Vaginitis

Vulvovaginal complaints are a common indication for women to seek gynecologic care. The most common causes of vaginitis are bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, and trichomoniasis, which account for 22 to 50%, 17 to 39%, and 4 to 35% of vaginitis, respectively. This review describes the presentation, diagnosis, and prevention strategies for the most important causes of vulvovaginitis, including characteristic findings on office microscopy and newer available diagnostic testing. It outlines treatment modalities for uncomplicated infections in healthy women, as well as nuances of treatment for recurrent and persistent infections, pregnant women, and HIV-positive women. It also explores the diagnosis and management of non-infectious vaginitis as well special consideration for vaginitis in children and adolescents. This review contains 4 figures, 11 tables, and 58 references. Key words: vaginitis, vulvovaginitis, bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis, trichomoniasis, vaginitis treatment