ABC of sexually transmitted infections - Vaginal discharge - causes, diagnosis, and treatment

Vaginal discharge is a common presenting symptom seen by doctors in many services (primary care, gynaecology, family planning, and departments of genitourinary medicine). Vaginal discharge may be physiological or pathological. Although abnormal vaginal discharge often prompts women to seek screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), vaginal discharge is poorly predictive of the presence of an STI. This article focuses on the causes and diagnosis of vaginal discharge and treatment of the most common infective causes.