Brazilian Protocol for Sexually Transmitted Infections 2020: infections causing vaginal discharge

Abstract

The topic of vaginal discharge is one of the chapters of the Clinical Protocol and Therapeutic Guidelines for Comprehensive Care for People with Sexually Transmitted Infections, published by the Brazilian Ministry of Health in 2020. The chapter has been developed based on scientific evidence and validated in discussions with specialists. This article presents epidemiological and clinical aspects related to vaginal discharge conditions, as well as guidelines for health service managers and health professionals about screening, diagnosing and treating these conditions, which are one of the main complaints among women seeking health services, and which may be caused by infectious or non-infectious factors. In addition, information is presented on strategies for surveillance, prevention and control actions, in order to promote knowledge of the problem and provision of quality care and effective treatment.

Keywords:
Vaginitis; Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal; Vaginosis, Bacterial; Trichomonas Infections; Sexually Transmitted Diseases