Vaginal discharge in children and adolescents. Evolution and management: a review.

Vaginal discharge is one of the most common gynecologic problems encountered in the pediatric and adolescent populations and may have many causes. A useful way of approaching the diagnosis of a discharge is by categorizing the patient as being prepubertal of postpubertal. In the prepubertal age group, discharge is generally associated with vulvovaginitis. In the postpubertal age group, discharge may be physiologic, or may associated with cervicitis or vaginitis. In each group, gonorrhea and sexual abuse must be ruled out. A practical approach to therapy is outlined.