title: New Perspectives on the Normal Vagina and Noninfectious Causes of Discharge.
abstract: An understanding of how the vaginal flora is influenced by hormonal status is crucial in distinguishing normal from abnormal secretions. New studies exploring the vaginal microbiome with culture-independent techniques have led to the discovery of previously uncultivable bacteria on a species level, and have contributed to a better understanding of disease processes including bacterial vaginosis. It is important to note that not all vaginal discharge is abnormal or infectious in etiology, but a thorough evaluation will help reassure both the patient and the provider.
authors.affiliation: *Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina †Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Medicine ‡Drexel Vaginitis Center, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
authors.forename: Anna M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Powell
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Nyirjesy
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006194:Gardnerella vaginalis; D058869:Gynecological Examination; D006801:Humans; D007778:Lactobacillus; D064307:Microbiota; D014247:Trichomonas Vaginitis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D002575:Uterine Cervicitis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014621:Vagina / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000502:physiology; D019522:Vaginal Discharge / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D014627:Vaginitis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D016585:Vaginosis, Bacterial / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis