Causes of Urethritis
List of causes of Urethritis
Following is a list of causes or underlying conditions
(see also Misdiagnosis of underlying causes of Urethritis)
that could possibly cause Urethritis includes:
More causes:
see full list of causes for Urethritis
Causes of Urethritis (Diseases Database):
The follow list shows some of the possible medical causes of Urethritis
that are listed by the Diseases Database:
Source: Diseases Database
Urethritis Causes: Book Excerpts
Urethritis as a complication of other conditions:
Other conditions that might have
Urethritis as a complication may,
potentially, be an underlying cause of Urethritis.
Our database lists the following as having
Urethritis as a complication of that condition:
Urethritis as a symptom:
Conditions listing Urethritis
as a symptom may also be potential underlying causes of Urethritis.
Our database lists the following as having
Urethritis as a symptom of that condition:
Medications or substances causing Urethritis:
The following drugs, medications, substances or toxins are some of the possible
causes of Urethritis as a symptom.
This list is incomplete and various other drugs or substances
may cause your symptoms.
Always advise your doctor of any medications or treatments you are using,
including prescription, over-the-counter, supplements, herbal or alternative treatments.
Read more about medication causes of Urethritis
Related information on causes of Urethritis:
As with all medical conditions,
there may be many causal factors.
Further relevant information on causes of Urethritis may be found in:
Causes of Urethritis: Online Medical Books
16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE!
Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration,
for more information about the causes of Urethritis.
Vaginal Discharge:
Differential Diagnosis
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)
- Physiologic
–Many women will have a consistent, slightly clear, non-odor-producing discharge, either midcycle or premenstrually, particularly if they are on oral contraceptives
–A change in odor, consistency, or color of discharge may signify that evaluation is necessary
–Increased discharge is associated with pregnancy
- Sexually transmitted disease
–Trichomonas vaginalis: “Strawberry cervix” with punctate erythema, flagellated oval organisms on wet mount
–Gonorrhea/Chlamydia may be associated with pelvic pain/dysmenorrhea and dyspareunia
- Bacterial vaginosis
–Various organisms and changes in normal flora with a characteristic fishy odor
–Not considered an STD
–Increases the risk of preterm delivery in
pregnant women
- Alteration of normal vaginal flora and/or inflammatory response
–Candida albicans overgrowth is more common with recent antibiotic use, poorly controlled diabetes, and/or pregnancy; presents with intensely pruritic, inflamed, and erythematous introitus
–Doderlein's cytolysis (caused by an
overgrowth of lactobacilli)
-
Atrophic vaginitis
–Common in postmenopausal women, especially those not on HRT
–Poor coital lubrication, dyspareunia
–Dysuria due to atrophic urethral tissue
-
Foreign body vaginitis (e.g., retained tampon)
-
Noninfectious irritant/allergic contact vaginitis (e.g., soaps, feminine pads, perfumes)
-
Cervicitis (usually due to gonorrhea or Chlamydia)
-
Cervical dysplasia, cancer, or polyps
-
Vaginal or vulvar trauma or cancer
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004
Vaginal Discharge:
Differential Diagnosis
(In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)
- Physiologic leukorrhea
–In newborns for 2–3 weeks, due to maternal estrogen effect, and in pubertal girls
–Discharge typically clear to white, sticky, and
nonirritating
–Newborns may have withdrawal bleeding
- Infections
–Bacterial vaginosis: Previously known as nonspecific vaginitis; polymicrobial in etiology (coliforms, streptococci, Gardnerella); discharge may be gray and malodorous (fishy smell) but generally nonirritating
–Candida: Discharge may be cheesy and white with erythematous, pruritic, irritated vulva; typical discharge is rarely seen in prepubertal children; discharge typically has no odor
–Trichomonas: Discharge may be frothy, malodorous, creamy, green, bloody, or pruritic (or asymptomatic)
–Chlamydia: Commonly asymptomatic or a nonspecific discharge
–Gonorrhea: Infection is commonly asymptomatic or has a gray-white, thick, purulent discharge
–Group A β-hemolytic streptococci:
Discharge may be bloody
–Shigella: Discharge may be bloody
-
Irritation/hygiene
–Due to bubble baths and other chemical irritants, tight clothing, obesity, poor wiping
-
Foreign body
–Commonly includes toilet paper, forgotten tampon
–Discharge is often bloody and malodorous
-
Anatomic
–Ectopic urethra
–Rectovaginal fistula
–Urethral prolapse
-
Urinary tract infection
-
Masturbation
-
Sarcoma botyroides
-
Oral contraceptives (estrogen effect)
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Urethral discharge:
Medical causes
(Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))
Prostatitis
Acute prostatitis is characterized by purulent urethral discharge. Initial signs and symptoms include sudden fever, chills, lower back pain, myalgia, perineal fullness, and arthralgia. Urination becomes increasingly frequent and urgent, and the urine may appear cloudy. Dysuria, nocturia, and some degree of urinary obstruction may also occur. The prostate may be tense, boggy, tender, and warm. Prostate massage to obtain prostatic fluid is contraindicated.
Chronic prostatitis, although often asymptomatic, may produce a persistent urethral discharge that’s thin, milky, or clear and sometimes sticky. The discharge appears at the meatus after a long interval between voidings, as in the morning. Associated effects include a dull aching in the prostate or rectum, sexual dysfunction such as ejaculatory pain, and urinary disturbances such as frequency, urgency, and dysuria.
Reiter’s syndrome
In Reiter’s syndrome — a self-limiting syndrome that usually affects males — urethral discharge and other signs of acute urethritis occur 1 to 2 weeks after sexual contact. Asymmetrical arthritis, conjunctivitis of one or both eyes, and ulcerations on the oral mucosa, glans penis, palms, and soles may also occur with Reiter’s syndrome.
Urethritis
Urethritis, which is usually sexually transmitted (as in gonorrhea), commonly produces scant or profuse urethral discharge that’s either thin and clear, mucoid, or thick and purulent. Other effects include urinary hesitancy, urgency, and frequency; dysuria; and itching and burning around the meatus.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition), 2006
Vaginal discharge:
Medical causes
(Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))
Atrophic vaginitis
With atrophic vaginitis, a thin, scant, watery white vaginal discharge may be accompanied by pruritus, burning, tenderness, and bloody spotting after coitus or douching. Sparse pubic hair, a pale vagina with decreased rugae and small hemorrhagic spots, clitoral atrophy, and shrinking of the labia minora may also occur.
Bacterial vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis (formerly called Gardnerella vaginalis and Haemophilus vaginalis) results from an ecozogic disturbance of the vaginal flora. Causing a thin, foul-smelling, green or gray-white discharge, it adheres to the vaginal walls and can be easily wiped away, leaving healthy-looking tissue. Pruritus, redness, and other signs of vaginal irritation may occur but are usually minimal.
Candidiasis
Infection with Candida albicans causes a profuse, white, curdlike discharge with a yeasty, sweet odor. Onset is abrupt, usually just before menses or during a course of antibiotics. Exudate may be lightly attached to the labia and vaginal walls and is commonly accompanied by vulvar redness and edema. The inner thighs may be covered with a fine, red dermatitis and weeping erosions. Intense labial itching and burning may also occur. Some patients experience external dysuria.
Chancroid
Chancroid — a rare but highly contagious sexually transmitted disease — produces a mucopurulent, foul-smelling discharge and vulvar lesions that are initially erythematous and later ulcerated. Within 2 to 3 weeks, inguinal lymph nodes (usually unilateral) may become tender and enlarged, with pruritus, suppuration, and spontaneous drainage of nodes. Headache, malaise, and fever to 102.2° F (39° C) are common.
Chlamydial infection
Chlamydial infection causes a yellow, mucopurulent, odorless, or acrid vaginal discharge. Other findings include dysuria, dyspareunia, and vaginal bleeding after douching or coitus, especially following menses. Many women remain asymptomatic.
Endometritis
A scant, serosanguineous discharge with a foul odor can result from bacterial invasion of the endometrium. Associated findings include fever, lower back and abdominal pain, abdominal muscle spasm, malaise, dysmenorrhea, and an enlarged uterus.
Genital warts
Genital warts are mosaic, papular vulvar lesions that can cause a profuse, mucopurulent vaginal discharge, which may be foul-smelling if the warts are infected. Patients frequently complain of burning or paresthesia in the vaginal introitus.
Gonorrhea
Although 80% of women with gonorrhea are asymptomatic, others have a yellow or green, foul-smelling discharge that can be expressed from Bartholin’s or Skene’s ducts. Other findings include dysuria, urinary frequency and incontinence, bleeding, and vaginal redness and swelling. Severe pelvic and lower abdominal pain and fever may develop.
Gynecologic cancer
Endometrial or cervical cancer produces a chronic, watery, bloody or purulent vaginal discharge that may be foul-smelling. Other findings include abnormal vaginal bleeding and, later, weight loss; pelvic, back, and leg pain; fatigue; urinary frequency; and abdominal distention.
Herpes simplex (genital)
A copious mucoid discharge results from herpes simplex, but the initial complaint is painful, indurated vesicles and ulcerations on the labia, vagina, cervix, anus, thighs, or mouth. Erythema, marked edema, and tender inguinal lymph nodes may occur with fever, malaise, and dysuria.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis can cause a foul-smelling discharge, which may be frothy, green-yellow, and profuse or thin, white, and scant. Other findings include pruritus; a red, inflamed vagina with tiny petechiae; dysuria and urinary frequency; and dyspareunia, postcoital spotting, menorrhagia, or dysmenorrhea. About 70% of patients are asymptomatic.
Other causes
Contraceptive creams and jellies
Contraceptive creams and jellies can increase vaginal secretions.
Drugs
Drugs that contain estrogen, including hormonal contraceptives, can cause increased mucoid vaginal discharge. Antibiotics, such as tetracycline, may increase the risk of a candidal vaginal infection and discharge.
Radiation therapy
Irradiation of the reproductive tract can cause a watery, odorless vaginal discharge.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition), 2006
Urethral discharge:
Medical causes
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
Prostatitis
Acute prostatitis is characterized by a purulent urethral discharge. Initial signs and symptoms include sudden fever, chills, low back pain, perineal fullness, myalgia, and arthralgia. Urination becomes increasingly frequent and urgent, and the urine may appear cloudy. Dysuria, nocturia, and some degree of urinary obstruction may also occur. The prostate may be tense, boggy, tender, and warm. Prostate massage to obtain prostatic fluid is contraindicated.
Chronic prostatitis commonly produces no symptoms, but it may produce a persistent urethral discharge that’s thin, milky or clear, and sometimes sticky. The discharge appears at the meatus after a long interval between voidings—for example, in the morning. Associated effects include a dull ache in the prostate or rectum, sexual dysfunction such as ejaculatory pain, and urinary disturbances, such as frequency, urgency, and dysuria.
Reiter’s syndrome
In this self-limiting syndrome that usually affects males, a urethral discharge and other signs of acute urethritis occur 1 to 2 weeks after sexual contact. Asymmetrical arthritis, conjunctivitis of one or both eyes, and ulcerations on the oral mucosa, glans penis, palms, and soles may also occur.
Urethral neoplasm
This rare cancer is sometimes heralded by a painless urethral discharge that’s initially opaque and gray and later yellowish and blood-tinged. Dysuria progresses to anuria as the urethra becomes blocked.
Urethritis
This inflammatory disorder, which is often sexually transmitted (as in gonorrhea), commonly produces a scant or profuse urethral discharge that’s either thin and clear, mucoid, or thick and purulent. Other effects include urinary hesitancy, urgency, and frequency; dysuria; and itching and burning around the meatus.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Vaginal discharge:
Medical causes
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
Atrophic vaginitis
In this disorder, a scant, watery white vaginal discharge may be accompanied by pruritus, burning, tenderness, and bloody spotting after coitus or douching. Sparse pubic hair, a pale vagina with decreased rugae and small hemorrhagic spots, clitoral atrophy, and shrinking of the labia minora may also occur.
Bacterial Vaginosis
This infection, caused by Gardnerella vaginalis (formerly called Haemophilus vaginalis), results from an ecozogic disturbance of the vaginal flora. It produces a thin, foul-smelling, green or gray-white discharge that adheres to the vaginal walls and can be easily wiped away, leaving healthy-looking tissue. Pruritus, redness, and other mild signs of vaginal irritation may also occur.
Candidiasis
Infection with Candida albicans causes a profuse, white, curdlike discharge with a yeasty, sweet odor. Onset is abrupt, usually just before menses or during a course of antibiotics. Exudate may be lightly attached to the labia and vaginal walls and is commonly accompanied by vulvar redness and edema. The inner thighs may be covered with a fine red dermatitis and weeping erosions. Intense labial itching and burning may also occur. Some patients experience external dysuria.
Chancroid
This rare but highly contagious sexually transmitted disease produces a mucopurulent, foul-smelling discharge and vulvar lesions that are initially erythematous and later ulcerated. Within 2 to 3 weeks, inguinal lymph nodes (usually unilateral) may become tender and enlarged, with pruritus, suppuration, and spontaneous drainage of nodes. Headache, malaise, and a fever as high as 102.2° F (39° C) are common.
Chlamydial infection
This infection causes a yellow, mucopurulent, odorless or acrid vaginal discharge. Other findings include dysuria, dyspareunia, and vaginal bleeding after douching or coitus, especially after menses. Many women, however, remain asymptomatic.
Endometritis
A scant serosanguineous discharge with a foul odor can result from bacterial invasion of the endometrium. Associated findings include fever, low back and abdominal pain, abdominal muscle spasm, malaise, dysmenorrhea, and an enlarged uterus.
Genital warts
These mosaic, papular vulvar lesions can cause a profuse mucopurulent vaginal discharge, which may be foul smelling if the warts are infected. Patients commonly complain of burning or paresthesia in the vaginal introitus.
Gonorrhea
Although 80% of women with gonorrhea are asymptomatic, others have a foul-smelling yellow or green discharge that can be expressed from Bartholin’s or Skene’s ducts. Other findings include dysuria, urinary frequency and incontinence, bleeding, and vaginal redness and swelling. Severe pelvic and lower abdominal pain and fever may develop.
Gynecologic cancer
Endometrial or cervical cancer produces a chronic, watery, bloody or purulent vaginal discharge that may be foul smelling. Other findings include abnormal vaginal bleeding and, later, weight loss; pelvic, back, and leg pain; fatigue; urinary frequency; and abdominal distention.
Herpes simplex (genital)
A copious mucoid discharge results from this disorder, but the initial complaint is painful, indurated vesicles and ulcerations on the labia, vagina, cervix, anus, thighs, or mouth. Erythema, marked edema, and tender inguinal lymph nodes may occur with fever, malaise, and dysuria.
Trichomoniasis
This infection can cause a foul-smelling discharge, which may be frothy, green-yellow, and profuse or thin, white, and scant. Other findings include pruritus; an inflamed, erythematous vagina with tiny petechiae; dysuria and urinary frequency; dyspareunia; postcoital spotting; and menorrhagia or dysmenorrhea. About 70% of patients are asymptomatic.
Other causes
Contraceptive creams and jellies
These products can increase vaginal secretions.
Drugs
Drugs that contain estrogen, including hormonal contraceptives, can cause a mucoid vaginal discharge. Antibiotics such as tetracycline may increase the risk of a candidal vaginal infection and associated discharge.
Radiation therapy
Irradiation of the reproductive tract can cause a watery, odorless vaginal discharge.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Vaginal Discharge:
Differential Overview
(Field Guide to Bedside Diagnosis)
❑ Physiologic discharge
❑ Candida vulvovaginitis
❑ Bacterial vaginosis
❑ Trichomonas vaginitis
❑ Atrophic vaginitis
❑ Irritant dermatitis
❑ Gonorrheal cervicitis
❑ Chlamydial cervicitis
❑ Herpes simplex
❑ Cervical cancer
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Field Guide to Bedside Diagnosis, 2007
Urethral discharge:
Medical causes
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
Prostatitis
Acute prostatitis is characterized by purulent urethral discharge. Initial signs and symptoms include sudden fever, chills, low back pain, myalgia, perineal fullness, and arthralgia. Urination becomes increasingly frequent and urgent, and the urine may appear cloudy. Dysuria, nocturia, and some degree of urinary obstruction may also occur. The prostate may be tense, boggy, tender, and warm.
Although chronic prostatitis commonly produces no symptoms, it may produce a persistent urethral discharge that’s thin, milky, or clear and sometimes sticky. The discharge appears at the meatus after a long interval between voidings, as in the morning. Associated effects include a dull aching in the prostate or rectum, sexual dysfunction such as ejaculatory pain, and urinary disturbances such as frequency, urgency, and dysuria.
Reiter’s syndrome
Reiter’s syndrome is a self-limiting syndrome that usually affects males. Urethral discharge and other signs of acute urethritis occur 1 to 2 weeks after sexual contact. Asymmetrical arthritis, conjunctivitis of one or both eyes, and ulcerations on the oral mucosa, glans penis, palms, and soles may also occur.
Urethritis
Urethritis, which is commonly sexually transmitted (as in gonorrhea), typically produces scant or profuse urethral discharge that’s either thin and clear, mucoid, or thick and purulent. Other effects include urinary hesitancy, urgency, and frequency; dysuria; and itching and burning around the meatus.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Vaginal discharge:
Medical causes
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
Atrophic vaginitis
With atrophic vaginitis, a thin, scant, watery white vaginal discharge may be accompanied by pruritus, burning, tenderness, and bloody spotting after coitus or douching. Sparse pubic hair, a pale vagina with decreased rugae and small hemorrhagic spots, clitoral atrophy, and shrinking of the labia minora may also occur.
Bacterial vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis results in a thin, foul-smelling, green or gray-white discharge that adheres to the vaginal walls and can be easily wiped away, leaving healthy-looking tissue. Pruritus, redness, and other signs of vaginal irritation may occur but are usually minimal.
Candidiasis
Infection with Candida albicans causes a profuse, white, curdlike discharge with a yeasty, sweet odor. Onset is abrupt, usually just before menses or during a course of antibiotics. Exudate may be lightly attached to the labia and vaginal walls and is commonly accompanied by vulvar redness and edema. The inner thighs may be covered with a fine, red dermatitis and weeping erosions. Intense labial itching and burning may also occur. Some patients experience external dysuria.
Chlamydial infection
A chlamydial infection causes a yellow, mucopurulent, odorless, or acrid vaginal discharge. Other findings include dysuria, dyspareunia, and vaginal bleeding after douching or coitus, especially following menses. Many women remain asymptomatic.
Endometritis
A scant, serosanguineous discharge with a foul odor can result from bacterial invasion of the endometrium. Associated findings include fever, lower back and abdominal pain, abdominal muscle spasm, malaise, dysmenorrhea, and an enlarged uterus.
Genital warts
Genital warts are mosaic, papular vulvar lesions that can cause a profuse, mucopurulent vaginal discharge, which may be foul-smelling if the warts are infected. Patients with genital warts frequently complain of burning or paresthesia in the vaginal introitus.
Gonorrhea
Although 80% of women with gonorrhea are asymptomatic, others have a yellow or green, foul-smelling discharge that can be expressed from Bartholin’s or Skene’s ducts. Other findings include dysuria, urinary frequency and incontinence, bleeding, and vaginal redness and swelling. Severe pelvic and lower abdominal pain and fever may develop.
Gynecologic cancer
Endometrial or cervical cancer produces a chronic, watery, bloody or purulent vaginal discharge that may be foul-smelling. Other findings include abnormal vaginal bleeding and, later, weight loss; pelvic, back, and leg pain; fatigue; urinary frequency; and abdominal distention.
Herpes simplex (genital)
A copious mucoid discharge results from genital herpes, but the initial complaint is painful, indurated vesicles and ulcerations on the labia, vagina, cervix, anus, thighs, or mouth. Erythema, marked edema, and tender inguinal lymph nodes may occur with fever, malaise, and dysuria.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis can cause a foul-smelling discharge, which may be frothy, green-yellow, and profuse or thin, white, and scant. Other findings include pruritus; a red, inflamed vagina with tiny petechiae; dysuria and urinary frequency; and dyspareunia, postcoital spotting, menorrhagia, or dysmenorrhea. About 70% of patients are asymptomatic.
Other causes
Contraceptive creams and jellies
These products can increase vaginal secretions.
Drugs
Drugs that contain estrogen, including hormonal contraceptives, can cause increased mucoid vaginal discharge. Antibiotics, such as tetracycline, may increase the risk of a candidal vaginal infection and discharge.
Radiation therapy
Irradiation of the reproductive tract can cause a watery, odorless vaginal discharge.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Vaginal Discharge:
Principal Causes of Vaginal Discharge
(The Diagnostic Approach to Symptoms and Signs in Pediatrics)
- Prepubertalonset
- Physiologicleukorrhea
- Vulvovaginitis
- Nonspecificcauses
- Specific infections
- Foreign body
- Pubertal and postpubertal onset
- Physiologicleukorrhea
- Vulvovaginitis
- Nonspecificcauses
- Specific infections
- Bacterialvaginosis
- Candida species
- Trichomonas vaginalis
- Herpes simplex virus
- Cervicitis
- Chlamydia trachomatis
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Foreign body
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: The Diagnostic Approach to Symptoms and Signs in Pediatrics, 2006
Urethral discharge:
Medical causes
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
Prostatitis.Acute prostatitis is characterized by purulent urethral discharge. Initial signs and symptoms include sudden fever, chills, lower back pain, myalgia, perineal fullness, and arthralgia. Urination becomes increasingly frequent and urgent, and the urine may appear cloudy. Dysuria, nocturia, and some degree of urinary obstruction may also occur. The prostate may be tense, boggy, tender, and warm. Prostate massage to obtain prostatic fluid is contraindicated.
Chronic prostatitis, although commonly producing no symptoms, may produce a persistent urethral discharge that's thin, milky, or clear and sometimes sticky. The discharge appears at the meatus after a long interval between voidings, as in the morning. Associated effects include a dull aching in the prostate or rectum, sexual dysfunction such as ejaculatory pain, and urinary disturbances such as frequency, urgency, and dysuria.
Reiter's syndrome.In Reiter's syndrome (also known as reactive arthritis), urethral discharge and other signs of acute urethritis occur 1 to 2 weeks after sexual contact. Asymmetrical arthritis, conjunctivitis of one or both eyes, and ulcerations on the oral mucosa, glans penis, palms, and soles may also occur with Reiter's syndrome.
Urethritis.Urethritis commonly produces scant or profuse urethral discharge that's either thin and clear, mucoid, or thick and purulent. Other effects include urinary hesitancy, urgency, and frequency; dysuria; and itching and burning around the meatus.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Vaginal discharge:
Medical causes
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
Atrophic vaginitis.With atrophic vaginitis, a thin, scant, watery white vaginal discharge may be accompanied by pruritus, burning, tenderness, and bloody spotting after coitus or douching. Sparse pubic hair, a pale vagina with decreased rugae and small hemorrhagic spots, clitoral atrophy, and shrinking of the labia minora may also occur.
Bacterial vaginosis.Bacterial vaginosis causes a thin, foul-smelling, green or gray-white discharge, it adheres to the vaginal walls and can be easily wiped away, leaving healthy-looking tissue. Pruritus, redness, and other signs of vaginal irritation may occur but are usually minimal.
Candidiasis.Infection with Candida albicans causes a profuse, white, curdlike discharge with a yeasty, sweet odor. Onset is abrupt, usually just before menses or during a course of antibiotics. Exudate may be lightly attached to the labia and vaginal walls and is commonly accompanied by vulvar redness and edema. The inner thighs may be covered with a fine, red dermatitis and weeping erosions. Intense labial itching and burning may also occur. Some patients experience external dysuria.
Chancroid.Chancroid produces a mucopurulent, foul-smelling discharge and vulvar lesions that are initially erythematous and later ulcerated. Within 2 to 3 weeks, inguinal lymph nodes (usually unilateral) may become tender and enlarged, with pruritus, suppuration, and spontaneous drainage of nodes. Headache, malaise, and fever to 102.2° F (39° C) are common.
Chlamydial infection.Chlamydial infection causes a yellow, mucopurulent, odorless, or acrid vaginal discharge. Other findings include dysuria, dyspareunia, and vaginal bleeding after douching or coitus, especially following menses. Many women remain asymptomatic.
Endometritis.A scant, serosanguineous discharge with a foul odor can result from bacterial invasion of the endometrium. Associated findings include fever, lower back and abdominal pain, abdominal muscle spasm, malaise, dysmenorrhea, and an enlarged uterus.
Genital warts.Genital warts are mosaic, papular vulvar lesions that can cause a profuse, mucopurulent vaginal discharge, which may be foul-smelling if the warts are infected. Patients frequently complain of burning or paresthesia in the vaginal introitus.
Gonorrhea.Although 80% of women with gonorrhea are asymptomatic, others have a yellow or green, foul-smelling discharge that can be expressed from Bartholin's or Skene's ducts. Other findings include dysuria, urinary frequency and incontinence, bleeding, and vaginal redness and swelling. Severe pelvic and lower abdominal pain and fever may develop.
Gynecologic cancer.Endometrial or cervical cancer produces a chronic, watery, bloody or purulent vaginal discharge that may be foul-smelling. Other findings include abnormal vaginal bleeding and, later, weight loss; pelvic, back, and leg pain; fatigue; urinary frequency; and abdominal distention.
Herpes simplex (genital).A copious mucoid discharge results from genital herpes simplex, but the initial complaint is painful, indurated vesicles and ulcerations on the labia, vagina, cervix, anus, thighs, or mouth. Erythema, marked edema, and tender inguinal lymph nodes may occur with fever, malaise, and dysuria.
Trichomoniasis.Trichomoniasis can cause a foul-smelling discharge, which may be frothy, green-yellow, and profuse or thin, white, and scant. Other findings include pruritus; a red, inflamed vagina with tiny petechiae; dysuria and urinary frequency; and dyspareunia, postcoital spotting, menorrhagia, or dysmenorrhea. About 70% of patients are asymptomatic.
Other causes
Contraceptive creams and jellies.Contraceptive creams and jellies increase vaginal secretions.
Drugs.Drugs that contain estrogen, including hormonal contraceptives, can cause increased mucoid vaginal discharge. Antibiotics, such as tetracycline, may increase the risk of a candidal vaginal infection and discharge.
Radiation therapy.Irradiation of the reproductive tract can cause a watery, odorless vaginal discharge.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
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