Why is it important to take a clinical history from a woman complaining of vaginal discharge?
• A clinical history (to ascertain associated symptoms) and a sexual history (to assess sexually transmitted infection [STI] risk) can guide a clinician in the further management of a woman with vaginal discharge (Grade B). • A clinician should ask a woman: how her discharge has changed; what she is concerned about; whether there is any odour or itch; whether there are any symptoms suggestive of upper reproductive tract infection (i.e., pain, dyspareunia, bleeding) and should assess risk of STIs (Good Practice Point). • Risk factors for STIs to be sought are: age <25 years; change in sexual partner in the last year; more than one partner in the last year (Grade B). When should a woman complaining of vaginal discharge be investigated? • A woman of reproductive age complaining of vaginal discharge should be investigated if: she requests investigation; she is deemed to be at higher risk of STIs; there are symptoms indicative of upper reproductive tract infection; previous treatment has fa
