BOTTOM LINE
In the diagnosis of vaginitis, useful symptoms include information about itching. Useful signs include odor and the presence of inflammatory changes. Office microscopy is the most accurate laboratory test. (LOE=3a)
Q&A
Useful signs and symptoms to evaluate vaginal complaints
- CLINICAL QUESTION: How useful are the history, physical examination, and routine office-based laboratory studies in the diagnosis of vaginitis?
- STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review
- SETTING: Outpatient (any)
- SYNOPSIS: The 3 major causes of vaginitis include vaginal candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis, and trichomoniasis. The authors thoroughly searched Medline and the bibliographies of recent reviews, and contacted primary authors of identified studies, for articles evaluating the usefulness of the history and physical examination in conjunction with routine office-based laboratory testing in the diagnosis of vaginitis.