‘I think I’ve got thrush again’, ‘I’ve got a lot of white discharge again’, ‘My discharge has changed’ are common presenting complaints, often assumed to be thrush. Not all discharge is thrush and not all discharge is abnormal. It is crucial for clinicians to perform thorough assessments and offer appropriate investigations when necessary. Time and resource constraints in general practice can make this challenging, but it is important to ensure patients’ concerns are adequately addressed. By assessing symptoms correctly, investigating when needed and providing proper education, clinicians can ensure patients receive accurate information and the care they deserve. This article will review the causes of vaginal discharge, assessment and management in line with current UK guidelines.
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