge
    More Guidelines
  • Patient leaflets

    Bacterial vaginosis

    Menopause: should I take HRT?

    More Patient leaflets
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