Syndromes

Vaginal Discharge

• Most of the time, vaginal discharge is normal.

• The amount and odor can vary

• Discharge is usually clear to milky white depending on the time of the menstrual cycle

Vaginal Discharge

• Vaginal discharge is a common complaint– Increase is vaginal discharge may be due to

• Trichomoniasis• Genital Herpes• Gonorrhea• Chlamydia

Vaginal Discharge

• The three major causes of vaginal discharge during the reproductive years– Bacterial vaginosis– Candidiasis– Trichomoniasis

• This is the only one that is transferred by sexual activity

Bacterial Vaginosis

• Bacterial vaginosis is a mild infection of the vagina caused by bacteria

• An increased likelihood of bacterial infection can be due to – Multiple sex partners– Douching

Bacterial Vaginosis

• Symptoms– An excessive grayish white vaginal discharge,

unlike normal vaginal discharge. Some women describe the discharge as "yellow.”

– A bothersome "fishy" odor, which is usually worse after sex (intercourse).

– Irritation

• Treatment– Antibiotics

Bacterial Vaginosis

• During Examination– Presence of Absence of

• Vaginal ulceration• Erythema• Color and consistency of the discharge• Appearance of the cervix

– Mucous may suggest gonorrhea or chlamydia

Bacterial Vaginosis

• Laboratory Tests– Vaginal pH

• Normally <4.5• Elevated with Vaginosis

– Whiff Test• Potassium Chloride

added to vaginal slide = fishy odor

Urethral Discharge

• Characterized by abnormal purulent or mucoid secretions from the penis, or rarely from the female urethra– In males there is also

dysuria