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Recurrent vaginal discharge in children

Sharon McGreal1, Paul Wood

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kettering General Hospital, Kettering, UK. smcgreal@doctors.org.uk

Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology
|January 24, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Recurrent vaginal discharge in children is common, with vulvovaginitis being the most frequent cause. Simple hygiene measures often resolve symptoms, but awareness of rarer causes is crucial.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gynecology
  • Adolescent Gynecology

Background:

  • Childhood vaginal discharge is a common reason for specialist referral.
  • The Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology (PAG) service offers specialized care for pediatric gynecological conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Investigate recurrent vaginal discharge in prepubertal children.
  • Identify common and rare causes, pathogens, and management strategies.
  • Analyze changes in clinical practice over time.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 15 years of patient data.
  • Analysis of prepubertal children attending a specialized outpatient clinic.
  • Individual review of medical records.

Main Results:

  • 110 patients identified, 85% referred from primary care.
  • Vulvovaginitis was the most common cause (82%); other causes included suspected sexual abuse, foreign body, labial adhesions, and vaginal agenesis.
  • 35% of patients were discharged after initial consultation; 35% required admission for vaginoscopy.

Conclusions:

  • Vaginal discharge is the most common gynecological symptom in prepubertal girls, often presenting with recurrent episodes.
  • Vulvovaginitis is the primary cause, frequently managed with basic hygiene.
  • Clinical awareness of less common etiologies of vaginal discharge in children is essential.
Abstract

Keywords:
PrepubertalSexual abuseVaginal dischargeVulvovaginitis

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