Chapter 41 VAGINAL DISCHARGE
Vaginal discharge is a common complaint of women and can either be physiologic or pathologic. Physiologic discharge is usually white or clear and thin and may have a mild odor. Accompanying symptoms such as itching, burning sensation, and redness should not be present. A woman’s vaginal discharge can change with the menstrual cycle. In addition, vaginal discharge may change as a woman ages and during pregnancy.
Medications That Can Affect Vaginal Discharge
Antibiotics (increases risk for candidiasis)
Antiseptics (may cause chemical irritation or allergic vaginitis)
Corticosteroids (increases risk for candidiasis)
Lubricants (may cause chemical irritation or allergic vaginitis)
Oral contraceptives (increase risk for candidiasis and may affect discharge as a result of estrogen effect)
Over-the-counter vaginal creams (may cause chemical irritation or allergic vaginitis)
Spermicides (may cause chemical irritation or allergic vaginitis)
Causes of Vaginal Discharge
Allergic or irritant vaginitis (deodorant, douches, spermicides, semen)
Anaerobic infections caused by foreign bodies (tampons, condoms, diaphragms)
Desquamative inflammatory vaginitis
Mycoplasma genitalium infection
Physiologic discharge (pregnancy, menstrual cycle)
Staphylococcus aureus infection
Ureaplasma urealyticum infection
