CLINICAL AND AETIOLOGICAL PATTERN OF VAGINAL DISCHARGE IN PATIENTS ATTENDING STD CLINIC OF A TERTIARY HOSPITAL

• Published in: Journal of evolution of medical and dental sciences Vol. 6; no. 65; pp. 4741 - 4745
• Main Authors: Ananthula, Venkata Krishna, Prasad, J.V.D.S, Katikala, Sumana, Godha, Venkata Ramana, Pinjala, Padmaja, Prasad, K.N, Dudhipala, Subhash Reddy, Reddy, Gautham Krishna
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Akshantala Enterprises Private Limited 14.08.2017
• Subjects: Risk factors; Sexually transmitted diseases; Vaginal discharge
• ISSN: 2278-4748; 2278-4802
• DOI: 10.14260/jemds/2017/1027

BACKGROUND Vaginal discharge is a considerable problem for many women causing discomfort, anxiety affecting women's quality of life and consuming considerable resources though some vaginal discharges are normal. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a descriptive (Prospective) study undertaken over a period of 12 months in STD Clinic, Dept. of DVL, Osmania Medical College/Osmania General Hospital, Hyderabad. A total of 100 eligible consented women with vaginal discharge in reproductive age group (15-50 yrs.) were studied with consequent sampling methodology with zero intervals after administering inclusion and exclusion criteria. The percentage method is followed for statistics. RESULTS Among the study group of 100, 84 (84%) women were having pathological vaginal discharge and 16 (16%) were having the excessive amount physiological discharge. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is most common with 51 (51%), followed by Candidal Vaginitis (CV) in 30 (30%), Trichomonal Vaginitis (TV) in 18 (18%) and Mixed infections in 15 (15%). However, 16 (16%) women attended with physiological discharge with assumption of pathologic discharge. 44 (44%) were having risky sexual behaviour of participating in multiple sexual encounters with other than regular partner in the last 30 days. 50 (50%) of pathological discharges are seen in the 1st decade of start of sexual activity i.e., in 21-30 years age group followed by 20 (20%) in 31-40 years group and 8 (8%) in more than 40 years age group. CONCLUSION Provision of information on Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services in early years of starting of sexual journey may help in reduction of STIs/RTIs in reproductive populations. Since isolated and mixed infections are being the causes of vaginal discharge, the utilisation of available minimal laboratory services may help in provision of specific treatment. In the absence of laboratory, the syndromic management of vaginal discharge is highly recommended. KEYWORDS Vaginal Discharge, Bacterial Vaginosis, Candidiasis, Trichomoniasis, Candidal Vaginitis, Trichomonal Vaginitis, High Risk Group.