title: Common genitourinary infections.
abstract: Vulvovaginal pain, itching, and burning are a triad of symptoms for which women frequently seek health care. Often accompanied by vaginal discharge and dysuria, these symptoms account for as many as 5 million office visits a year. Proper assessment and management of these symptoms by nurses, nurse practitioners, and nurse midwives can help to substantially improve a woman's quality of life and help prevent long-term problems. Several differing syndromes or infections can be the cause of these symptoms. The most common causes are discussed, and a plan for management and prevention is presented.
authors.affiliation: Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
authors.forename: S B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Freeman
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002181:Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010808:Physical Examination; D014247:Trichomonas Vaginitis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D014246:Trichomonas vaginalis; D014552:Urinary Tract Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014627:Vaginitis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D014847:Vulvitis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy