Vaginal discharge

Vaginitis is a common gynaecological problem. The primary complaint is typically of discharge, accompanied by non-specific symptoms such as pruritus, tenderness and superficial dyspareunia.

There are many possible causes of the discharge, some of which are more common to specific age groups:

• infection is the most likely cause in reproductive life
• atrophy may affect pre-pubertal or post-menopausal women
• poor hygiene, foreign body and sexual interference are likely causes pre-pubertally

Discharge is normally clear or white. An infected discharge is usually purulent and coloured.