The Thai 2022 Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guideline: Abnormal vaginal discharge

Abstract

Abnormal vaginal discharge is one of the most common presenting symptoms at gynecologic clinics. Sexually transmitted infection (STI) is a subset of all etiologies; but appears to be a major public health concern as it much affects health and economy of the infected people. Improper or delayed management results in greater morbidity and mortality. From the epidemiological surveillance data in Thailand, STI is on the rise; and gonorrhea and chlamydial cervicitis appear to be the main STI causes of abnormal vaginal discharge. In this year, the Division of Autoimmune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), Thai Ministry of Public Health, in collaboration with Institute of HIV Research and Innovation (IHRI), Institute of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, and Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, has issued the Thai national guideline for diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections, 2022. As a high proportion of women presenting with abnormal vaginal discharge are non-STI cases, the treatment guideline includes both STI and non-STI causes. And, this article will focus on only the section of the guideline for managing women with abnormal vaginal discharge.