Overview
Incidence
Risk Factors
Symptoms
Evaluation
Treatment
drugs
specialist
Home Care
warning signs
Prevention
Complications
Underlying Cause
childhood causes
Abnormal Vaginal Discharge Evaluation
The evaluation of an abnormal vaginal discharge begins with a history and physical exam, including a pelvic exam. ![]()
Physical findings in a woman with an abnormal vaginal discharge may include:
- Groin lymph gland swelling

- Vaginal discharge
- Vaginal redness

- Vaginal ulcers

Usually, tests are necessary to evaluate an abnormal vaginal discharge.
Tests that may be used to evaluate abnormal vaginal discharge include:
- Gonorrhea testing
- Chlamydia testing
- Genital herpes testing
- Human papillomavirus testing
- HIV testing

- Vaginal smear for parasites

- PAP smear

For more information:
Continue to Abnormal Vaginal Discharge Treatment
Last Updated: Nov 9, 2010 References
Authors: Stephen J. Schueler, MD; John H. Beckett, MD; D. Scott Gettings, MD
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PubMed Abnormal Vaginal Discharge References
- Owen MK, Clenney TL. Management of vaginitis. Am Fam Physician. 2004 Dec 1;70(11):2125-32. [15606061]
- Spence D. Candidiasis (vulvovaginal). Clin Evid. 2004 Dec;(12):2493-511. [15865803]
- Syed TS, Braverman PK. Vaginitis in adolescents. Adolesc Med Clin. 2004 Jun;15(2):235-51. [15449843]