Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Overview
Mona Ahmed
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Types of Vaginal Discharge
- Physiological
- Pathological
Physiological Discharge
Normal physiological vaginal discharge characteristics:
- clear (colourless).
- non-offensive (odourless).
- not itchy.
Increase in amount:
- around the time of ovulation.
- during pregnancy.
- with contraceptive use.
Abnormal Vaginal Discharge
Abnormal vaginal discharge is characterized by change in:
- Colour
- Consistency
- Volume
- Odour
May be associated with symptoms:
- Itching.
- Soreness.
- Dysuria.
- Pelvic pain.
Features of vaginal discharge to be elicited include:
- Its onset,
- Duration
- Timing related to menstrual cycle
- Odour
- Colour
- Consistency
- And any exacerbating factors.
- Associated symptoms (itching, pain, dysuria, dyspareunia, and irregular bleeding).
Causes of Vaginal Discharge
Categories
- Physiological
- Pathological:
- Non-infective:
- Bacterial vaginosis (BV)
- Vulvovaginal candidiasis.
- Infective STIs:
- Trichomonas vaginalis.
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhoea
- Non-infective:
- Others
- Irritants: perfumes.
- Atrophic vaginitis
- Cervical ectropion
- Tumours of vulva, vagina, cervix, and endometrium
- Trauma.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Key Points
-
STIs are often asymptomatic.
-
can cause significant problems at the time of infection or in the future; for example, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and cervical cancer.
-
STIs often coexist and when one is found, screening for others is required.
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Tests for STIs have improved with highly sensitive and tests that are very easy to use and can detect several infections on a single swab or urine sample.
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Children may also require testing and treatment if they have been exposed during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding