Infections of the lower female genital tract during childhood and adolescence.

PURPOSE: To review the pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment of lower female genital tract infections at a young age.

METHODS

Review study.

CONCLUSIONS

Lower female genital tract infections at a young age may involve the vulva, the vagina and, less frequently, the fallopian tubes. Good knowledge of the physiology and anatomy of the respective areas plays an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of vulvovaginitis. Candida albicans is the most frequent cause of infection, while Gardnerella vaginalis, Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma, and Trichomonas vaginalis are rarer ones. The clinical presentation includes a variety of symptoms and signs, with vaginal discharge being the prominent one. Treatment should be causative after careful investigation while preventive advice is mandatory.