Unusual Vaginal Discharges

March 2024

In primary care settings, vaginal discharge is among the most common reasons for gynecological consultation. Unusual vaginal discharge can have different infectious causes. Bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis and trichomoniasis are reported as the most common infectious causes of unusual vaginal discharge. Chlamydia trachomatis infection is the most frequently reported sexually transmitted infection (STI) in Québec, and it can cause unusual vaginal discharge, as can Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection and Mycoplasma genitalium infection.

The involvement of all qualified professionals in the management of unusual vaginal discharge, including nurses, is important because it is relatively common and sometimes results from an STI. Consequently, to support clinicians, the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux (MSSS) asked the Institut national d’excellence en santé et en services sociaux (INESSS) to carry out work aimed at updating the Québec’s national medical protocol and the collective prescription template with regard to diagnostic measures and pharmacological treatment in a person with unusual vaginal discharge.

For any questions regarding this National Medical Protocol or Collective prescription, write to info-outils.cliniques@inesss.qc.ca