women s health issues
Vaginal Discharge
Evaluation of Vaginal Discharge
Often, doctors can identify the cause of an abnormal discharge based on characteristics of the discharge (such as appearance and odor), the woman's age, other symptoms, and simple tests that provide quick results. In women with an abnormal discharge, certain characteristics are cause for concern: Fever Pelvic pain A bloody discharge, especially after menopause Stool in the vaginal discharge In children, a fever or a yellow or green discharge with a fishy odor due to Trichomonal Vaginitis (suggesting Women or girls with most warning signs should see a doctor within a day. Women without warning signs should see a doctor within a few days. If women recognize the symptoms of a Vaginal Yeast Infection (Candidiasis) , are confident that what they have is a yeast infection, and have no other symptoms, they may use a nonprescription vaginal treatment if that is available. A discharge caused by a yeast infection is usually distinctive. It is thick, white, and often clumpy, resembling cottage cheese. However, sometimes yeast infections cause mainly itching and burning with only a small amount of discharge. If the discharge persists or symptoms return after treatment, women should see a doctor. In children, a vaginal discharge may be due to a foreign object in the vagina. If no foreign object is present and children have signs of an injury, sexual abuse is possible. If they have unexplained vaginal discharge, a sample of the discharge is taken from the vagina or cervix and tested. If abuse is suspected, measures to ensure the child’s safety are taken, and the case is reported to the appropriate authorities. Doctors first ask the woman questions about her symptoms and medical history. Doctors then do a physical examination. What they find during the history and physical examination often suggests a cause of the discharge and the tests that may need to be done (see table Some Causes and Features of a Vaginal Discharge ). Doctors ask about the discharge: What it looks and smells like When it occurs in relation to menstrual periods and sexual intercourse Whether other symptoms (such as itching) are present Doctors also ask about other symptoms, such as abdominal or pelvic pain, pain during urination or sexual intercourse, itching, fever, and chills. Other questions include whether women use hygiene sprays or other products that may irritate the genital area and whether women have any conditions that can increase the risk of having a vaginal discharge (such as taking antibiotics frequently or having diabetes). Doctors also ask about possible exposure to sexually transmitted infections. The physical examination focuses on the Pelvic Examination . Simple tests, which can be done in or near the examination room, can provide quick results that often enable doctors to identify the cause of a vaginal discharge. Additional tests are done to confirm or, if needed, to identify the cause. vaginitis. They usually also send a sample to the laboratory to test for Diagnosis and 