A Clinico-etiological study of women in reproductive age group presenting with vaginal discharge.

Abstract

To study the etiological factors and clinical presentation of the women of reproductive age group presenting with vaginal discharge. This is a longitudinal study conducted at Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose medical college and hospital Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh done in a time period of 18 months. The data is analyzed by using statistical software-SPSS Version 21. The study includes history, examination followed by sampling and microscopic examination and treatment based on organism found and its outcome. In our study, Bacterial vaginosis was found to be the most common etiology, followed by candidiasis and <i>Trichomonas vaginalis</i>. Predominant symptom in study for bacterial vaginosis (56.5%) and candidiasis (52.6%) was vaginal discomfort while in trichomonas vaginalis (62.5%) was itching. In our study, 43% of cases were relieved within 7 days, and 16.46% got relieved in 14 days. There's a need to promote awareness about hygienic practices and educate women about vaginal discharge. The WHO's Syndromic approach can lead to overdiagnosis, causing unnecessary financial and social burdens. Identifying the underlying organism enables accurate treatment, reduces antibiotic resistance, and minimizes relapse rates.