Gynecology

Vaginitis

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Diagnosis

It is almost always possible to diagnose vaginitis in the office by doing simple tests that include checking the vaginal acidity or pH, mixing the discharge with a small amount of saline or potassium hydroxide and looking under the microscope for specific cell changes. Occasionally, vaginal cultures are taken but this usually isn't necessary.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated February 28, 2008