Vaginal discharge triage
Structured approach to vaginal discharge symptoms with infection risk stratification and safety escalation cues.
Last reviewed February 7, 2026
Red flags
- Fever, severe pelvic pain, or signs of systemic illness.
- Pregnancy with concerning symptoms requiring urgent obstetric assessment.
- Suspected sexual-assault context or inability to ensure safe follow-up.
Assessment priorities
- Clarify discharge characteristics, odor, associated pain, and systemic symptoms.
- Screen for pregnancy possibility, STI exposure, and pelvic inflammatory risk.
- Review prior episodes, treatment response, and recurrence pattern.
Initial management
- Use focused testing and syndrome-based initial management where appropriate.
- Provide clear counseling on partner management and prevention strategies.
- Document escalation thresholds and reassessment timing.
Follow-up and escalation
- Reassess if symptoms persist or recur despite initial management.
- Escalate urgently for worsening pain, fever, or pregnancy-related concern.
- Coordinate specialist pathway for refractory or complex cases.
References
- Government of Canada Sexually transmitted infections (opens in a new tab)
- Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada guidelines (opens in a new tab)
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