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Prepubertal vaginal discharge

^1. Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals NHS Trust Barnet EN5 3DJ, UK
^2. University College Hospital London WC1E 6AU, UK Email: sarah.creighton{at}uclh.nhs.uk (corresponding author)

Key content:

• Vaginal discharge is the most common reason for referral of a prepubertal girl to a gynaecologist.
  
• Non-specific bacterial vulvovaginitis is the most frequent cause; however, less common causes must be excluded.
  
• Associated symptoms include soreness and itching, which can be chronic and distressing.
  
• Vulval hygiene and the use of appropriate emollients form the cornerstone of successful management.
  

Learning objectives:

• To learn how to assess a child with vaginal discharge.
  
• To understand common and less common aetiologies.
  
• To be able to apply sensible and appropriate management.
  

Ethical issues:

• When should child sexual abuse be suspected?
  
• When should child protection be sought?
  

Please cite this article as: Hayes L, Creighton SM. Prepubertal vaginal discharge. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2007;9:159–163.

Keywords non-specific bacterial vaginitis / prepuberty / vaginal discharge / vulval hygiene / vulvovaginitis