History

Obtain a full history of the discharge, including timing, colour, consistency, smell and the presence or absence of itch. Intensive itch suggests thrush. An offensive smell occurs with trichomonal and bacterial vaginosis. Ask whether the patient experiences pain on intercourse. Pelvic pain, tenderness and fever suggest pelvic inflammatory disease. Take a full sexual history (young women, change of partner, multiple partners). Excessive normal secretions just feel wet. There is no discomfort.