Sexual Health | Vaginal discharge, vulvitis and balanitis | Vaginal Discharge

Vaginal Discharge
Session Overview
Description
This session will cover the common and/or important causes of vaginal discharge, as well as other symptoms and signs. Diagnostic techniques needed to identify the cause, and when empirical treatment is appropriate will also be covered.

Learning Objectives
By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Describe the common and/or important causes of vaginal discharge in adults
• Recognise other symptoms and signs associated with vaginal discharge
• Outline when use of empirical treatment is appropriate
• List the preferred diagnostic tests for identifying the various infective causes of vaginal discharge
• Identify the infective causes that require management of the sexual partner(s)

Prerequisites
Before commencing this session you should complete the following:

• Session - Module 1/Sexual History (260-0004)
• Session - Module 1/Male Genital Examination (260-0009)
• Session - Module 1/Female Genital Examination (260-0010)

This session looks at how to manage a patient presenting with vaginal discharge - from the important causes and who to examine, through to which swabs to take. It also discusses when empirical treatment is suitable and when management of sexual partners is necessary.

It does not cover the specific management of infectious and non-infectious causes of vaginal discharge.