Etiology, Diagnosis, and Management of Vaginitis

Women often seek medical care for vaginal complaints. Many times, the cause of the complaint is misdiagnosed by the woman and/or her provider. These vaginal complaints may be related to infections, which when misdiagnosed or mistreated, can lead to more severe problems. This article describes the three most common vaginal infections, bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, and vulvovaginal candidiasis. Appropriate diagnostic techniques and management therapies are reviewed.