Vaginal discharge

Mucoid, serous, or purulent fluid emanating from the vaginal canal and originating from vaginal, cervical, or uterine secretions.

Causes

• Physiological causes

  • Normal vaginal lubrication

  • Cervical mucus

  • Microbial homeostasis

  • Changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or sexual arousal

• Infectious and inflammatory causes

  • Vaginitis

  • Cervicitis

  • Vulvovaginitis

  • Bacterial vaginosis

  • Vulvovaginal candidiasis (yeast infection)

  • Trichomoniasis

  • Chlamydia

  • Gonorrhea

  • Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

• Irritative and structural causes

  • Soap or lotion exposure

  • Spermicides

  • Vaginal foreign bodies

  • Vaginal atrophy

  • Local trauma or irritation

• Other causes

  • Cervical or endometrial polyps

  • Cervical or uterine malignancy

  • Fistula involving the genital tract